A family of great vassals of Bolognese origin settled in Ferrara, the leaders of one of the city's two parties.
Salinguerra entered politics with his father in 1191, was podestà of Ferrara in 1195 and 1199, received from Henry VI in 1195 jurisdiction over his own property and the imperial palace in Ferrara, and in 1197 was commissioned by the emperor to restore Nonantola's usurped property. The rival party of the Adelardi heirs now follows Azzo VI d'Este.
Who he is
- Name
- Salinguerra II Torelli
- Title
- Head of the house
- Since
- 1196 or soon after (his father Torello II is active until 1196)
- Born
- about 1164
- Family
- Father Torello II; brother Pietro di Remengarda (podestà of Treviso in 1200). He married three times, in this order: Retrude, of unknown family, mother of Bartolomea (married 1215); Sibilla, daughter of Uguccione da Montefiore; and Sofia, daughter of Ezzelino II da Romano and widow of Enrico da Egna. The marriage dates, and so his wife on 1 January 1200, are not pinned; which children are born by 1200 is not pinned.
- Confidence
- high
Dizionario Biografico (Varanini, 2019).
Overlord
The commune of Ferrara; personally the emperor's man (Henry VI's diploma of 1195).
What it holds
- Houses, towers and the imperial palace at Ferrara (by the diploma of 1195)
- Family property in the Ferrarese (not detailed in the source)
How it was acquired
Inherited; imperial favour.
Allies and rivals
Allies: the Monticoli party at Verona; the imperial cause. Rivals: Azzo VI d'Este and the Adelardi party (the Giocoli, Turchi, Linguetta); the Traversari of Ravenna; the archbishop of Ravenna over Argenta.
How things stand that morning
Head of one of Ferrara's two parties; podestà for 1199; going to Verona as podestà for 1200.
Wealth
Family lands and the profits of office.
Military
His household and party; in 1200 the Veronese host under his command.
Threats
- The Este party
What the year holds
What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.
- Early 1200 (not pinned)Salinguerra takes office as podestà of Verona for 1200 and 1201; his brother Pietro di Remengarda is podestà of Treviso in 1200.Depends on: The Verona exchange. Stopped by: A change at Verona.
- 1200 (month not pinned)He takes and destroys Argenta for Ferrara with the Veronese army.Depends on: His Veronese command. Stopped by: Peace with Ravenna.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Recent Dizionario Biografico article.
On the map: Not drawn: the family's power was in the city and its offices; its rural holdings are not detailed in the source.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.