After the Italian Wars (1494–1559), Spain controlled Milan, Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia.
Plan a history trip →Spanish viceroys ruled from Naples and Milan. Heavy taxation, Inquisition, cultural stagnation in the south. But also: Baroque art flourished (Caravaggio’s Naples period, Spaccanapoli’s churches). Key events: revolt of Masaniello in Naples (1647, a fisherman’s anti-tax rebellion), the plague of 1656 (killed half of Naples’ population). 1713: Treaty of Utrecht — Spain cedes Italy to Austria.
Naples: the entire Spanish Quarter (Quartieri Spagnoli, built as military barracks for Spanish troops). Palazzo Reale (€10). Castel Nuovo (€6, Aragonese triumphal arch). Milan: Castello Sforzesco served as Spanish governor’s residence. Palermo: Quattro Canti (1611, Spanish-era ceremonial crossroads).