The Branches of the Bonuccelli

Over the course of 7 centuries, the Bonuccellis have lived almost exclusively in the Camaiore region of Tuscany. Over succeeding generations, the number of Bonuccelli became so large in this area that it became easier to identify the family group in terms of specific "branches" of Bonuccelli: different distinct lines of Bonuccelli lineage. Names like Gongoni, Nibbi, Capitani, and Pieroni came to distinguish Bonuccelli of different branches. Nibbi, for example, means Kites (the birds); Pieroni, for example, means Big Pete (obviously descended from a large man named Piero); my family group is known as the Gongoni, although I'm not sure of the meaning of the name.

vincenzo bonuccelli's family tree painting© Vincenzo Bonuccelli • All Rights Reserved
The Known Branches of Bonuccelli

CACINI
GONGONI
NIBBI
PIERONI


ASCANI
CAPITANI
CASTAGNINI
CASTIGLIONI
CELESTINI
CRUDI
GATTO
GRADINI
MALATINI
MASINI
PATRINI
PIERONCINI
ROTONI
SANTA ELENA
SANTA MARIA
SCRANNARI
TORRE
VINCENZONE
VINCINI

Vincenzo Bonuccelli (born in Lombrici, very near Montecastrese and Camaiore) of the Pieroni branch of Bonuccelli has been a respected painter for decades. I've had the pleasure of communicating with his closest family in Edmonton, Canada over the past few years, and finally had the chance to meet him at Luca Santini's house last February. Luca recently forwarded to me this fantastic rendering, done by Vincenzo, depicting the various branches of the family tree Bonuccelli sprouting from the fortifications of the Castle of Montecastrese. The text (in Italian) on the sides gives a bit of historical information about Montecastrese and its noteworthy church. Click on the graphic above to enlarge Vincenzo's painting, and peruse the English translation of his text below:


The Bonuccelli

In this tree are indicated the 4 largest and most widely known branches of Bonuccelli: Nibbi, Cacini, Gongoni, Pieroni; and the more minor branches that were grown over the course of time. As rendered artistically in this representation, the branches do not have a precise genealogical positioning.

The Castle of Montecastrese
Constructed around the 12th century, the castle was the property of the Lords of Carvaia, and after 1219 in joint ownership with the consorts of Vallecchia. It was conquered by the forces of the Commune of Lucca between 1223 and 1226. From the Castle of Montecastrese descends the lineage of the Bonuccelli, one of the 10 families that contributed a voice to the election of the rector of the altar of Santa Barbara, erected in the 14th century by a rich descendant of Montecastese, in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Camaiore.

The Church of Santa Barbara
Recently the last remnants of this church have been discovered, located near the main gate to the Castle, on the northwest side that faces the small town of Lombrici. From the ancient historic sources, we know that during the battle that brought the castle to its destruction reinforcements from Pisa purloined from the Church of Santa Barbara a painting on wood depicting the Madonna with child, in the Byzantine style of the 12th century. This important icon was transferred to the Duomo in Pisa, where it was especially venerated and purported to work miracles, and still today much devotion centers around it. This icon is better known with the title of the “Madonna under the Organ.”

(Historical dates thanks to Luca Santini and Anna Romanini)

(Probable reconstruction of the Castle of Montecastrese with creative rendering) by painter Vincenzo Bonuccelli
vincenzo bonuccelli's family tree painting

Painter Vincenzo Bonuccelli


vincenzo bonuccelli's family tree painting

Madonna Sotto gli Organi


vincenzo bonuccelli's family tree painting

Vincenzo's Madonna, 5-06


vincenzo bonuccelli's family tree painting

The Duomo at Pisa


Again, thanks so much to Vincenzo Bonuccelli for creating this very cool piece of art!
(Vincenzo can be contacted in Italy at telephone # 0584 954413)


Contents

History and Origins of the Bonuccelli
The Branches of the Bonuccelli
NEW: DNA Analysis of the Bonuccelli Genetic Line!!!
A Dinner in Viareggio to Organize a World Bonuccelli Reunion in 2005
Recent Italian Newspaper Article on Emigrant Bonuccelli in America

REGISTER: Bonuccelli nel Mondo USA
UNA PAGINA PER ITALIANI!

FAMILY TREE: Contents
FAMILY TREE: Index of Last Names
FAMILY TREE: the first known Bonuccelli, born circa 1250

STORE: Order a bonuccelli.com Email Address for yourself!
STORE: Order 3x12-foot Chart of Bonuccelli Genealogy

LINKS to Handy Resources
Homepage


Contact

= email address
www.bonuccelli.com = Bonuccelli genealogy website
www.azfoto.com = Dominic's photography website
BONUCCELLI NEL MONDO USA
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tel USA 407-404-4114
fax USA 520-297-7658


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