| Imperiali | |
| Type: | Genoese noble family |
| Country: | |
| Region: |  Belgium Italy |
| Founded: | 11th century |
| Founder: | Giovanni il Tartaro |
| Motto: | Sub umbra alarum tuarum |
The Imperiali (or Imperiale) family is a princely noble family. It is one of the most important Italian families and was a key protagonist of European history among aristocratic families. Originating from the Republic of Genoa it was previously named Tartaro (10th century), and descends from the House of Ventimiglia. It was one of the most powerful families dominating the city's politics in the 17th and 18th century and owned a vast amount of land in Italy.
The various titles of the Imperiali family acquired over years are the following:
The Imperiali family possessed a strong presence in religion and had three cardinals:
Lorenzo Imperiali (1612-1673).
Giuseppe Renato Imperiali (1651-1737) participated in the papal enclave after the death of Pope Innocent X and was only one vote short of being elected pope.
Cosimo Imperiali (1685-1764): Born in Genoa, he was great-grand-nephew of Cardinal Lorenzo Imperiali, nephew of Cardinal Giuseppe Renato Imperiali, and cousin of Cardinal Giuseppe Spinelli. He was made cardinal in 1753. He participated in the Conclave of 1758, that elected Pope Clement XIII.
The palace was built in around 1560 for Giovan Vicenzo Imperiale.
The villa was purchased by the Imperiali family from the Catteneo. Its gardens are currently open to the public and the building is host to the communal library known as "Lercari".
Originally built in 1455 by Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini. It was purchased by the Imperiali family from S. Carlo Borromeo, from the House of Borromeo, in the 16th century for 40,000 ounces of gold.
The castle was purchased by the Imperiali in the 17th century from the Orsini family.
The building dates back to the 10th century. Major works were carried out by the Caracciolo family in the 17th century and by Prince Placido Imperiale after purchasing the building. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake severely damaged the building's structure.