Alfonsino d'Este (11 November 1560 – 4 September 1578, Ferrara) was a Ferrarese nobleman, heir apparent to Montecchio Emilia.

Early life and ancestry

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He was the second son of Alfonso d'Este, marquess of Montecchio, from the Montecchio side-branch of the House of Este, and of his first wife, Giulia Della Rovere.

Personal life

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Palazzina di Marfisa d'Este

Always in ill health, he married his cousin Marfisa d'Este (illegitimate daughter of Francesco d'Este and five years Alfonsino's senior) on 5 May 1578 - her father had died in February that year and the will had stated Alfonsino would only come into his inheritance if he married a member of the Este family. Torquato Tasso wrote his "Già il notturno sereno" (poem, book II, from October 1565 to 11 March 1579).[1] in honour of the wedding. Alfonsino, however, died on 4 September 1578 in Ferrara, just under four months after the wedding, but Marfisa continued to take part in the court festivities despite also being in mourning. On 3 January 1580 she remarried to Alderano Cybo-Malaspina, Duke of Ferentillo, hereditary Prince of Massa and Carrara and had further issue, the House of Cybo.

References

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Further reading

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  • Litta Biumi, Pompeo. Famiglie celebri italiane (in Italian). Milano: Luciano Basadonna Editore.