House of Cerva

The House of Cerva or House of Crijević (Latin: Cervinus, also in the sources Cereva, Cerieva, Creve, Crieva, Crevice) is a Croatian noble family from the ancient Dalmatian city of Ragusa (modern Dubrovnik), which held noble titles in the Republic of Ragusa, and in the Austrian and Austro-Hungarian empires. The family still survives in Austria and Italy.

History

Origin

The family is traditionally considered to be one of the founders of Ragusa (Dubrovnik), arriving as refugees from Epidaurum (modern Cavtat) after its destruction by the Slavs and Avars in the 7th century. The Almanach de Gotha enumerates the Cerva among eleven families of older native Patrician Sovereign Republic still residing in the town in mid-19th century and in ancient documents from the Republic of Ragusa, the House of Cerva is cited since 1234. The name Crijević derives from the Croatian language, meaning "intestine" or "hose", though during the Renaissance they used to be considered heirs of an ancient Roman family Cervia (or Cervius).