Biography
Raimondello was born at Nocera Inferiore, the second son of Nicola Orsini (1331–1399), 3rd Count of Nola, grand Justiciar and also Grand Chancellor of the Kingdom of Naples, and his second wife Maria Del Balzo (of the counts of Soleto). His grandfather was Roberto Orsini di Nola (1295–1345), 2nd Count of Nola, Grand Justiciar of Naples. His grandmother was the heiress Sveva Del Balzo (born in the first years of 14th century), Countess of Soleto, heiress of des Baux. The family is later known as del Balzo Orsini. His full brother Roberto was 4th Count of Nola, died 1400 and left only illegitimate issue, however natural son inherited County of Nola and became Grand Justiciar. One of his sisters, Sveva, married Francesco Del Balzo, Duke of Andria. His father and grandfather also held the title of Senator of Rome.
Having been deprived of the Del Balzo heritage, he went to Eastern Europe to fight as a crusader. However, at his return to Italy he reconquered those lands. In 1384, thanks to the help of Louis I of Anjou (whom Raimond has repeatedly supported), he married Mary of Enghien (1367- 9 May 1446), Countess of Lecce. After the death of Louis, he remained loyal to the Angevines in their struggle against the house of Durazzo. However, in 1398, he sided for Ladislaus of Naples, a member of the Durazzo, obtaining the investiture of the principality of Taranto, which he conquered in 1399.
Raimondello at that point was the richest Italian feudal lord of his era. The principality of Taranto included half of the Kingdom of Naples, and the Prince ruled almost independently from the king. Spurred by Pope Innocent VII, in 1406 Raimondo rebelled against Ladislaus, but died soon afterwards.
Raimondello ordered the construction of the church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Galatina, a masterpiece of Franciscan art. He is buried in the church, together with his son and heir Giovanni Antonio.
Read more about this topic: Raimondo Del Balzo Orsini
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