Moliterno

The Principality of Moliterno

Moliterno stands in inner Basilicata, along the heights that dominate the Val d’Agri, in a strategic position between the Agri valley and that of the Sinni. A town of medieval origin, its name is traditionally traced to the mulctra of the Apennine pastures, a sign of an economy long bound to pastoralism and transhumance. During the modern age the fief was raised to the rank of Principality and bound for many generations to the powerful House of Pignatelli, one of the most influential families of the Kingdom of Naples. The title of Prince of Moliterno thus accompanied the dynastic fortunes of the Pignatelli, until its passage, at the end of the 18th century, into the descent of the House of Gallone.

The transmission to the House of Gallone

In 1796, Maria Emanuela Pignatelli (1775–1818), daughter of Giovanni Battista Pignatelli — Prince of Moliterno and of Marsiconovo, ambassador of Naples to the court of France — marries the 6th Prince of Tricase, Giuseppe Gerardo Gallone (1766–1806). After the economic collapse of her brother Girolamo Pignatelli (1773–1848), Maria Emanuela receives the princely titles of Moliterno and Marsiconovo, which she transmits to the Gallone descendants.

From then on, the title of Prince of Moliterno is transmitted in the main Gallone line down to Maria Bianca Gallone (1895–1982), last Princess of Tricase and of Moliterno. By the Decree of 21 January 1999, the title is recognised to the Guerri dall’Oro Gallone descendants: the 8th Prince of Moliterno is Guido Guerri dall’Oro Gallone, the 9th Simon.