Andrea Doria
Andrea Doria, Prince of Melfi (Italian: [anˈdrɛːa ˈdɔːrja]; Ligurian: Drîa Döia [ˈdɾiːa ˈdɔːja]; 30 November 1466 – 25 November 1560) was a Genoese statesman, condottiero, and admiral, who played a key role in the Republic of Genoa during his lifetime.
Andrea Doria | |
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Portrait of Andrea Doria, c. 1520, by Sebastiano del Piombo | |
| Born | 30 November 1466 Oneglia, Republic of Genoa |
| Died | 25 November 1560 (aged 93) Genoa, Republic of Genoa |
| Allegiance | Duchy of Urbino Papal States Republic of Genoa Kingdom of France Kingdom of Spain Holy Roman Empire |
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As the ruler of Genoa, Doria reformed the Republic's constitution. Originally elected for life, the Doge's office was reduced to two years. At the same time, plebeians were declared ineligible, and the appointment of the doge was entrusted to the members of the great and the little councils. His reformed constitution of the Republic of Genoa would last until the end of the republic in 1797.
From 1528 until his death, Doria exercised a predominant influence in the councils of the Genoese Republic. He is also considered the foremost naval leader of his time.
Several ships were named in honour of the admiral, the most famous being the Italian passenger liner SS Andrea Doria, launched in 1951, which sank following a collision in 1956.