Toscana

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

TUSCIA followeth, which ancient Writers doe celebrate by three speciall names, Tyrrhenia, Etruria, and Tuscia: the latter of these three names it still retaineth. For it is commonly called Tuscany. The bounds of it are on the South the Neather Sea, or the Tyrrhene Sea: on the North the Apennine Mountaine, where there is a part of Vmbria, and Gallia •ogata: on the West Liguria, from which it is parted by the River Macra: on the East Tiberis. That part which is neerer to the Sea, is plainer and pleasanter, but the inward parts are more Mountainous; but in generall it is as faire and delightfull as any Country in Italie. It hath spacious flourishing fields, very fruitfull, pleasant Vales, Mountaines, and Hills, which are adorned with faire houses, and Orchards planted with Orange-trees, and Cittorne-trees. It hath abundance of Vineyards, which yeeld excellent rich Wine. The ancient Inhabitants were heretofore generally called Tyrrhenians, Etruscians, and Tuscians. Afterward from Romulus time the Romanes began to warre against the Tuscians, which warre they maintained a long time, so that matters being brought to a dangerous estate, they were faine to send out a Dictator against them. But in the yeere from the building of the Citty 474. the Vulsinensians and the Vulciensians the most flourishing people of the Etruscians bebeing overcome by the Consul. Ti. Coruncanius, they were added to the Romane Empire, and so the Empire was enlarged on that side even to Ar•us. Neither had they afterward any just occasion to warre with the Tuscians. So that being thus subjected they continued faithfull to the Romane People. But when the Romane Empire began to 〈◊〉, they were oppressed with many calamities, by the Gothes, th• Langbards, the Huns, and others. At length it came to passe that the greater part of Etruria is now subject to the great Duke of Etruria, u•der whose government there are these noble Townes, Florence, Pisa, Sena, Pratum, Pistorium, Volatterra, Mons Politianus, Aretium, Cortona, Pescia, Piertia, Mons Alcinus, Liburnum, Plumbinum, and many other Townes. That which they call S. Peters Patrimony belongeth to the Pope. It beginneth from the River Pescia, and S. Quirie, and so reacheth to the Castle Caparanum in new Latium not farre from the River Li•us. Pontremulum neere the Fountaine of the River Marca belongeth to the King of Spaine, which heretofore belonged to the Dukes of Millan, also Pertus Herculis, Orbetellum Mons Argentarius, and Plumbini Arx also the Carfenianian or Grasinianian Valley, which lyeth beneath the Apennine on both sides of the River Sercia, in which there is the new Grasinianian Castle, with many other Castles and Townes, are subject to the Duke of Ferrara. Sarzan by the River Macra looketh toward Gen•a. Massa and Carraria do belong to particular Marquesses, who are adorned with their Titles. There are also other Townes which were subject to the Romanes, as Bracianum, of which the Ursi•es are Dukes. Moreover in Tuscia there are these chiefe Citties: 〈◊〉 very curious Citty, which Trogus, and others call Pisae. The Inhabitants have a very good memory, because the Citty is seated in a thick ayre. It lyeth betweene the Rivers Auseres, and Arnus, as Strabo, and Pliny doe note. Now Arnus runneth by it which hath three Havens. Dionysius Halic. Lib. 1. doth celebrate and praise the antiquity and nobility thereof. Others doe deliver, that it was usually accounted one of the 12. chiefe Citties of Etruria, the Duke of Etruria, is often stil'd Duke of Pisa, and the Knights of S. Stephen, who were instituted by this Duke, have a house in this Citty. The Pisanians did build the chiefe Temple which they call Domus, or the House, which is 540. paces in compasse, and supported with 70. Pillars, and also they built the Bishops house with, the spoiles which they brought away after the conquest of the Sarazens at Panormus. The soyle round about this Citty is fitt for tillage; and so fruitfull, that it feedeth all Etruria, and sendeth Corne to other Countries. The Wines are not very good: but there are excellent Melons. There is also Leuca, of which Iulius Sealiger saith, Tuscis delitium, Tuscilaus incluta Coeli: Luca is well known both to Latine and Greeke Writers: Strabo and Ptolemy call it Leuca. It is a faire Citty, and populous, seated on a Plaine, and environed on every side with Hills strongly walled, and well paved, it is not very great, but full of Citizens, and hath continuall traffique and trading. The Inhabitants are neat, wise, witty: who have a long time kept their liberty, albeit their neighbours have often assaulted them. Pistorium, now called Pistoja, is walled about & was much enlarged by Desiderius King of the Langbards. At length the Florentines laid it to their own Territory. Florence is the chiefe Citty and Metropolis of Etruria. It is now commonly called Fiorenza, or Firenza. It is thought that Florence was so called ab Flore from a Flower, in regard that the happy & flourishing estate therof resembleth a Flower, or else in regard of the flourishing excellent wits of the Inhabitants, or