Siege of Gaeta ends with Piedmontese capture and exile of Francis II
- When
- 1861
- Where
- Fortress of Gaeta; Rome
- Episodes
- 2
The Siege of Gaeta concluded on 13 February 1861, marking the final capitulation of the last major Bourbon stronghold in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. King Francis II, isolated in the fortress, surrendered after naval support withdrew, enabling effective bombardment. This event finalized the annexation of the Two Sicilies into the Kingdom of Italy, leading to the king's deposition and subsequent exile.
Episodes
- Government in Exile
Francis II established a government in exile in Rome, recognized by several Catholic powers, after his deposition.
- Capitulation of Gaeta
Francis II surrendered the fortress on 13 February 1861 after naval withdrawal enabled bombardment, ending the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Background and detail
Capitulation. The siege began in November 1860. Francis II defended the fortress with approximately 12,000 men, inspired by his wife Queen Maria Sophie. The withdrawal of the French fleet allowed for effective bombardment from the sea, which culminated in heavy shelling in January 1861. On 13 February, Francis II was forced to capitulate, ending the existence of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Exile. Following the capitulation, Francis II was deposed, and his territory was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia, soon renamed the Kingdom of Italy. The former king and his wife initially lived in Rome as guests of the Pope, maintaining a government in exile recognized by several Catholic powers, including France, Spain, Austria-Hungary, and Bavaria.
People involved
- Francis II · Deposed King of the Two Sicilies
- Enrico Cialdini · Piedmontese general who received the victory title of Duke of Gaeta
- Maria Sophie · Queen of the Two Sicilies
Sources
- Siege of Gaeta (1860–1861) Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-22
- Gaeta Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-20
- Francis II of the Two Sicilies Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-29
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