Chiaramonte

Arms of Chiaramonte

The Chiaramonte were an ancient noble family of Sicily, claiming descent from Charlemagne they became the most powerful and wealthy family in Sicily. In the 13th century the marriage of Manfredi Chiaramonte to Isabella Mosca, united the two Sicilian counties of Modica and Ragusa.

The families great power in Sicily lasted until the execution of Giacomo Chiaramonte in 1392 for high treason.

Pope Pius VII (Giorgio Chiaramonti) was a 19th century member of a cadet branch of this dynasty, however by this time many memebers of the family had migrated to the mainland. Pius VII was born in Cesena in nothern Italy. Members of this family are now dispersed throughout the world, several members are now settled in London.

The town of Chiaramonte in Ragusa, Sicily is named after this family