Orelli family
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Orelli Orell, de Orello | |
|---|---|
| Noble family | |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Current region | Locarno, Zürich |
| Place of origin | Locarno |
| Founded | 12th century |
| Cadet branches | Zürich branch |
The Orelli (also Orell or de Orello) are a noble family attested in Locarno since the 12th century, probably descending from the Besozzo, Lombard nobles from the County of Seprio, who received the Locarno region as a fief around the year 1000. In the 16th century, several members adhered to the Reformation and were forced into exile (1555), giving rise to the Zürich branch.[1]
The principal family of the Capitanei di Locarno, the Orelli played an important political role during the Middle Ages and the early modern period, especially north of Lake Maggiore and in the Ambrosian valleys. In the pieve of Locarno, they possessed several fortresses and castles, notably part of the castle of Saints-Abonde-et-Blaise, the castle of Gordola, and the small castle of Ascona, as well as lands in Val Onsernone, the Centovalli, Val Maggia and Gambarogno. The family acquired properties south of Monte Ceneri (for example in 1186 the fortress and toll of Taverne), probably with the aim of controlling the main communication routes. In the pieve of Locarno, the statutes of 1365 granted them the right to appoint fifteen (twelve from the mid-16th century) of the twenty-one members of the community Council. From 1342 to 1798, the Orelli of Locarno were podestàs of Brissago.[1]
In Val Blenio and Biasca between the 12th and 15th centuries, two closely related branches received from the cathedral chapter of Milan the offices of podestà (rector) and advocatus (avogadro), which they transmitted hereditarily; in Val Blenio, the Orelli possessed several castles (Castro; Serravalle). They briefly extended their power to the Leventina at the end of the 13th century. Belonging to the Ghibelline party, the family participated in the principal conflicts of the era, as attested by Simone Orelli, who experienced various fortunes.[1]
