House of Gonzaga

Arms of the Gonzaga rulers of Mantua in Italy, from 1432. Gianfrancesco Gonzaga was raised to the rank of marquis by the Emperor Sigismund.

The House of Gonzaga were a noble family that ruled Mantua in Northern Italy from 1328 to 1708. They also ruled Monferrato in Piedmont, Nevers in France, and also many other lesser fiefs in Italy and Europe. Among their members was a saint, twelve cardinals and fourteen bishops of the Catholic Church.