Cesare d'Este, Duke of Modena

Cesare d'Este (8 October 1562 – 11 December 1628) was Duke of Modena and Reggio from 1597 until his death.

Biography Born in Ferrara, Cesare was the son of Alfonso d'Este, Marquis of Montecchio and Giulia della Rovere. His father was the fourth son of Alfonso I d'Este

When Alfonso II died without heirs in the October 1597, Cesare claimed the duchy of Ferrara. Pope Clement VIII raised an army to contest the claim, and excommunicated Cesare. Denied French assistance, Cesare retreated to Modena, entering the city in January 1598 and making it his new capital. Initially there were quarrels between the local nobility and the Ferrarese nobles who had arrived with the Duke; Cesare's first years were also troubled by the attempt at independence of Maro Pio of Sassuolo, and a war against Lucca for the possession of Garfagnana.

Marriage and issue Virginia de' Medici, wearing a characteristic necklace which had formerly belonged to her mother Camilla Martelli.

On 30 January 1586, Cesare married Virginia de' Medici, daughter of Cosimo I de' Medici, who suffered increasing symptoms of madness until her death in 1615. He was succeeded by his son, Alfonso. Giulia d'Este (1588–1645) died unmarried; Alfonso III d'Este, Duke of Modena (1591–1644), married Isabella of Savoy Laura d'Este (1594–1630) married Alessandro I Pico, Duke of Mirandola Luigi d'Este, Lord of Montecchio and Scandiano (1593/1594–1664) Caterina d'Este (1595–1618) Anna Eleonora d'Este (1597–1651), died unmarried, nun Ippolito d'Este (1599–1647) Niccolo d'Este (1601–1640), married Sveva d'Avalos, no issue; Borso d'Este (1605–1657) married Ippolita d'Este Foresto d'Este (1606–1639/1640)