In November 1529, Venice surrendered the city of Monopoli to the Spanish. Charles V, King of Spain, promised it for 40,000 ducats to a certain Pietro Faraone, a merchant from Messina.

The University of Monopoli sends a delegation to the king and to Cardinal Pompeo Colonna, viceroy of Naples, to plead for independence. The king increases the ransom price to 51,000 ducats.

On 18 April 1530, the Monopolitans, led by the women, with admirable determination and sacrifice, collected 10,000 ducats in gold and silver, which were handed over to the king. The sale to the Sicilian merchant does not take place.

The event, very significant in local history, is remembered as the Redemption of the City. The remaining 41,000 ducats, collected from the citizens, were paid over the next four years to the Spanish governor. Part of the money was used to build the Castle of Charles V and the new city walls.

In the second period of Venetian rule, from 1528 to 1530, the city was a free university.

Andrea Gritti, Venetian provveditore, following the outcome of the Congress of Bologna in 1529, abandoned the city to the Spaniards of Charles V who, before conquering it, promised it for 40,000 ducats to a certain Pietro Faraone, a merchant from Messina.

The University of Monopoli sent a delegation to the king, who also held the office of emperor, and to Cardinal Pompeo Colonna, viceroy of Naples, to plead for the city's independence.

The Spanish king increases the ransom price by demanding payment of 51,000 ducats. On 18 April 1530, the Monopolitans, with admirable heroism, led by the women, collected 10,000 ducats in gold and silver, which were handed over to the Spanish government.

The city is no longer ceded. The remaining 41,000 ducats, collected by the administrators of the University through contributions from the citizens, were paid over the next four years by handing over the money to Francesco Pedrosa, the Spanish governor of the city.

Thanks to Professor Carbonara S. for the historical references.

CREDITS: Comune di Monopoli.