Giovanni Torlonia, 1st Prince of Civitella-Cesi
Giovanni Raimondo Torlonia was a famous Franco-Italian banker to the Vatican and noble of the Torlonia family.
In 1785 he inherited the fortune of his father Marino Torlonia, who had become a successful businessman and banker in Rome. As a reward for the administration of the Vatican finances, in 1794 Pope Pius VI created Giovanni Torlonia Duke of Bracciano and Count of Pisciarelli; in 1803 Pope Pius VII further created him Marquis of Romavecchia and Turrita and 1st Prince of Civitella Cesi; in 1809 he was elevated to Patrician and in 1820 became Duke of Poli and Guadagnolo, with other titles.
He was the builder of the Villa Torlonia in Rome, as well as other Torlonia villas.
In 1793 he married Anna Maria Schultheiss, and they had five children:
- Maria Teresa
- Marino who in 1847 became Duca di Poli e di Guadagnolo
- Carlo,
- Alessandro Torlonia, 2nd Prince of Civitella-Cesi, who inherited his fathers princely title in 1829,
- Maria Luisa.
By his son Marino, Giovanni Raimondo Torlonia is an ancestor of the American actress Brooke Shields.