lastly, because it was derived from Rome the most flourishing Citty. It is 6. miles in compasse, and containeth above 90000. Inhabitants, it is seated on a levell plaine by the River Arnus, which cutteth it into two parts which are united again, & joyned together with faire Bridges, it is paved, & adorned with faire streets, and on the East & North it is encompassed with pleasant Hills clothed with fruit-bearing trees, and on the West side it hath a faire Plaine. It lyeth in a middle Climate between Aretium & Pisa, the former of these Citties doth produce sharpe wits, and the other, men of a strong faithfull memory. The armes of the Appennine doe fortifie it against the invasions or incursions of enemies, it is very faire and beautifull▪ insomuch that it is a common saying Florenza la bella, totiusque slos Italiae; that is, Florence the faire, and the flower of all Italy: there are here many sacred, and prophane publike Buildings, which for brevity sake I omit. The Inhabitants are witty, grave, eloquent, and studious of good Arts. They love to get money, & to that end they trade into forraine Countries. The Women are very beautifull, and chaste, and their habit, as also that which the men weare is very decent and comely Volaterra, which Ptolemy calleth Ovolaterrai, and the Itinerary Tables Aquae Volaterrae, is seated on a steepe rugged Rocke. The walls are of Free square stone, sixe foote broad, which are neatly and cunningly built without Morter. This Citty hath five Gates, and at every one of them a Fountaine of pure water. The walls doe shew the antiquity thereof, as also the Sepulchers, Epitaphs in Etrurian Letters, and ancient Marble Statues, and also carved stones which are digged forth daily, and other things. That which Ptolemy calls Saena, and the Itinerarie Tables Saena Iulia, is commonly called Siena, being distant from Rome 800. Furlongs, and seated on a high ground, on this side Arbia, having as it were three corners, of which that which looketh Southward is broader than those which are Eastward and Westward: it hath a good wholesome ayre, but that it is troubled sometimes with blasting windes. Many of the Poets doe call it delitias Italiae, that is the delight and pleasure of Italie, Saena is paved, having strait long streets, and high Towers, and also many noblemens houses. The Citizens are very courteous towards Strangers, much adicted to gaine and worldly affaires. That which Ptolemy calls Perusia, and Eutropius and the Itinerarie Tables Perusium, the Italians doe now call Perugia. It is seated on a Hill of the Apennine, and fortified by the naturall situation. It hath many faire Buildings both publike and private, Viterbium standeth in a faire spacious place, and hath Cyminian Mountaines behind it, it is built of square stone, and hath many Towers. Among the publike workes there is a famous Fountaine, which springeth continually. It hath a good fruitfull soyle, which yeeldeth abundance of Wine and fruits. There are also many Lakes in Etruria. As that which Livie and others call Trasumenus, and Silius Trasimenus, and now it is called from the Citty neere unto it Lago de Perugia, that which Antoninus calleth Lacus Aprilis, is now called Fangosa Palude, the Sea-lake, or the Salt-lake, or Lago d'Orbitello, is called in their language Lacus Vadimonis, there are also the Ciminian Lake, the Volsiniensian, the Sabatian, the Bientinian, and the Cianian. It hath many Rivers, which are full of excellent Fish, as namely, Laventia, Frigidus, Anser, Arnus, Cecinna, Cornia, Alma, Brunus, Vmbro, Osa, Albengia, Floris, Martha, Minio, Eris, Vacina, Sanguinaria, Aron, and some others. It hath also wholesome Bathes, and other waters endued with wonderfull vertue. Here are divers Mountaines, as also the Mountaine Ciminus, well knowne to Livie, Vibius, and Virgil. That which Pliny calls Soractis is now called Monte de S. Silvestro. Orosius also placeth the Fessulanian Mountaines in Etruria. The Cortonensians also are there on the North side of the Lake Transumenus. The Woods are the Volsinian wood, the Ciminian wood, and Maesia. It hath also divers Libraries, as at Pisa by the Dominicans, at Luca by the Franciscans, sixe in the Citty of Florence, and one at Saena, and Perusia. Moreover Livy and Diodorus doe report that the Etrurians are the strongest, richest and best governed Nation of Italy. It appeareth by ancient Writers that they were alwayes much adicted to ceremonies, insomuch that they were the first that invented Sacrifices, Divinations, Southsayings, and Auguries, and so delivered them to the Romanes, as Tully in his Booke of divination and others doe note. Mercator doth reckon these Bishops in Tuscany, Nepesinus, Castellanensis, Montis Falconis, Viterbiensis, Suavensis, Castellanus, Vulteranus, the Archbishop Senensis, Fesulanus, Zarzanensis, Sutri, Ortanensis, Cornetanensis, Tuscanensis, Clusinus, Aretinas, Pientinensis, Pistoriensis, Binensis, Corthonensis, Civitatensis, Balneorigensis, Vrbevetanus, Castrensis, Perusinus, Grossetanus, Lucanus, Florentinus, Arch, Lunensis: the Archbishop of Pisa under whom are Messanensis, Civitanensis, and other Bishops in Corsica.

