The Battle of Lissa was a naval engagement that took place on July 20, 1866, during the Austro-Prussian War. It was fought between the fleets of the Kingdom of Italy and the Austrian Empire near the island of Lissa in the Adriatic Sea.
The battle resulted from Italy's attempt to break the Austrian naval blockade of the Italian peninsula. The Italian fleet, commanded by Admiral Carlo Pellion di Persano, sought to gain control of the Adriatic Sea to secure maritime dominance. The Austrian fleet, under the leadership of Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff, aimed to maintain their blockade and prevent Italian reinforcements from reaching Venetia.
The engagement was marked by intense naval artillery exchanges and close-quarter combat. Both sides suffered substantial losses, but the Austrians ultimately emerged victorious. The battle is notable for being the first major clash between ironclad warships, as it witnessed the confrontation of the Italian ironclad ram, Re d'Italia, and the Austrian flagship, Ferdinand Max.
The outcome had significant implications for naval warfare as it highlighted the importance of armored warships and the destructive power of naval gunfire. It also showcased the resilience and tactical prowess of the Austrian navy. Although the Austrians were outnumbered, they skillfully maneuvered their fleet to secure a victory.
The Battle of Lissa remains a significant event in naval history, representing a key turning point in the transition from wooden sailing ships to modern ironclads.
