History

History

The area was inhabited before the Middle Ages. Archaeological finds document a Greek settlement whose ancient name remains uncertain: identification with Kallipolis is a hypothesis. The monastery of San Salvatore della Placa is associated with 1092. In 1538 Charles V granted Francavilla to Antonio Balsamo; later lordships included the Ruffo and Oneto families. In June 1719 Spanish and Austrian armies fought here.