Flavia Peretti Damasceni

Flavia Damasceni Peretti, Duchess of Bracciano (1574 – 14 September 1606) was an Italian noblewoman, niece of Pope Sixtus V and duchess consort of Bracciano as wife of Virginio Orsini. She is also known as the patroness of several poets, writers and musicians.

Biography Flavia was born in 1574, Rome, as the daughter of Fabio Damasceni and Maria Felicita Peretti. She had a sister, Orsina, and two brothers, Alessandro and Michele. Her maternal grandmother was the sister of Cardinal Felice Peretti (future Pope Sixtus V, 1585–1590). Cardinal Peretti adopted Flavia and her siblings, gave them his surname and took care of their education, having them raised by Lucrezia Salviati, natural daughter of Cardinal Bernardo Salviati and wife of Latino Orsini. Orsina married Marcantonio Colonna, Duke of Tagliacozzo; Alessandro became Cardinal and Michele became Prince of Venafro.

The two were married by proxy on 20 March 1589. The ceremony was celebrated by Fabio Biondi, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the bride's dowry was 100,000 scudi. Her interests also included weaving and the art of women's hairdressing.

Meanwhile, she assumed the administrative responsibilities of the Duchy of Bracciano.

Flavia died at thirty-two during her twelfth delivery, on 14 September 1606, giving birth to a stillborn daughter.

Paolo Giordano II Orsini (1591 – 24 May 1656). III Duke of Bracciano. In 1622 he married Isabella Appiani, ruler princess of Piombino, and became a Prince of Holy Roman Empire. By his wife he had no issue, but had a natural son, Ippolito. Alessandro Orsini (1592 – 22 August 1626). Cardinal. Isabella Orsini (1597–1623). In 1612 she married Cesare II Gonzaga, Duke of Guastalla. She had two sons, Ferrante III and Vespasiano. Maria Felicia Orsini (12 November 1600 – 5 June 1666). She married Henri II, Duke of Montmorency, without issue. After being widowed in 1632, she took the vows. Camilla Orsini (29 July 1603 – post 1658). In 1619 she married Marcantonio II Borghese, Prince of Sulmona, and had a son, Paolo. After being widowed in 1658, she became a nun and, after her death, she was declared venerable. Ferdinando Orsini (? – 4 March 1660). IV Duke of Bracciano. On 3 November 1610 he married Giustiniana Orsini of San Gemini and had six children: Virginio, Flavia (died in 1645), Flavio (7 November 1620 – 5 April 1698; V and last Duke of Bracciano), Lelio (1622–1696, humanist and musician), Giovanna (1624–1702, in 1644 she became nun with name Ippolita Virginia) and Ippolita. Cosimo Orsini. Military. Virginio Orsini. Discalced Carmelite. Francesco Orsini. Jesuit. Carlo Orsini. Died in infancy. Raimondo Orsini. Died in infancy. Stillborn daughter (14 September 1606). Her mother died in childbirth.