Ratti family


Ratti is a family of chiefly Italian extraction. The earliest evidences of the family are related to Piedmont and Liguria. A minor branch originates from Premana, where it was recorded since the early 15th century. Mentone, Opizzone and Lizoli are the major offshoots of the family. Among the eminent members are Giovanni Agostino Ratti, Carlo Giuseppe Ratti and Pope Pius XI.

History

All major offshoots utilized own coats of arms and mottos. The earliest known Ratti Mentone offshoot comes from Menton in France. This branch's motto is Virtus beatos efficit. The Ratti Opizzone branch was recorded in Tortona since 13th century. Its mansion, the Torre Ratti Castle in Piedmont, was built before 1155. It was renovated and expanded in the 14th century and again two centuries later. The castle belonged to Ratti Opizzoni till 1868. The Ratti Opizzone mottoes are Omnia cum tempore and Sub tuum praesidium. In Como a branch of the family devoted itself to silk-spun production since 19th century.