Irene Castriota Scanderbeg

Erina Castriota , also known as Irina Castriota, was an Albanian princess from the House of Kastrioti. She was the 3rd Duchess of San Pietro in Galatina, 3rd Countess of Soleto and Princess of Bisignano.

Life Erina Castriota was born into the House of Kastrioti, she was the daughter of Ferdinand Castriota and Andreana Acquaviva d'Aragona. Not much is known about her early life. Erina Castriota inherited her father's confiscated fiefs, including the Duchy of San Pietro in Galatina and the County of Soleto, following Ferdinand's exclusion from amnesty by Charles V after the Peace of Cambrai in 1530. This exclusion led to the confiscation of Ferdinand's lands. As part of her dowry when marrying Pietro Antonio Sanseverino, Erina brought these fiefs, a transfer recognized by Charles V. The official donation document referred to her as the "only-begotten legitimate and natural daughter," and outlined a dowry of twenty-five thousand ducats, with a portion payable at her marriage and the remainder upon Ferdinand's death, contingent on him having no male heirs. Scholars debate whether Ferdinand had male children. Some, like Dufresne, assert that all his sons died without heirs, while others, such as Zazzera, believe Erina was the only child from his marriage to Adriana Acquaviva. Erina's inheritance was likely due to her father's felony and the supposed death of any brothers without issue. Coat of arms of Erina. Located in the halls of the Ducal Palace of Tricarico. It's a Modified version of her father and grandfather's coat of arms.

In 1539, Erina Castriota married Pietro Antonio Sanseverino of the House of Sanseverino, becoming his second wife and the Princess consort of Bisignano. She brought 25,000 Ducats and the fiefs she inherited from her father as her dowry for her husband.

Erina died in Morano Calabro on September 15, 1565, and was buried there.

Issue Erina married Pietro Antonio Sanseverino. The pair had two children:

Nicolò Berardino Sanseverino, (1541–1606) 5th Prince of Bisignano, 10th and last Count of Tricarico married married Isabella della Rovere Princess of Urbino in 1565. Vittoria Sanseverino, (Before 1559–1614) married Ferrante of Capua, Duke of Termoli.

Family tree