The knightly battle known as the Challenge of Barletta was held in
a neutral field between Andria and Corato on February 13. The event
had its origins in the war for control of the Italian peninsula that
pitted the French against the Spanish in one of the most dramatic
military conflicts of the day.
At that time, the Kingdom of Naples was supported by the French, but
the Spanish were already advancing in their occupation of the lands
of Puglia, and were barricaded at Barletta.
The French who, following a battle with the Spanish, had been taken
prisoner, offended the courage and valour of the Italian knights during
a banquet prepared in their honour. As
a result, a challenge was thrown down to erase the stain that weighed
upon Italian honour. A group of 13 knights, from various Italian cities
and led by Ettore Fieramosca of Capua, accepted the challenge.
On February 13, 1503, after having solemnly sworn to fight to the
end, the 13 Italians faced the same number of French knights, led
by La Motte. They were highly skilled warriors and the noise of their
weapons was deafening.
The contest lasted from dawn into the night, when the Italians returned
victorious to Barletta. News of the event spread far and wide and
the Challenge of Barletta became part of Italian history.
As
a result, a challenge was thrown down to erase the stain that weighed
upon Italian honour. A group of 13 knights, from various Italian cities
and led by Ettore Fieramosca of Capua, accepted the challenge.
Xenia
S.r.l. 2000/2003