Visconti is the family name of two important
Italian noble dynasties of the
Middle Ages. There are two distinct Visconti families: The first one (chronologically) in the
Republic of Pisa in the mid twelfth century who achieved prominence first in Pisa, then in
Sardinia where they became rulers of
Gallura. The second rose to power in
Milan, where they ruled from 1277 to 1447 and where several collateral branches still exist. The renowned director
Luchino Visconti is a scion of this latter family.