| Mordini | |
|---|---|
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| Current region |  Italy |
TheMordini are a prominent Florentine noble family that has been involved in the political and socialhistory of Tuscany since theMiddle Ages.[1] Originating from Lucca, they appear to have held important posts inFlorence in the twelfth century.[2]The first attested coat of arms was used in Pisa and consisted of a red tower, under which a leopard was depicted in the act of biting a golden sword.[3]
InBarga there is Palazzo Mordini, once the private residence of SenatorAntonio Mordini, and today theMuseum of the Risorgimento. In Castelfidardo there is another building belonging to the family which was converted into a municipal library.[4]
SenatorAntonio Mordini (1819-1902), Minister of Public Works and Senator of theKingdom of Italy, was very close toGiuseppe Garibaldi. After theExpedition of the Thousand, he was proclaimed a Governor of Sicily and called the Plebiscite of the Sicilian provinces of 1860 which de facto contributed to the merger with the nascent Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946).
Antonio's great-grandson,Alfredo Mordini (Firenzuola, June 29, 1902 - Milan, July 10, 1969) was an Italian political figure and partisan. In April 1937, Mordini enlisted in the Garibaldi Brigades in defense of the Republic in theSpanish Civil War.
After a forced exile in France, Mordini returned to Italy and joined theItalian resistance movement.
The Beretta 1934 pistol, cal. 9 mm., Serial number 778133, used byAldo Lampredi in the action that led to thedeath of Benito Mussolini, was delivered by Alfredo Mordini. After the death of Alfredo Mordini, in 1969, his wife delivered the Beretta pistol to his friendPiero Boveri. Since 1983 it has been kept in the Voghera Historical Museum.[5][6]