The House of Paternò is an ancient aristocratic house of the Kingdom of Sicily. Founded in the 11th century, it is one of only four Sicilian families with over a millennium of history, and one of the most important families in the Italian aristocracy.
The Head of the House of Paternò is the Sovereign Grand Master of the Military Order of the Collar, a dynastic order of the House.
History The House of Paternò was founded by Roberto, Count of Embrun, a presumed member of the noble House of Barcelona, the royal house originating in Catalonia. The family were awarded, notably, the Principalities of Biscari and Sperlinga, the Dukedoms of Carcaci, Furnari, Palazzo, Paternò, and Rocca Romana, the Marquisates of Capizzi, San Giuliano, Manchi, and Sessa Toscano, and the Baronies of San Alessio, Aragona, Cuba and Sparacogna, Alzacuda, Baldi, Belmonte, Bicocca, Bidani, Biscari, Burgio, Capizzi, Castania, Cuchara, Cugno, Donnafugata, Gallitano, Gatta, Graneri, Imbaccari and Mirabella, Manchi di Belici, Manganelli di Catania, Marianopoli, Mirabella, Motta Camastra, Murgo, Oxino, Placabaiana, Poiura, Porta di Randazzo, Pollicarini, Raddusa and Destri, Ramione, Salsetta, San Giuliano, Scala, Sciortavilla, Solazzi, and Spedalotto.
Notable Members Antonino Paternò Castello, 8th Marquess of San Giuliano (1852-1914), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Italy Agatino Paternò Castello (1594-1675), the first Prince of Biscari Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Ernesto Paternò Castello di Carcaci (1882-1971), Lieutenant of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
References