by Preveza Abrashi

Abstract

This text describes the coat of arms and historical presence of the Tafuri family in Soleto, Italy, emphasizing their claimed Albanian origin. The heraldic symbol features an oak tree struck by lightning that does not hit it, topped by a double-headed eagle, a traditional emblem associated with Albanian identity. The family is documented in Soleto as early as the 14th century, with notable members including Matteo Tafuri (1492–1582) and later figures such as Onofrio and Agostino Tafuri in the 17th and 18th centuries. The account also notes family branches in Nardò and Gallipoli.

Tafuri – Coat of Arms: An oak tree with two lightning bolts striking toward it but not hitting it. A double-headed eagle carved above suggests the Albanian origin of the family, which was already present in Soleto in the 14th century. The coat of arms is visible on the birthplace of Matteo Tafuri (1492–1582). The physician Onofrio Tafuri was godfather at the baptism of Diego Carrozzini in 1670, and another Agostino Tafuri served as a witness at his wedding in 1710. Branches of the family exist in Nardò and Gallipoli.