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Toscana, Hetruria, Thuscia, Tuscia, a very considerable Province of Italy; containing the greatest part of the ancient Hetruria. Bounded on the North by the Apennine; on the West by the River Magra, and the Tyrrhenian Sea; on the South and East by the Tyber, the Clain, and the Marta. It contains that space which made up the States of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca: but so that this last is still a Free State; whereas the three former are subject to the Duke of Florence: on which account this Country is frequently called the Dukedom of Florence. The Capital of it is Florence. For the History see Florence, &c. This Country was conquered by the Romans in the year of Rome 455.

//ancient names

• Etruria, Toscana. p.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

THE Dominions of the Grand Duke of Toscany have the Ecclesiastical State for their Northern and Eastern Bounds, the Mediterranean Sea on the South, and the Republick of Lucca, and the Dutchy of Modena on the West. Their utmost extent from North-West to South-East, is about 170 Miles; and 120 from North-East to South-West. Toscany was heretofore of a much larger compass, and known by the names of Etruria, Thuscia, and Tyrrhenia: Indeed it is a very fruitful Country, water'd with a great number of Rivers; once extreamly populous, but now much dis-peopl'd, and in a decaying Condition, by reason of the severity of the Government. The House of Medicis acquir'd the Lordship of Florence, A. D. 1531. wherein are comprehended the Territories of Florence, properly so call'd, together with those of Pisano and Sienese, which were govern'd in form of Republicks, before the time of Cosmo de Medicis, whom the Emperour Charles V. created Duke of Toscany under the Popedom of Pius V. and his Successors have always retain'd the same Title. This Soveraign Prince is the richest and most powerful in Italy, being able to raise 40000 Foot, and 3000 Horse; and can put to Sea, upon occasion, 12 Galleys, 2 Galleasses, and 20 Ships of War. His ordinary Revenue amounts to 1500000 Crowns, some say 2000000; then his Expences being small, and his Merchandize large, he is thought to have in his Treasury 20000000 Pies of Gold, besides his Jewels and moveable Goods of an extraordinary Value. Moreover, there are mineral Waters in many Places of these Dominions, and natural Baths, proper for the curing of several sorts of Diseases: The Country in like manner affords abundance of Olives, Citrons, Oranges, Flax, Woad, and Saffron; there are also made divers kinds of Manufactures, viz. Serges, Woolen-Cloaths, Silks, Tapestries, Linsey-woolsey, gilded Leather, and very curious earthen Vessels.

