Golden Book of Italian Nobility (4)

Historical and Geographical Context
The Scotti-Douglas family’s prominence spanned several key regions in Italy—Piacenza, Turin, Naples, and San Giorgio Piacentino—during a transformative period in European history (17th to 20th centuries). These regions were central to the political and cultural dynamics of the time:
Piacenza and the Duchy of Parma: Piacenza, part of the Duchy of Parma, was under Bourbon rule during much of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Scotti-Douglas family’s noble titles, such as Counts of Vigoleno, tied them to this region, where they likely held estates. The Duchy of Parma, ruled by figures like Charles III of Bourbon, was a hub of aristocratic activity, and the family’s role as nobles of Piacenza (noted in the genealogical record) suggests they were deeply embedded in the local elite.

Naples and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies: Naples was the heart of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. The Scotti-Douglas family’s military service under Charles III (e.g., Giuseppe and Luigi Scotti as Knights of the Order of Charles III) and their noble status in Naples (e.g., Giuseppe Scotti, 1798–1886) indicate they were trusted allies of the Bourbon court. Their residences in Naples, as noted in the "Libro d’Oro," suggest they owned significant properties there.

Turin and the Scotti-Gallarati Branch: Turin, in the Kingdom of Sardinia (later part of unified Italy), was another center of noble activity. The Scotti-Gallarati branch, residing at Via della Rocca, 38, descended from ancient families in Monferrato and Piacenza, showing the family’s wide-reaching influence across northern Italy.

San Giorgio and Rezzanello: These smaller locales in the province of Piacenza were directly associated with Guglielmo Scotti, who held titles as Count of San Giorgio and Rezzanello. Such titles often came with land ownership, meaning the family likely owned villas or estates in these areas, which could have been used for agricultural purposes or as noble residences.