The Earls Merenda are the oldest aristocratic family of Forlì and of Romagna, as well as one of the most ancient in Europe, dating back to the aristocratic Merenda branch of the Gens Antonia family. They moved to Forlì, following Marco Livio Salinatore or his son Gaio Livio Salinatore. Over the centuries they stood out for contributing to the country’s legacy with warriors, diplomats, politicians, legal scholars, scientists, writers, members of the Clergy. Through marriage they became related to the most important families in the region – including the Farnetis, Salecchis and Colombanis – inheriting their properties, family names and titles.