The Principal Rivers of TOSCANY are the Arno, the Serchio, the Cecinna, and the Ombrone.

TOSCANY divided into Three Parts.

• 1. The Territories of Florence, wherein are included these Cities and Towns, viz.
  • FLORENCE, Archb. Cap.
  • Pistoia, Bish.
  • Prato, Bish.
  • Cortono, Bish.
  • ...Scarparia.
  • Borgo S. Sepolchro, Bish.
  • Empoli, Bish.
  • Arezzo, Bish.
  • Fiesoli, Bish.
• 2. Pisano, in which are
  • Pisa, Archb.
  • Leghorn, Port.
  • Volterra, Bish.
  • Campiglia, Bish.
• 3. Sienese, in which are
  • Siena, Archb.
  • Pienza, Bish.
  • Mont Alcino, Bish.
  • Piombino, Port. Bish.
  • Orbitello, Bish. appertaining to the Spaniards.
  • Massa, Bish.
  • Grosseto, Bish.
  • Porto Hercole, appertaining to the Spaniards.

FLORENCE, Florentia, call'd Fiorenza and Firenze, by the Italians, in the Latit. of 43 Deg. and the Longit. of 34 Deg. 20 Min. the Metropolis of Toscany, and the usual place of Residence of the grand Duke of this Name, is situated on the River Arno, as it were in the middle of the Ground-plat of an Amphitheatre, being environ'd for the space of Four or Five Miles, except on the side of Pistoia, with very fruitful Hills that rise up insensibly, and are joyn'd to the high Mountains. The great number of Houses with which these Hills are cover'd, as well as the Plain, afford a most delightful Prospect to the Eye, and in taking a view from the top of one of the Towers, of this vast Level beset with Villages and Houses of Pleasure, one would imagine it to be only one continued Suburbs. And indeed, it may well be affirm'd, that this rich and delicate Valley is one of the best peopl'd Places in the World. The City is built in a round form, and extends it self about 6 Miles in compass, but includes much wast Ground, the River dividing it in two unequal Parts, over which are erected 4 Stately Stone-Bridges. Within the Walls are contain'd (as it is credibly reported) 8800 Houses, and 60000 Souls, as also 22 Hospitals, 90 Convents, 84 Religious Societies, 152 Churches, 18 Halls or Merchants Houses, 72 Courts of Justice, 17 publick Places, 6 Pillars, 2 Pyramids, 4 Bridges, 7 Fountains, and 160 Statues, besides a famous University. The Pavement of the Streets altogether consists in very large Squares of a greyish Stone, commonly call'd Pietra-forte, and hew'n out of the neighbouring Quarries. A considerable part of the Houses are rais'd with the same sort of Stone, many of them being of an extraordinary largeness and Beauty. In fine, some Persons avouch the Palaces of Florence to be the best built in Italy; so that it seems they had good reason to impose on this City the Epithet of The Fair.

