The War of Messina

In 1647, while Palermo and a part of Sicily revolted against Spain, Messina remained loyal to the Crown. In subsequent years, however, the court of Madrid tried to reduce Messina’s autonomy and fiscal freedom, setting the conditions for a secessionist revolt (1674-1678), which threatened to place Sicily in the hands of the French. The autonomist faction of the Senate of Messina, called the malvezzi, which contrasted with pro-Spanish legitimist group of the merli (blackbirds), prevailed. The siege of the Spaniards, however, forced the rebels to seek the aid of the French (1673) and recognize Louis XIV (1638-1715) as their ruler (1675). The result was a military campaign (1674-1678), during which the French tried to take control of eastern Sicily. The Spaniards, however, managed to snuff out the revolt, which was struggling to expand in other cities, thanks to disagreements between Messinesi and French. The high costs of shipping and the poor results which were expected persuaded Louis XIV to sign a peace treaty with Spain, which provided for the withdrawal of French troops from the island (which was followed by many exiles from Messina). The return of the Spaniards, followed by a moderate repression, marked the end of the privileges of Messina. The Spanish troops destroyed the symbols of the power of the city and built a fort (the cittadella) to better prevent and counter insurgency in the future.

Read more:

• F. Benigno, Lotta politica e sbocco rivoluzionario: riflessioni sul caso di Messina (1674-1678), in «Storica», 13 (1999), pp. 7-56.
• L.A. Ribot García, La monarquía de España y la guerra de Mesina (1674-1678), San Sebastián de los Reyes 2002.