Carlo Barberini

Who was Carlo Barberini?

Carlo Barberini was an Italian nobleman of the Barberini family, Duke of Monterotondo and brother of Maffeo Barberini, who was elected to the papal throne as Pope Urban VIII.

Carlo Barberini was the son of Antonio Barberini and Camilla Barbadori. As their eldest son he became patriarch of the Barberini family.

In 1594, he married Costanza Magalotti, daughter of Vincenzo Magalotti and Clarice Capponi and sister of Lorenzo Magalotti.

They had six children including Taddeo Barberini, Francesco Barberini and Antonio Barberini. When Barberini's brother was elected to the papal throne as Pope Urban VIII, Francesco and Antonio were both elevated to Cardinal. Taddeo was given the title of Prince of Palestrina, later passed on to successive Barberini patriarchs.

Barberini did not escape his brother's famous nepotism; he was appointed Gonfalonier of the Church and Duke of Monterotondo; a comune the Barberini later bought.