The Palace Pitti, where the grand Duke resides; is a magnificent Building, and cry'd up by the Inhabitants even beyond measure; but the Court-yard seems to be much too little in proportion to the largeness of the Structure. Near the Gate of this Palace lyes a huge Load-stone, which has been spoil'd by Fire, and (according to the report of Monsieur Spon) weighs 5000 Pounds. Over-against the old Ducal Palace, wherein all those Rareties are preserv'd that are so much talkt of in the World, stand divers Statues of admirable Workmanship; and among others, that of Cosmus I. made by John of Bononia: The 3 pieces of Basso-Relievo, on the Pedestal of this Statue, represent the said Cosmus kneeling before the Pope, of whom he receiv'd the Title of Grand-Duke; the same Prince likewise making his publick Entry at Florence in a kind of triumphal Chariot, and the Senate performing certain Ceremonies when they invested him with the Sovereign Authority. The great Gallery of this Palace is near 400 Foot long, the Cieling is painted, and there is a fine Walk between two rows of Statues, which are almost all Ancient: Higher against the Wall on one side, are plac'd the Images of the ancient Philosophers; and on the other, those of the renowned Generals of Armies. From this Gallery we pass into many Chambers all full of Rarities: In the first of these; one may observe a branched Candlestick made with great pieces of Amber, a fine Column of oriental Alabaster, a Rhinoceros's-Horn of an extraordinary large size, a vast Number of Works in Basso Relievo, and other ancient Sculptures; as also, of Medals, Idols, Sepulchral Lamps, Stones, Minerals, and other natural Curiosities: In the second are only contain'd abundance of fine Pictures: The Third is call'd The Mathematical Chamber; where, among other Things, are Globes and Spheres of 7 Foot in Diameter: The Fourth is furnish'd with more choice Paintings than those of the Second; there is also the Ebony Cabinet, with its Ornaments of Amber, Ivory and precious Stones; the large rough Emeral fix'd in its Rock; the Table of Lapis Lazuli, on which is describ'd the Plan of Leghorn; and the Portraictures of Illustrious Personages of the present Age, are the principal Ornaments of the Fifth Chamber. Among the Generals and renowned Commanders, are three of the English Nation, viz. Oliver Cromwell, General, Monk, and the late Earl of Ossory. In the Sixth Chamber are 137 Portraictures of the most famous Painters, done by their own Hands. The Seventh is adorn'd with Vessels of Porcelain; and the Five following are all fill'd with great variety of all manner of Curiosities.

But the most precious Utensils are kept in the octogonal Hall, which is 20 Foot in Diameter, and has a Dome for its Roof; the Pavement consisting of different Marble-Stones very artificially inlaid: The Walls are hung with Crimson-Velvet, and beautify'd with many rare Ornaments: The Windows are of Crystal, and the inside of the Dome lin'd with Mother of Pearl; neither is any thing laid up in this Place that is not of a very great Value, and of exquisite Beauty. Among the Diamonds is to be seen here, that which is described by Monsieur Tavernier, weighing 139 Caracts and an half, may deservedly be plac'd in the first Rank. There are also many other Rarities, particularly an Ancient Head of Julius Caesar, made of one Torquoise as big as an Egg: A Press fill'd with Vessels of Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Rock-Crystal, and Cornelian: A large Table and Cabinet of inlaid Work, entirely compos'd of oriental Jaspar, Chalcedonies, Rubies, Topazes, and other precious Stones curiously wrought▪ A Collection of very rare Medals: A vast Number of little pieces of ancient Sculptures and Gravings extreamly well preserv'd. Many choice Paintings, or rather Master-pieces of the most excellent Artists: Six Greek Statues, the beauty of which exceeds imagination: Two Men a Wrestling: The Country-man that whetted his Bill or Hatchet when he heard of Catiline's Conspiracy: The Images of Faunus and Cupid sleeping: One of Venus 6 Foot high, and another of the same Goddess, less by one Foot; but both made of white Marble. From hence one may pass through a little Gallery of Communication to the old Palace of the Republick, where is the Wardrobe, and a rich Coach that serv'd at the nuptial Solemnities of the Grand Duke. The great Hall of this Palace is 172 Foot long, and 74 Broad.

