Gnien Is-Sultan

Title: Marquis
Title in succession: 7th
Date created: 1361 (1st December 1792)
Grant by: Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan-Polduc 
Granted To: (Pellegrino) Filippo Apap
Rep: Apap-Bologna
Remainder to: to all his legitimate and natural descendants or to first born female in default
Present Holder: Philip Frederick Apap Bologna
British crown recognition: 1878
Feudal Tribute: a musket every year on the feast of St. Martin, Pope, 13th November

The title of Gnien-is-Sultan was first created in 1361 and granted to the Pellegrino family. 

The present creation was granted in 1792 to Filippo Apap, who was a Jurat and Deputy. Created a Marquis by Grand Master de Rohan-Polduc with remainder to his legitimate and natural male descendants in perpetuity and in the absence of male issue to the first born female descendants.

Point in History: Marquis Paolo Nicola Apap Bologna, 5th Marquis of Gnien is-Sultan, was made President of the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in 1933, faced further Gov't control in its attempt to remove classes from society. On the pretext of a better organised national education but perhaps more due to the language problem the Gov't had set its eyes on the society classes. The minutes of the meeting held on 6th May 1933 was typed for the first time and recorded the death of deacon Mons. Gius. Depiro, the Honorable mention of Sur Ugo Mifsud. On the break of war the sede had to close its doors and the President left Valletta and moved to his Villa in Attard. Mr.Victor Brincat and Antonio Portelli looked after the building whilst bombing was taking place at Valletta, on St.Elmo Fort. Voting curiously enough took place by post, and no meeting took place.

The marquisate had been inherited from son to son or grandson right up to the present holder, the 7th Marquis.

Felicissimo Apap-Bologna, 4th Marquis protracted a lawsuit with luisa Bonici-Mompalao for the title of Count of Catena, though the Maltese court upheld their decision for Luisa Bonici-Mompalao’s son, Sir Gerald Strickland, G.C.M.G, later Baron Strickland of Sizergh in the United Kingdom.

Present holder Dr Carmelo Apap-Bologna-Scberras-d'Amico-Inguanez, (c 1939-, 23rd Barone di Djar-il-Bniet e Buqana, the Premier Holder of Malta)  Married 1962 to Anne Cassar-Torreggiani

The Late Marquis of Gnien is-Sultan

A Genealogical Account of the Marquis's di Gnien is Sultan



Paolo Nicolo Apap Bologna (1880-1955), 5th Marquis di Gnien is Sultan, married 1889 to Maria Theresa De Piro in 1895,and secondly to Giuseppina dei Conti Caruana Gatt.

1.(First Marriage) Filippo Antonio Apap Bologna (c 1901-54), Marchesino di Gnien is Sultan , married 1933 to Wilfreda Gollcher
1.1. John Anthony Apap Bologna (c1934- Deceased), 6th Marchese di Gnien is Sultan, married firstly 1957 to Elizabeth Cassar-Torreggiani, married secondly to Audrey Griffiths
1.1.1. (First marriage) Philip Frederick Apap Bologna, 7th Marchese di Gnien is Sultan (c 1962-, married 1985 to Corinne Mizzi
1.1.1.1. Richard Apap Bologna (c 1991-, Marchesino di Gnien is Sultan
1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Apap Bologna (c 1991-
1.1.2. Stephen Apap Bologna (c 1967-
1.1.3. Angela Apap Bologna (c 1959-, married 
1.1.4. Sandra Apap Bologna (c 1965- , married 1991 to Peter dei Conti Sant Manduca
1.2. Anthony Apap Bologna (c 1935-, married 1963 to Helga Zahra-Neuman
1.2.1. Carlo Apap Bologna (c 1963-
1.2.2. Roberto Apap Bologna (c 1965-
1.2.3. Gabrielle Apap Bologna (c 1973-
1.3. Louis Apap Bologna (c 1944-, married 1972 to Bernardette Darmanin
1.3.1. Frederica Apap Bologna (c 1978-
1.4. Dr. Joseph Apap Bologna BA, LL.D (c 1948-, married 1984, Maria Helena Stilon
2. (First Marriage) Alexander Apap-Bologna dei Marchese di Gnien is Sultan, married to Maria Pilar de Piro (c 1911-44)
2.1. Dr Carmelo Apap-Bologna-Scberras-d'Amico-Inguanez, (c 1939-, 23rd Barone di Djar-il-Bniet e Buqana, the Premier Holder of Malta. Married 1962 to Anne Cassar-Torreggiani
2.1.1. Francesco Apap-Bologna-Sceberras--d'Amico-Inguanez (c 1963-, Baroncino di Djar-il-Bniet, married...
2.1.2. Kristina Apap-Bologna (c 1965-
2.1.3. James Apap-Bologna (c 1967-
2.1.4. Stefanie Apap-Bologna (c 1971-
2.1.2. Marlene Apap Bologna (c 1941-, married 1960 to Austin Attard Montalto
3. Felicissmo Apap Bologna (c 1903- 
4. Mario Apap Bologna (c 1907-
5. Adelina Alexandra Apap Bologna (c 1902- 

A full Genealogical tree with history .....

