Vittoria Accoramboni

Vittoria Accoramboni

An Italian beauty of the late 16th century, by marriage the Duchess of Bracciano.
Date of Birth: 15.02.1557
Country: Italy

Content:
  1. Vittoria Accoramboni: The Duchess of Bracciano
  2. Murder and Suspicion
  3. Investigation and Trial
  4. Betrothal and Papal Intervention
  5. Tragic End
  6. Legacy and Literary Adaptations
  7. "Vittoria Accoramboni"(1840) by Ludwig Tieck, a German novel.

Vittoria Accoramboni: The Duchess of Bracciano

Youth and Marriage

Vittoria Accoramboni, a captivating Italian beauty of the late 16th century, hailed from the esteemed Accoramboni family of Gubbio in the duchy of Urbino. Her father, Claudio Accoramboni, held prominent civic positions both in his hometown and in Rome.

In 1573, Vittoria's striking beauty and intelligence caught the attention of Francesco Peretti, nephew of Cardinal Montalto, who would later become Pope Sixtus V. The couple married, but their marital harmony was short-lived.

Murder and Suspicion

On the fateful night of April 16-17, 1581, Peretti was slain by hired assassins near the Baths of Diocletian. Rumours immediately spread that the mastermind behind this heinous crime was Paolo Giordano Orsini, Duke of Bracciano, whose ardent affection for Vittoria was well-known.

Investigation and Trial

An official investigation ensued, implicating Vittoria herself. However, the accusations proved unfounded, and the suspects were acquitted. Pope Gregory XIII forced Orsini to promise not to marry Vittoria, but the Duke secretly broke this vow.

Betrothal and Papal Intervention

Once their secret betrothal was revealed, Cardinal Montalto ascended to the papal throne as Sixtus V. The new Pope swiftly ordered Orsini to leave Rome and flee with Vittoria to Padua.

Tragic End

A brief illness led to Orsini's untimely death on November 13, 1585, near Lake Garda. Vittoria, who had inherited part of his estate, met a tragic end on December 22, 1585, in Padua. She and her brother were murdered by a troop of soldiers under the command of Ludovico Orsini, a relative of her late husband. Venice later exacted a bloody revenge on those responsible for the crime.

Legacy and Literary Adaptations

Vittoria's life story, chronicled by her contemporaries, served as inspiration for numerous literary works:

"Vittoria A., Storia del secolo XVI"(1870) by Domenico Gnoli, a historical account.

"The White Devil"(early 17th century) by John Webster, a dramatic play with historical inaccuracies.

"Italian Chronicles"(1837) by Stendhal, based on a purported 1585 manuscript.

"Vittoria Accoramboni"(1840) by Ludwig Tieck, a German novel.

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