The Cathedral of Florence is a very large and noble Pile of Building, although the Architecture, in many of its Parts, is according to the Gothick Fashion, being cas'd both on the out-side and in-side, and pav'd all over with polish'd Marble of different Colours: Its length consists of 490 Feet, and its heighth from the end of the Cross on the Globe of 180. Among the Statues in this Church, the most considerable are that of St. James (carv'd by Sansevino) leaning against one of the Pillars which support the Dome; and of Adam and Eve (by Bandinello) behind the high Altar; as also those of St. Peter and Christ dead, plac'd on the same Altar, and made by the same Artificer. The Paintings of the Dome represent the Resurrection, and are the Workmanship of Frederick Zucchero. This Cupolo was the first Model of all the rest in Italy, and is the largest, except that of St. Peter's at Rome. The Steeple is a square Tower 180 Foot high, cas'd all over with Squares of red, black and white Marble, and adorn'd with a great number of Statues. The Church of St. Laurence is, in like manner, a very large and sumptuous Structure; and it may be truly affirm'd, That the famous Chapel, which has been so long in Building, will be the most magnificent in the World: It is of a very considerable largeness and heighth; in the middle of every Front of its Hexagon is erected a double row of Jaspar Pilasters, with double Capitals of Cast-Copper gilt; the Cornish and whole Entablature consisting of the same Materials: On the Pedestal of every Pilaster are divers devices in precious Stones, inlaid with all the Art imaginable: In the six Angles or Corners are as many stately Tombs of Porphyry, and of the most rich sort of Marble: On the top of every Tomb is fix'd a large Jaspa• Pillow or Cushion enrich'd with precious Stones of all sorts, and on every Cushion a Crown of much greater value: The Pedestal or Base that supports these Monuments, is lin'd with Porphyry and Chalcedony, and the Epitaphs of those Princes for whom they are design'd, will be added; their Statues of Brass Gilt, twice bigger than the Life, will be also plac'd in the niches of black Marble, prepar'd for that purpose, in the Wall above the same Tombs: The Ceiling of the Dome will be of pure Lapis Lazuii, with Roses; and some other gilt Ornaments: All the rest of the Walls are divided into Compartments of fine Agates, Marbles, Onyx-stones, &c. every Pannel being set off with Squares, and other Embellishments of Copper gilt; besides the Altar, which will surpass all the other Parts in abundance of costly Furniture. Moreover, the Library of St. Laurence is remarkable for its rare Manuscripts, and the Church of the Holy Cross for the Tomb of Michael Angelo; which, nevertheless, seems not to be altogether worthy of so great a Personage.

The City of Florence was first founded by the Soldiers of Sylla, A. U. 645. and a Colony was establish'd there by the Triumvirs, Augustus, Marcus Antonius, and Lepidus. Afterward it was raz'd by Totila, but repair'd by Charlemagne, and very much enlarg'd by the ruins of Fesulae, or Fiesoli, a neighbouring Town. It is defended by the Arsenal and Citadel of St. John Baptist, which are very strong and in good Condition; but the two Forts of Belvedere, and St. Miniato are as it were abandoned. Florence has given birth to many Popes, particularly to Leo X. Clement VII. Clement VIII. Leo XI. and Ʋrban VIII. but Victor II. dy'd there. A. D. 1057. and Stephen X. in 1058. Here was also held a famous Council conven'd by Eugenius IV. wherein John Palaeologus, Emperor of Constantinople, was present, A. D. 1439. This noble City stands 50 Miles South of Bononia, 60 South-East of Modena, 90 of Parma, 104 of Mantua, 126 almost South of Venice, and 132 North-West of Rome.

Pistoia, Pistoria or Pistorium, is seated in a Plain at the foot of Mount Apennine, and on the Banks of the little River Stella, at the distance of 14 Miles from the Ecclesiastical State, and the Province of Bolognese to the South, 20 from Lucca, and as many from Florence to the West; its Episcopal See being subject to the Metropolitan of this last City. It was also the Place of Nativity of Pope Clement IX. but its Trade is very inconsiderable; so that it subsists altogether on the fruitfulness of the adjacent Country, which is well cultivated, yet not sufficient to enrich it. And indeed, one shall scarce meet with a poorer or more deserted Town, especially since it has lost its Liberty.

However, it is larger than Lucca, the Streets being •lso broad and straight; and one may perceive that it has been formerly a flourishing City. The Inhabitants of Pistoia have a particular Veneration for Saint James, by Reason of some Relief they had obtain'd from him, and because they have a great many of his Relicks. In the Chappel dedicated to this Saint, in the Cathedral Church, is engrav'd a Prayer, wherein he is styled the First of the Apostles. The Altar is cover'd with Silver, and Surrounded with Lamps of a great value.

Prato Pratum, is water'd with the River Bisentio, and well built in a pleasant Country, in the midst, between Florence to the East, and Pistoia to the West; whereto its Episcopal See is always united.

