The Bourbon aristocracy in Sicily
The Bourbon aristocracy in Sicily refers to the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, which ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (encompassing Naples and Sicily) from 1734 until 1861.
This dynasty, which originated from the larger French Bourbon dynasty, ruled over southern Italy for over a century, a period which saw both prosperity and eventual defeat by the forces of the Italian unification. The last Bourbon king was Francis II.
Key aspects of Bourbon rule in Sicily
Establishment: The dynasty was established in 1734 when Charles of Bourbon conquered the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, taking them from Austrian rule. The unified Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formally created in 1816.
Governance: During their rule, southern Italy experienced significant development, including its first constitution in 1812, high university enrollment, and early industrialization.
Culture: The Bourbons fostered a distinct court culture, with the palace at Caserta often called the "Italian Versailles". They spoke Neapolitan as their mother tongue and the official language of the kingdom was Italian, while Neapolitan and Sicilian were common languages.
Decline: The dynasty's rule ended with Giuseppe Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, which led to the annexation of the kingdom by the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Legacy: Though the monarchy was abolished, the Bourbon aristocracy maintained its noble status, and its descendants continue today to represent the historic royal house. Some members of the family now focus on cultural, charitable, and environmental initiatives.
This dynasty, which originated from the larger French Bourbon dynasty, ruled over southern Italy for over a century, a period which saw both prosperity and eventual defeat by the forces of the Italian unification. The last Bourbon king was Francis II.
Key aspects of Bourbon rule in Sicily
Establishment: The dynasty was established in 1734 when Charles of Bourbon conquered the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, taking them from Austrian rule. The unified Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formally created in 1816.
Governance: During their rule, southern Italy experienced significant development, including its first constitution in 1812, high university enrollment, and early industrialization.
Culture: The Bourbons fostered a distinct court culture, with the palace at Caserta often called the "Italian Versailles". They spoke Neapolitan as their mother tongue and the official language of the kingdom was Italian, while Neapolitan and Sicilian were common languages.
Decline: The dynasty's rule ended with Giuseppe Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, which led to the annexation of the kingdom by the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Legacy: Though the monarchy was abolished, the Bourbon aristocracy maintained its noble status, and its descendants continue today to represent the historic royal house. Some members of the family now focus on cultural, charitable, and environmental initiatives.
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