Remember the date February 24 1525. It echoes through Milan’s history. Today we stand before the Obelisco Battaglia di Pavia. It commemorates a pivotal clash between the Kingdom of France and the Habsburg Empire.
This obelisk marks the Battle of Pavia. It was the decisive engagement of the Italian War of 1521 to 1526. King Francis I of France led his army to lay siege to Pavia in October 1524. Pavia was then part of the Duchy of Milan. It was within the Holy Roman Empire.
Francis commanded a force of 26200 troops. His infantry included 6000 French soldiers. He had 17000 foreign mercenaries. These were 8000 Swiss 5000 Germans and 4000 Italians known as the Black Bands. His cavalry was composed of 2000 gendarmes. There were also 1200 lances fournies.
Charles V sought to break the siege. He sent a relief force of 22300 troops to Pavia. The Imperial garrison there consisted of 5000 Germans and 1000 Spaniards. Charles de Lannoy led the force. He was the Imperial lieutenant and viceroy of Naples. Charles III Duke of Bourbon the French renegade and captain-general also commanded. Fernando d’Avalos Georg Frundsberg and Antonio de Leyva were other major Imperial commanders. Leyva was in charge of the Imperial garrison inside Pavia.
The Habsburg infantry consisted of 12000 Germans 5000 Spaniards and 3000 Italians. Imperial arquebusiers were part of the Spanish colunellas. They were also part of the German doppelsoldners. The Imperial cavalry included 1500 knights. It also had 800 lances.
The Battle of Pavia unfolded in the Visconti Park of Mirabello di Pavia. This was outside the city walls. The four-hour battle saw the French army split. It was defeated in detail. Many French nobles died. Others including King Francis I were captured.
The historian Francesco Guicciardini summarized the battle. The King fought gallantly. Enemy firearms forced his men to give way. Swiss troops arrived. Cavalry charged in flank. Spaniards were repulsed. Germans easily broke the Swiss. Their courage did not match previous battles. The King tried to stop his men’s flight. His horse was killed. He was wounded. He fell. Soldiers captured him without knowing who he was. The Viceroy recognized him. He kissed the King’s hand. He received him as a prisoner.
Francis was imprisoned in Pizzighettone’s tower. Later he was transferred to Spain. Charles V resided there for his marriage to Isabella of Portugal. They signed the Treaty of Madrid in 1526. Francis abandoned claims over Milan. He ceded Burgundy to the Habsburgs for his freedom. But Francis denounced the treaty. He reopened hostilities over Burgundy and Milan.
Today the Obelisco Battaglia di Pavia stands as a reminder. It marks a turning point in European history. It is a symbol of shifting powers and military evolution. It whispers tales of courage betrayal and the ambitions of kings.