Ottone Visconti

archbishop of Milan

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Ottone Visconti was the archbishop of Milan who played a crucial role in the rise of the powerful Visconti family. In 1262, Pope Urban IV appointed him to counterbalance the influence of the Della Torre family. Ottone defeated the Della Torre family at the Battle of Desio in 1277, reclaiming the temporal powers of the archbishopric and transferring authority to his grandnephew, Matteo I Visconti. Matteo I Visconti, with Ottone's support, became captain of the people and eventually lord of Milan, establishing the Visconti dynasty's rule over the city and expanding their control over numerous north Italian cities. This period marked the beginning of the signoria in Milan, where a single lord governed.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Visconti Family
…Pope Urban IV, who appointed Ottone Visconti (1207–95) archbishop of Milan in 1262 to counterbalance the power of the ruling Della Torre family. Ottone defeated the Della Torre at the Battle of Desio (1277), claimed the old temporal powers of the archbishops of Milan, and gradually transferred authority to his…
Read More
…Pope Urban IV, who appointed Ottone Visconti (1207–95) archbishop of Milan in 1262 to counterbalance the power of the ruling Della Torre family. Ottone defeated the Della Torre at the Battle of Desio (1277), claimed the old temporal powers of the archbishops of Milan, and gradually transferred authority to his…
Read More