Cortona, Corto, Cortona or Cyrtonium, a small but fair City, is founded on the top of an high Mountain, on the Confines of the Ecclesiastical State, and the Province of Ombria, 5 Miles from the Lake of Perusia to the North, 14 from Arezzo, and 8 from the Marshes of China. Pope John XX. establish'd a Bishop's See in this place, under the Metropolitan of Florence, A. D. 1325. whereas before it was part of the Diocess of Arezzo; but it now depends only on that of Rome.

B•rgo-San-Sepolchro, Biturgia or Burgum Sancti Sepulchri, hath its Situation near the River Tyber, and the Frontiers of the Ecclesiastical Patrimony, whereto it formerly appertain'd; but it was pawn'd by Pope Eugenius IV. to the Florentines, and remains at present in the possession of the Grand Duke of Toscany. It is distant 50 Miles from Florence to the East, as also 10 from Citta di Castella to the North, and was erected into an Episcopal See by Pope Leo X. A. D. 1515.

Empoli, Emporium or Empolice, a small Town on the River Arno, nevertheless dignify'd with the Title of an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Florence; from whence it is distant about 20 Miles to the South-West, and 32 from Pisa.

Arezzo, Aretium, stands on the side of a Mountain, in the midst of a fertile Plain, scarcely 3 Miles distant from the Fenn of Chiana, which a little below dischargeth it self into the River Arno, as also 28 Miles from Siena to the East, 30 from Perusia to the North-west, 40 from Florence, and 16 from Citta di Castello to the West. It owes its Foundation (as they say) to Aretas, the Son of Janus; and was one of the 12 first Colonies of the Toscans: It is also the Seat of a Prelate, suffragan to the Arch-bishop of Florence, but free from his Jurisdiction.

Fessole or Fiezzoli, Fesulae or Fesula, was in like manner one of the first Colonies establish'd by the Toscans in these Territories, and was ruin'd by the Goths. It was also taken through a Stratagem by the Florentines, A. D. 1010. and utterly demolish'd: Whereupon the Inhabitants were commanded to repair to Florence, from whence it is distant about •2 Leagues to the North-East; insomuch that there as yet remains only the Cathedral Church, together with some few Houses and a Monastery erected on an Hill.

PISA, Pisae or Pisa, in the Latit. of 42 Deg. 30 Min. and the Longit. of 33 Deg. 10 Min. is seated in a spacious Plain that brings forth abundance of Corn and excellent Grapes, and on the Banks of the River Arno, over which stand 3 fair Bridges, about 4 Miles from the Sea-coasts, 14 North of Legorn, 8 almost South-West of Lucca, 53 West of Florence, and 170 North-West of Rome. It was heretofore a free City, and a potent Republick▪ which took the Island of Sardinia from the Saracenes, subdu'd Carthage and the Isles of Majorca, and was very serviceable to the Eastern Christians. Afterward Pisa was storm'd by the Florentines, and was restor'd to its former Liberty by Charles VIII. King of France. But it fell again into the Possession of the Florentines, and so at last became subject to the Grand Duke. It is at present a very large City, the Second of Toscany, and the usual Place of Residence of the Knights of the Order of St. Stephen, whom Cosmus I. instituted in the Year 1561. on purpose to defend the Coasts of the Toscan Sea against the Incursions of the Foreign Enemies: These Knights wear a red Cross on a black Mantle, with a Fire-colour'd Girdle, and their Church is fill'd with Flags, Lanthorns, and other Spoils taken from the Turks: The Statue of the same Grand Duke Cosmus is erected in the Court yard over against this Church. The Streets of Pisa are broad, straight, and pav'd with large Stones, and the Houses are generally well built. The River Arno being Navigable, and twice as broad as the Tyber at Rome, divides the Town into two Parts, which are not very unequal: but they are extreamly decay'd and forsaken, yet contain at present about 2290 Houses, although Grass grows in the midst of the Streets in divers Places. This desolate Condition is without Doubt the effect of the last War with the Florentines, who sack'd, and almost ruin'd the City, when they had made themselves Masters thereof; neither can it be deny'd, but that the Town of Legorn, which was founded within these few Years on the Port of Pisa, has drawn away many of its Inhabitants.

