Barletta

Barletta lies on the Adriatic coast of Apulia, where its harbour opens onto the grain-growing plain. Its castle and cathedral mark a port that served the rulers and merchants of the Kingdom of Naples. In the struggle between France and Spain for that kingdom, Barletta became a base for Spanish forces under Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, while their French opponents held positions in the surrounding country.

In February 1503 a dispute over the courage of Italian soldiers led to the Challenge of Barletta. Thirteen Italian knights, led by Ettore Fieramosca, met thirteen French opponents in a mounted contest on neutral ground between Andria and Corato. The Italians won, and the encounter became a celebrated episode of chivalry amid the wider Italian wars.