Welcome to the Official Website of the Holy Roman Empire Association - Associazioni dei Nobili del Sacro Romano Impero - The HREA is an Organization that was established in 1963 with the aim of uniting descendants in the male and female line of individuals who were granted Noble Titles by the Holy Roman Empire through Imperial Letters Patent.
Foundation of the HREA: Founded on Christmas Day In Rome in 1963, the HREA seeks to connect living descendants of noble families from the Holy Roman Empire. The association was initiated by Prince Giovanni Alliata di Montereale and Count Giancarlo Bonifazi di Statte.
Purpose and Activities: The HREA serves as the supreme governing authority over the titles of nobility of the Holy Roman Empire, managing an official list of those who have the right to bear and enjoy these titles and armorial bearings. It also engages in cultural and historical preservation activities, including organizing events related to art and history. The association has reinstated historical institutions like the Aulic Council (Consilium Aulicum - Reichshofrat) and the Imperial Chamber Court (Reichskammergericht - Iudicium imperii) to maintain the tradition and legal aspects of the Holy Roman Empire.
Membership and Recognition: Membership is typically for those with a direct lineage to nobility titles, although honorary members also exist. The Association is recognized for its role in preserving the heritage of the Holy Roman Empire and its Nobility, with members including all the Princes, Dukes, Marquises, Counts, Barons and Nobles of the Holy Roman Empire from different Nobles families across Europe.
Chancellor of the HREA and Members: (In succession to Prince Alliata) is Prince Mario Pignatelli Aragona Cortes; the President of the Court of Honor is Count Giancarlo Bonifazi di Statte; the Co-ordinators of the Council are Prince Domenico Napoleone Orsini and don Carlo dei Principi Giovanelli; the members of the Historical Council are: Marchese Henri de Thoran, Marchese Cosimo Dragonetti di Torres, Prof Riccardo Capasso, Monsingor Antonio Bittarelli, Monsignor Sandro Corradini; Avv. Giuseppe de Rosa. (titles not in parentheses are the Holy Roman Empire titles of the Family): Count Clemente Alberti di Poja, Marquess (Prince) don Camillo Aldobrandini; Princes don Francesco and don Gabriele Alliata di Villafranca; Prince don Giovanni Francesco and Fabrizio Alliata di Montereale; Nobile (Count) Carlo Antonielli; Prince don Alessandro d'Aquino; Count Federico Attems; Prince don Francesco Avalos; Nobile Luciano Aventi; Nobile Giangiorgio Barbasetti; Count Guido Barbiano di Belgioioso; Count Ferrante Benvenuti; Nobile Luigi Bertolini; Nobile Lanfranco Blanchetti Revelli; Dama Bona (Marchesa) Bonacossi; Prince don Gregorio Boncompagni-Ludovisi; Count Giancarlo Bonifazi di Statte; Conte Federico Bossi Fedrigotti; Nobile Marc'Antonio Bragadin; Barone Guido Buffa; Count Neri Capponi; Prince Marcello Caracciolo.
Geographical Presence: While it has a strong presence in Italy due to its founding in Rome, the Headquarters of the HREA is in the UK with additional Offices in Italy, Germany and Monaco.
Cultural Impact: The HREA contributes to cultural history by maintaining records, hosting events, and actively participating in discussions about the Holy Roman Empire's legacy, where it shares historical artifacts and regalia connected to the Empire. The HREA, therefore, plays a crucial role in the preservation of the historical, cultural, and legal aspects of the nobility associated with the Holy Roman Empire, connecting past traditions with contemporary society.