Giovanni Ludovico, Marquess of Saluzzo

Who was Giovanni Ludovico, Marquess of Saluzzo?

Giovanni Ludovico of Saluzzo was marquess of Saluzzo in 1528–1529.

The second eldest son of Ludovico II of Saluzzo and Margaret of Foix-Candale, he was imprisoned by his mother Marguerite of Foix when, during the Italian Wars, he sided for Emperor Charles V. In 1528 he was freed by a popular insurrection, and elected as Marquess in lieu of his brother, Michele Antonio, who had died in battle.

One year later however, Francis I of France deposed him, replacing him by his brother Francesco. Gian Francesco subsequently tried to recover the rule in Saluzzo, even with help by Charles V, but always in vain. The marquisate passed subsequently under the firm control of the French monarchy.