Siege of Gaeta
War of the Polish Succession · Gaeta, Kingdom of Naples (Italy)
Summary
The siege of Gaeta is one of the last major military operations of the War of the Polish Succession. The fortress, held by the Austrians, is besieged by Franco-Spanish forces under Marshal de Villars. After long resistance and several sortie attempts, the garrison finally capitulates in August 1735.
Historical context
Gaeta is an essential strategic position in the Kingdom of Naples, last Austrian bastion in Italy. Its capture allows consolidation of French and Spanish presence in the south of the peninsula and completion of the Italian campaign.
Tactics
Prolonged siege with constant trenches and bombardments, use of a fleet to block the sea, coordinated infantry and artillery attacks to weaken defenses, enemy sorties repulsed.
Consequences
The siege of Gaeta, lasting four months, ended on 6 August 1734 with the Franco-Spanish victory of Charles III of Spain over the Austrian garrison. The fall of the fortress marked the end of major military operations in Italy for this war and prepared the Treaty of Vienna of 1738.