Gio Antonio Apap, married Imperia Borg (Daughter of Antonio)


1. Giacoma Apap, married 1585 to Paolo Pontremoli,(son of Salvo) with issue

2. Margherita Apap, married Carlo Colonna

3. Giuseppe Apap-
4. Domenico Apap "Canon" in Gozo

5. Angelica Apap married Nicole Angelico.........

6. Anton Apap, married Clerica....

Giuseppe Apap, married Caterina Anastasio (Daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella.)



1. Ferdinand Apap, 'Priest'

2. Micheal Angelo Apap

3. Angelica Apap, married Andrea Axiac, with issue

3.1. Arcangelo Axac

3.2. Caterina Axac

3.3. Felice Axac

4. Innocenza Apap

5. Simone Apap,-

6. Isabella Apap, married Ludovico Fava

Simone Apap, married 1627 to Francesca Fava (Daughter of Cristoforo and Aloisea Bellia)

1. Rafaele Apap 'Augustine Monk"

2. Anna Marie Apap

3. Giulia Apap

4. Judge Simone Apap-

Judge Simone Apap, married 1694 to Generosa Ducoss (Daughter of Michele and Margarita)

1.Albino Apap Ducoss-

Albino Apap Ducoss,Giurato in Malta, and Captain of the Reggimento di Fanteria di Mdina married 1719 Noble Grazia Vassallo (Daughter of Noble Aloiseo and Eufemia)

1. Generosa Apap

2. Michele Apap

3. Andrea Apap

4. Maria Apap

5. Aloiseo Apap

6. Marcella Apap

7. Filippo Apap , died 1812. 1st Marquis-

8. Gaetano Apap

Filippo Apap , died 1812. 1st Marquis di Gnien is Sultan, Created in 1792 by GrandMaster de Rohan-Polduc.married 1769 to Anna Maria Mallia-Tabone dei Marchese dei Fiddien


1. Gio Antonio Apap C.M.G. 2nd Marquis-

Gio Antonio Apap C.M.G. 2nd Marquis di Gnien is Sultan, died 1845, married 1805 to Angelica Testaferrata Bonici dei Marchese di San Vincenzo Ferreri, with issue.

1. Dr Filippo Apap LL.D, 3rd Marquis-

2. Giovanna Rosa Apap Bologna, married 1830 to Gio Francesco Sant Cassia, 9th Baron di Ghariexem e Tabia , 4th Count Sant (see Sant)

3. Luigi dei Marchese Apap , married 1840 to Rosalea Testaferrata de Noto, with issue.

3.1. Guiseppe Apap Testaferrata, Created Marquis Apap Testaferrata 1889 by the Papacy, married 1874 to Donna Rosina dei Principe Sabatini, with out issue.

Dr Filippo Apap LL.D, 3rd Marquis di Gnien is Sultan (c 1812-73),

married firstly in 1829 to Maria Teresa Sceberras Bologna dei Conti della Catena, with issue

Married Secondly in 1839 to Francesca Sceberras Bologna dei Conti della Catena

1. (First Marriage) Felicissimo Apap Bologna (c 1834-94), 4th Marquis-

2. Paolina Apap Bologna, married 1849 to Giorgio dei Conti Sant-Fournier, with issue.

2. (Second Marriage) Nicholas Gaetan Apap Bologna (c 1841-

3. Mary Apap Bologna

4. Angelica Apap Bologna , married 1845 to Calcedonio Galea Feriol, 7th Baron di San Marciano (see Galea-Feriol)

Felicissimo Apap Bologna (c 1834-94), 4th Marquis di Gnien is Sultan, de Jure Count of Catena., married 1872 to Maria Carmela Manduca dei Conti della Montalto

1. Paolo Nicolo Apap (c 1880-1955) , 5th Marquis-

2. Nicholas Apap Bologna, (1883-) Ph.D, D.D, D.C.L. Archdeacan of Mdina Cath., dunm.

3. Mary Nicolina Apap Bologna, (1875-) , married 1901 to Capt Jerome de Piro, 7th Baron di Budaq (see de Piro)

4. Mary Angelica Apap Bologna, (1878-)

5. Mary Rosaria Apap Bologna, (1873-)

Paolo Nicolo Apap (c 1880-1955) , 5th Marquis di Gnien is Sultan ,

Married first (1895) to Maria Teresa de Piro Gourgion dei Baroni della Budaq, with issue (see Note 1)

Second marriage to Giuseppina Caruana Gatto dei Conti della Beberrua, daughter of 3rd Count Beberrua, with further issue (Maria Teresa Apap Bologna et Caruana Gatto, Countess of Beberrua)

