Reggio

Reggio

Alias: Riggio

Blazon: azure, with a fess or, accompanied by four stars or, three at the chief and one at the point, topped with a princely crown.

Origins: unknown

Seat: Messina, Palermo

Notable people: Antonino, Antonio, Filippo, Nicola, Pietro, Giuliano, Giovan Luigi, Simone, Fabrizio, Girolamo, Francesco, Stefano, Luigi, Antonino, Andrea, Agatino

Titles: 

• Prince of Campofiorito, 
• Prince of Campofranco,
• Prince of Aci S. Antonio,
• Prince of S. Filippo,
• Prince of the Chain,  

• Duke of Valverde, 

• Marquis della Ginestra,

• Baron of Carcaci, 
• Baron of Carmito, 
• Baron of Foresta vecchia, 
• Baron of Gattaino, 
• Baron of Melinventre, 
• Baron of Valguarnera, 
• Baron of Vatticani, 
• Baron of Zubbio, 
• Baron of Castelmagro, 
• Baron of S. Blasi

 Bibliography: Palizzolo Gravina 1871, s.v. "Reggio"; Mango 1912, s.v. 'Reggio'

The ancient and noble Reggio or Riggio family is believed to have been brought to Sicily by Antonino, father of Pietro, a citizen of Lentini and owner of the Carmito fiefdom in 1353. The family enjoyed nobility in Messina, Palermo, and other locations, possessing numerous principalities, duchies, marquisates, and baronies, including Campofranco, Campofiorito, Catena, Aci S. Antonio, S.  Filippo, Valverde, Ginestra, Carcaci, Carmito, and many more.

Throughout history, many prominent members of the family held significant positions. Nicolò obtained the captaincy and castellanate of Francavilla. Pietro de Reggio received concessions over the Randazzo secrecy in 1363. Giuliano served as governor of Palermo in 1496. Giovan Luigi and Simone were senators in Palermo in various years. Fabrizio held the same senatorial role and was a general commissioner for bridge construction. Girolamo, an erudite man, was the King's chief chaplain and abbot of Santa Lucia in 1585. Stefano was captain of justice in Palermo in 1638, a governor during the 1647 tumults, and held titles like Marchese della Ginestra (1653) and Principe di Campofiorito (1660). Luigi, Principe di Campofiorito, became Principe della Catena in 1681. Stefano Reggio e Saladino, Principe di Campofiorito, was a gentleman of King Charles II's chamber and became Principe di Iaci SS. Antonio e Filippo in 1672. Andrea Reggio e Saladino was Patriarch of Constantinople and Bishop of Catania in 1692. Giuseppe Reggio e Saladino, Marchese della Ginestra, was a Kingdom deputy. Luigi Reggio e Branciforti, Principe di Campofiorito, became Duca di Valverde in 1686, was a knight of Calatrava, Viceroy in Valencia, and an ambassador. Antonino, Principe della Catena, was a rational master in the Royal Patrimony. Andrea Giuseppe, Principe della Catena, was the general treasurer of the kingdom and a deputy. Andrea Reggio e Branciforti was an admiral of Spain and a knight of various orders. Michele Reggio e Branciforti was a knight of Malta, a state councillor, and a general captain of galleys, holding the honour of ex-Viceroy of Naples. Agatino Reggio e Statella was Bishop of Cefalù and Archbishop of Iconio. Stefano Reggio e Gravina, Principe di Iaci, was a gentleman of King Ferdinand of Bourbon's chamber, governor of Castelnuovo, and an ambassador. Giuseppe, Principe di Iaci, was a gentleman of King Ferdinand's chamber and died as a victim of a tumultuous populace in 1820. Andrea was a lieutenant general and gentleman of the chamber, whose lineage continued with Giuseppe Riio e Riggio, Principe di Jaci e Catena.

Another branch originated from Antonino Reggio e Saladino, Principe della Catena, who was a rational master, counsellor, and general treasurer. This branch also saw prominent figures like Andrea, who founded the vassalage land of Catenanuova, and Agatino, who served as Bishop of Cefalù and Archbishop of Iconio. This branch of the Reggio family line through the marriage of Antonia Grifeo and Requesens with Leopoldo Grifeo e Migliaccio of the Princes of Partanna is now extinct in the Grifeo house.