When and where was Alessandro Farnese born?
Alessandro Farnese drew his first breath on the 7th of October 1520 inside the family castle at Valentano. This small town is located in Tuscany, now part of the province of Viterbo.
Questions about Alessandro Farnese (cardinal)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How old was Alessandro Farnese when he became a Cardinal Deacon?
Alessandro Farnese received the appointment as Cardinal Deacon of Sant'Angelo in Pescheria on the 18th of December 1534 when he was only fourteen years old. His grandfather Pope Paul III had been elected to the papacy just two months prior.
What diplomatic missions did Alessandro Farnese undertake between 1539 and 1540?
Cardinal Farnese left Rome on the 29th of November 1539 to arrange peace between Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and Francis I of France. He traveled through Paris Rouen and Flanders before returning to Rome on the 5th of June 1540.
Which architectural projects did Alessandro Farnese commission during his lifetime?
Cardinal Farnese commissioned Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola to transform a fortress at Caprarola into a country villa from 1559 until 1573. He also restored the Villa Farnese near Lake Bracciano and rebuilt the monastery Tre Fontane.
When did Alessandro Farnese die and where is he buried?
Alessandro Farnese died quietly on the 2nd of March 1589 at the age of sixty-eight. Cardinal Farnese was buried before the high altar in the Church of the Gesù.