Spanish Immigration in Italy, 1500–1700

This article focuses on Spanish immigration to Italy in the period from 1500 to 1700, the centuries when Spanish rule in Naples, Sicily, and Milan led to large-scale immigration of soldiers, clergy, viceroys, governors, and their followers and families. Presently, there is a lack of any detailed study of this important aspect of Spanish imperialism for the broader Italian context. This article argues that such a study is essential for understanding the social, economic, political, and cultural history of Italy in this period and presents avenues for future research.