Galeazzo I succeeded Matteo I from 1322-1327 and preceded Galeazzo II's rule in 1354 by 27 years. Before Galeazzo II became the ruler of Milan he was preceded by: Azzone (1329-1339), Luchino I (1339-1349), and Giovanni (1339-1354). Prior to his rule, Galeazzo was a fairly self-possessed individual. He had proven himself to be a capable diplomat and a lover of the arts. In particular, he was one of Petrarch's many patrons. Galeazzo also expressed a love for travelling: in 1343, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He briefly resided in Savoy for several years, where his uncle Luchino had exiled him to in 1345. Following his exile and Luchino's death, Galeazzo returned to Milan in 1349 at the behest of his remaining uncle, Giovanni Visconti. His uncle also made him governor of Bologna.The following year, Galeazzo commissioned the Visconti Castle, otherwise known as Castello Visconteo located in Pavia. The castle became the main Pavian residence of the Visconti family. During the same year, another significant event occurred in his life on September 28. Perhaps partially reflective of his fondness for Savoy as formed during his years in exile, Galeazzo went on to marry Bianca of Savoy. She was the daughter of Aimone, Count of Savoy and the sister of Amadeo of Savoy. The marriage between the two consequently further cemented the alliance between Savoy and Milan. Together, the couple had two known children.