Battle of Custoza (1866)
Custoza, near Verona, Veneto, Italy
What happened
The Italian army under Alfonso La Marmora fought the Austrian South Army under Archduke Albrecht. Italy had allied with Prussia and declared war on Austria to win Venetia. The two armies met head-on in the hills near Villafranca, each expecting a different kind of battle. Late in the day Austria drove the Italians out of Custoza, and La Marmora ordered a retreat across the Mincio River.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It halted Italy's advance into Venetia for a time. But Austria's defeat by Prussia at Königgrätz soon changed the war.
What came next
By the Treaty of Vienna on 3 October 1866, Austria gave up Venetia. In a vote that October, about 99.9% of voters chose to join Italy.
Did you know?
Scenes from the Italian side of the battle were recreated for Luchino Visconti's 1954 film Senso.
Timeline
- 8 April 1866Italy and Prussia sign an alliance.
- 24 June 1866Austria wins at Custoza.
- 3 July 1866Prussia defeats Austria at Königgrätz.
- 3 October 1866The Treaty of Vienna is signed.
- 21-22 October 1866Venetia votes to join Italy.