Marquises Ghilini
Last feudal lords of Maranzana.
The family was mentioned among the founders of Alessandria where the name survives in Palazzo Ghilini, considered by many to be “the most convincing city palace in Italy of the 1700s” which hosted Napoleon I and III, Pius VII, and Carlo Alberto.
There are those who see the origin of the Ghilini in the 9th century and their origin from France in 1500; who says they are defenders of Alexandria against the Italic raids of the French king Charles V.
We have certain news only in 1670 when Giacomo Ottaviano Ghilini buys from the Caresana, together with the marquis title, the castle, and the fief of Maranzana which is then invested by the Duke Carlo Ferdinando of Mantua.
The purchase included, in addition to the castle, 9 vineyards, 1 mill, chestnut woods, various meadows, and 2 farmhouses.
To this were added in 1680 the fiefs of Rivalta Bormida, Sezzè and Gamalero.
The Ghilini remained in Maranzana until 1802 when the last of them, Ambrogio Maria, harassed by French and Austrian raids and their taxes, sold the castle and properties to two private individuals.