The Malaspina Archive, housed in the Civic Library of Godiasco- Salice Termeis an authentic cultural heritage that allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the most influential nobles of the Staffora Valley, the Malaspina family. Consisting of 388 files containing thousands of documents, it is an invaluable source of information on the social, political and family life of this lineage that dominated the Oltrepò Pavese. A mass of material capable of tracing a history that spans the period from the 12th to the end of the 19th century.
A journey through the history of the Malaspina family
ExploringMalaspina Archive means embarking on a fascinating journey through the turbulent history of this noble family. The documents contained in the archive range from matters of inheritance to legal actions to obtain recognition of the rights to property. Through the correspondence of the Marquis and his wives, it is also possible to delve into the private life of the family and discover intimate and personal aspects of their daily lives.
Correspondence: a window on the life of the Malaspina family
One of the most interesting documents in the Malaspina Archives is the correspondence, which reveals valuable details about the lives of the family members. The letters exchanged between husbands and wives, mothers-in-law and children provide a vivid picture of family relations, the dynamics of marriage and the affection that bound them together. A correspondence that allows us to grasp the most intimate and personal aspects of their lives, discovering the joys, worries and challenges they faced over the centuries.
Maps, inventories and daily details
In addition to the correspondence, the Malaspina Archive holds a rich collection of maps, inventories and documents relating to the management of the family's goods and properties. The material preserved offers a detailed picture of the lands owned by the Malaspina, the boundaries of their possessions and the resources they controlled. In addition, the archive reveals curious details of daily life, such as the cook's shopping, advice on boot care, expenditure on tapestries and perfumes, as well as inventories of lingerie and clothing, which give us an insight into the lifestyle and habits of this noble family.
A meeting of great personalities: Silvio Pellico's letter to Faustino Malaspina.
Among the many historical testimonies preserved in the Malaspina Archives, a letter sent by Silvio Pellico to Faustino Malaspina on 28 January 1840 stands out. Silvio Pellico, the well-known secretary and librarian of the Marquise Giulia Colberti Faletti, Marquise of Barolo, addressed a letter to Faustino Malaspina that bears witness to the links and connections between the noble families of the time. The letter is a valuable historical document that illustrates the cultural and social exchanges that took place between prominent personalities of the time.
The importance of the Malaspina Archive for the territory
The Malaspina Archive is of vital importance for Godiasco-Salice Terme and the Oltrepò Pavese. This invaluable collection of historical documents not only allows enthusiasts and scholars to deepen their knowledge of local history, but also has an important value: preserving such a rich cultural heritage means preserving the identity and collective memory of the territory.
