Battle of Lepanto: Holy League defeats Ottoman fleet

On October 7, 1571, the Holy League achieved a decisive naval victory over the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto, fought in the Gulf of Patras near Greece. The coalition, prompted by Pope Pius V following the Ottoman conquest of Famagusta, included forces from Spain, the Papal States, Venice, Genoa, and Malta.

Commanded by Don Juan of Austria, the Holy League fleet consisted of approximately 206 galleys and 22 sailing ships, carrying around 28,000 soldiers and 43,000 oarsmen. The Ottoman fleet, led by Grand Admiral Ali Pasha, comprised roughly 220 galleys and 80 other vessels. The Holy League's victory is attributed to superior equipment, a higher number of cannons, and tactical maneuvers.

The battle resulted in the death of Ali Pasha and the loss of half the Ottoman fleet, effectively halting Ottoman naval dominance in the eastern Mediterranean. Notably, the engagement included six galleys from Croatian coastal cities: Cres, Krk, Rab, Šibenik, Trogir, and Hvar. The Battle of Lepanto is historically significant as the last major naval engagement primarily involving galleys.