Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1442
Alfonso of Aragon drives out René of Anjou to become Naples' new king and a long
period of Spanish control begins.
1503
Two years after a Franco-Spanish invasion of Naples, Spanish general Consalvo di
Cordoba enters the city and King Ferdinand of Spain becomes King Ferdinand III of
Naples.
1532-53
Don Pedro de Toledo rules as Spanish viceroy, moving the city walls westwards and
constructing the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters).
1600
Naples is the biggest city in Europe, boasting a population of more than 300,000.
Among its growing number of residents is renegade artist Caravaggio, who arrives in
1606.
1656
A devastating plague hits Naples. Within six months, three-quarters of the city's popu-
lation is dead and buried in mass graves.
1707
Austrian viceroys rule Naples for 27 years. Tax and university reforms are introduced
and coastal roads connecting the city to the slopes of Mt Vesuvius are built.
1734
Encouraged by his ambitious mother and backed by his army, Charles takes control
from the Austrians and becomes the first Bourbon king of Naples.
1737
The original Teatro San Carlo is built in a swift eight months. Designed by Giovanni
Medrano, it is rebuilt in 1816 after a devastating fire.
1768
