House of Dondorana
| House of Dondorana Caxa de Dondorana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |  Cavarzere |
| Founded | 1089 1867 (as ruling dynasty) |
| Founder | Ordelafo I Dondorana |
| Current head | Doge Leonardo |
| Titles | |
| Style(s) | "His Serenity" "His Most Serene and Catholic" |
| Motto | Quid Leone Fortius (Latin for "What is Braver than a Lion") |
| Estate(s) | Pałaso Dogal (official seat) Pałaso Dandorana dei Chievo (historical seat) Pałaso Capano Pałaso Łaguna (private residence) |
The House of Dondarana (Cavarzerian: Caxa de Dondorana) is an Belisarian royal house from Cavarzere. The modern Dondarana trace their ancestry origins to 1087, when a prominent merchant, Ordelafo changed his family's name from Muxe to reflect their rising fortunes.
In 1105, the Dondarana secured a series of lucrative gold mines in northern Cavarzere from the House of Cavarzeran, the republic's founding family. Records from 1188 report that the mines were "swindled from the mighty house" by Ordelafo II Dondorana. The family used the revenues from the mines to establish themselves as one of Cavarzere's wealthiest merchant patrician families. From 1200 onward, the Dondarana would produce at least 10 Doges, military commanders and become prominent patrons of the arts. By 1597, the Dondorana had established themselves as the city's wealthiest family. However, the decline of the republic in the 17th century failed to diminish the family's dominant position.
In 1866, persistent tensions between the working class and the patricians resulted in political and civil strife on the mainland, leading to Viadro Dondorana being proclaimed Captain-General of the Armies. In 1867, the working class and peasantry rose up against the Patricians, led by Emmanuele da Frixaturo, under Viadro, the patrician forces crushed the rebellion at the Battle of Sant'Marco par Àdexe, after several months of defeats under lower-ranking patrician commanders. Following the victory, Viadro took his forces to Cavarzere and under threat of arms, seized power as Doge. In the name of security and stability, the Signoria of the Republic proclaimed the Devotion of Cavarzere to the Dandorana, providing laws that led to the Dandorana ruling the maritime republic in perpetuity.
The Dandorana have ruled Cavarzere uninterrupted since 1867, becoming a successful and popular dynasty within Belisaria. Today, the Dandorana remain the country's wealthiest family through numerous businesses and holdings operating under the Dandorana Group. The family and Cavarzere is led by Doge Leonardo.
History
Titles and styles
Prior to 1867 and their rise as the perpetually ruling family of Cavarzere, the Dandorana's titles were confined mostly to their ancestral seat at Pałaso Dandorana dei Chievo. In 1244, they were awarded the title of Duchy of Chievo, firmly establishing their position as one of the most senior families. In 1327, the family were awarded the title of Serene Lords of the Àdexe (Serenìsima Paron de Àdexe), this secured their status as the prominent family of central mainland Cavarzere. During the periods where a Dandorana served as Doge of the republic, the family (like all others) would be granted the temporary title of Grand and Serene Family (Serenìsima e Grando Fameja).
Following the Devotion to the family, the titles and styles provided were enshrined in law.
As such, the family collectively is officially referred to as:
House of Dandorana, the Grand and Serene Family, Dukes of Chievo, Serene Lords of the Àdexe, Serene Princes of the Land and Sea and Lions of Saint Mark.