Alagia Fieschi

Alagia Fieschi (died after 1334), also known as Alagia di Nicolò Fieschi and Alagia di Fieschi, was the daughter of Count Nicolò Fieschi and niece of Pope Adrian V. Alagia married Moroello Malaspina in the 1280s and they had five children. In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Alagia is remembered by Adrian V at the end of his conversation with Dante as the only virtuous woman in his family whom he wishes to pray on his behalf (Purgatorio, Canto XIX, 142-145). Alagia’s mention as the only virtuous person in her family reflects Dante’s view about Alagia's family's actions involving the Malaspina family. In addition, Alagia is celebrated by Dante through his portrayal of her as a virtuous woman whose prayer can contribute to Adrian V's journey of salvation.

Life

Family

Alagia Fieschi descended from a wealthy Genoese family, the Fieschi, who expansively held land between Chiavari and Sestri. She was the daughter of Nicolò Fieschi, a count in the Fieschi family of Lavagna. Fiesca was first married to the Dovadolan Count, Marcovaldo Guidi, the grandson of Guido Salvatico, and his marriage with Fiesca formed a kinship between the Malaspina and the Guidi family. Beatrice was married to Alberto di Salinguerra Torelli, who was the son of a Ferrarian lord, Salinguerra Torelli, while her brother, Manfredi, married Alberto’s sister, Anna di Salinguerra Torelli. Luca Fieschi was an influential cardinal at the Avignon papal court. Most prayers "originate with women," as Dante believes that women through their prayer extend their love and can miraculously help the salvation of men. More specifically, Alagia and Joanna of Gallura are referred as the only remaining virtuous women in their respective families and who are therefore able to pray for their late family members. Their role as women who remained gracious and virtuous despite being surrounded by bad influence is celebrated as a feature which further contributes to the effectiveness of their prayer.