(Note 1)
1. (first marriage) Dr Filippo Antonio Apap Bologna LL.D , Marchesino di Gnien is Sultan (c 1901-54), Married 1933 to Wilfreda Gollcher, with issue

1.1. John Anthony Apap Bologna , 6th Marquis-

1.2. Anthony Apap Bologna (c 1935-, married Helga Zahra Neumann, with issue

1.2.1. Carlo Apap Bologna (c 1963-

1.2.2. Roberto Apap Bologna (c 1965-

1.2.3. Gabriella Apap Bologna (c 1973-

1.3. Louis Apap Bologna B.A (Hons) (c 1944., married 1972 to Bernardette Darmanin, with issue

1.3.1.Dr. Frederica Apap Bologna, MD. (c 1978- married 2003 to Dr. MARK SANT, MD, MRGOG

1.4. Dr Joseph Apap Bologna B.A, L.L.D (c 1948-, married 1984 to Maria Helena Stilon

2. Dr. Felicissmo (Felix Dominic) Maria Apap Bologna, M.D., (c 1903-87), married Pauline Josephine Gouder Carbone, with issue

2.1. Maresa Apap Bologna, B.A (Hons) , married 1973 to Gordon Henry Elliot

2.1.1. Andrew Elliot, B.A (Hons)., M.Sc. (1975-

2.1.2. Adrian Elliot (1977-, B.A (Hons)., M.A.

2.1.3. Julian Elliot (1983-

2.2. Elizabeth Apap Bologna, (1950-

2.3. Marina Apap Bologna, (1953-

2.4. Christine Apap Bologna, B.A. (Hons) (Econ.), married 1993 to Tarcisio Pedrotti

2.4.1. Laura Pedrotti (1994-

3. Alexander Apap Bologna (1906-81), married to Maria Pilar de Piro dei Baroni della Budaq, with issue

3.1. Dr Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D'Amico Inguanez M.D, F.R.C.S., 23rd Baron di Djar-il-Bniet e Buqana-(See Djar-il-Bniet e Buqana)

3.2. Marlene Apap Bologna Sceberras D'Amico Inguanez (c 1941-, married Austin Attard Montalto, with issue (See Attard Montalto)
4. Col Mario Apap Bologna (c 1907- , married Amy Gatt Rutter, with issue.
4.1. Michael Apap Bologna, married to Patricia Bianchi, with issue.
4.1.1. Paul Apap Bologna, married 2003 to Greta Trapani Galea Feriol dei Baroni di San Marciano.
4.2. Peter Apap Bologna.
4.3. Anna Apap Bologna, married to Leo Vassallo Cesario.

5. Adeline Alexandra Apap Bologna (c 1902- ), dunm.

6. (Second marriage) Maria Teresa Apap Bologna Caruana Gatto , 8th Countess di Beberrua-(See Beberrua)

John Anthony Apap Bologna , 6th Marquis di Gnien is Sultan (c 1934- died in the late 1990's),
First married, 1957 to Elizabeth Cassar Torreggiani with issue.
Second marriage to Audrey Griffiths with no issue.

1. Philip Apap Bologna, (c 1962-. (Acknowledged by the COP as the 7th Marquis of Gnien is-Sultan), married Corinne Mizzi, with issue
1.1. Richard Apap Bologna (c 1991-
1.2. Elizabeth Apap Bologna (c 1989-

2. Stephen Apap Bologna (c 1967-, married June, 2000 to Daniela Bisazza
3. Dr Angela Apap Bologna PhD, married 4 June 1988 to Dr Lindsay Wood PhD, with issue.
3.1. Francesca Elizabeth Wood, born 27 August 1993.
3.2. Stephanie Alexandra Wood, born 3 March 1999.
4. Alexandra aka Sandra Apap Bologna (c 1967- , married 1991 to Peter dei Conti Sant Manduca) with issue

(IF THERE ARE ANY UPDATES TO ANY TREES, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO '[email protected] or [email protected] ' stating site you seen the genealogical tree and updates.)



References: 1) Gauci,C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta", Gulf Publishing Ltd, Malta, 1981.
2) Gauci,C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta, Volume Two", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1992.
3) Gauci,C.A and Mallet, P.,"The Palaeologos Family- A Genealogical Review" ,Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1985
4) Gauci, C.A.," A Guide to the Maltese Nobility", Publishers Enterprise Group (PEG) Ltd, Malta, 1986.
5) Montalto, J., "The Nobles of Malta-1530-1800", Midsea Books Ltd, Malta, 1980.
6) De Piro, N., "Casa Rocco Piccola", The Conde' Nast Publications 1999.' Http://www.vol.net.mt/casarocca '
7) Giles Ash, S., "The Nobility of Malta", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1988.
8) Said Vassallo, C.M., Unpublished research papers.
9) Sant Fournier, Unpublished research papers.
9) Said Vassallo, C.M., http://www.maltagenealogy.com/ Research site.