Filippo Borromeo

Fillippo Borromeo, son of Vitaliano I Borromeo and Ambrosina Fagnini, was the second Count of Arona and a banker who successfully expanded family’s business throughout Europe.

As the only son of Vitaliano I, he inherited all his father’s titles and wealth. Soon after his father’s death in 1449, Francesco Sforza captured Milan resolved to dissolve the Republica and become Duke. Recognizing family merits in the defense of Milan, he reaffirmed to Filippo his right to inheritance and made him a “Cavaliere Aurato”, or a Golden Knight. This is possibly the occasion when the rings were added to the Borromeo crest. He was also appointed his counsilor.

At the same time, Filippo continued to expand the family banking trade becoming one of the most renowned Italian bankers, with branches in Bruges and London. In gratitude for services provided during his ascendance to power, Francesco made Filippo Count of Peschiera in 1461.
He married Francesca Visconti, the daughter of Count Lancillotto Visconti of Cicognola, and had three sons and two daughters. He died in 1464.

His eldest, Vitaliano II Borromeo, succeeded him as Count of Arona.