However, here still remain some stately Edifices, particularly the Palace, Town-House, Citadel and Cathedral Church, which is supported with 26 Marble Pillars, and built much after the same manner as that of Siena; but it is larger, and its situation in the middle of a spacious Court-yard is much more advantageous. The Baptistery, and famous bowing Tower, are likewise very remarkable Buildings, which may be seen at one view with the Church, and stand only at the distance of 30 or 40 Paces in the same Publick Place, as also on the same Level on each side, being altogether cas'd with fine Marble, and of an Uniform Architecture. The Baptistery, is of a round form, about 180 Paces in compass, and has a Cupolo on the top, as the Dome of St. Peter's Church at Rome: There is also an Echo, which very much augments any sound; so that if one strikes a Blow, or cries out, it lasts as long as that which proceeds from the chiming of a large Bell. As for the Tower, some say it was built stooping of set purpose by the Architect; others, that it does not really stoop, but only seems so to do, deceiving the sight by a new and secret Device of Architecture; others again avouch, that it seems to lean on all sides according to the station of the Beholders: but all these Persons are much mistaken, and seek for a Mystery where never any was; for the bowing of the Tower happen'd only accidentally, its Foundation being sunk on one side, as it will plainly appear to any one that examines the Matter. The heighth of this Tower is 188 Feet, and its Shape is exactly that of a Cylinder: The Platform or Terrass on the top is encompass'd with Ballisters, and the Stair-case consists of 193 Steps.

The Church-yard call'd Campo Santo, by reason of certain heaps of Earth which the Pisans caus'd to be brought thither out of the Palestine, A. D. 1228. when they sent supplies to the Emperour Frederick Barbarossa who took Jerusalem, is a kind of Cloister, 190 Paces long, and 66 broad, in comprehending the wideness of the Portico's, where are erected a great number of Tombs; and one may observe an ancient Inscription, set in a Wall of one of the Porches; it is a Decree of the City of Pisa, whereby it was ordain'd, Nunciata morte Caesaris, &c. That is, The Death of the Emperor being declar'd, That the People should wear a mourning Habit, during a whole Year, and abstain from all manner of publick Divertisements. This City was dignified with the Title of a Metropolitan See, through the special Favour of Pope Ʋrban II. A. D. 1092. and an University was founded there by Lorenzo de Medicis, in 1472.

Legorn, in Ital. Livorno, Ligurnus or Liburnus Portus, is a famous Sea-port Town, situated in a Flat Country, on the Coasts of the Toscan-Sea, at the distance of 12 Miles from the Mouth of the River Arno, 24 almost South of Lucca, 56 almost South-West of Florence, and 160 almost North-West of Rome: It formerly appertain'd to the Jurisdiction of the Republick of Genoa, but was granted in the preceeding Age to the Grand Duke of Toscany, in exchange for the City of Serzana, which then remain'd in his Possession. Indeed, that of Legorn, as it hath been lately re-built, is a very considerable Place, on the account of its Traffick and great resort of foreign Merchants; for before it was only a small and unhealthy Town, by reason of the standing Waters and adjacent Marshes. It contains about 3560 Houses, and is well fortify'd with Walls, Bastions, and a deep Trench round, except on the Sea-side. It is likewise defended with 3 Fortresses, and hath a very capacious and safe Harbour, which is divided into two Ports, viz. the Greater and the Lesser; the former hath been render'd extreamly commodious, through the means of a large Mole, and the other having a very strait entrance, serves to receive the Gallies. The Streets are very broad, all running parallel in a straight line, and the Houses generally of an equal height, almost all painted on the out-side: The Ducal Palace, and Arsenal, are likewise very fair Buildings. Here is also erected a House, or kind of Hospital, on purpose for the Galley Slaves, wherein they lie; which Custom is not observ'd any where else.

Volterra, Volaterrae, is a place of very great Antiquity, and one of the 12 first Colonies of the Toscans, standing on a Mountain in a very fruitful Country, about 34 Miles from Florence to the South, and 37 from Legorn to the East: It is more especially remarkable for its Springs of Medicinal Water, and hath been long since dignified with the Title of an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Florence.

Siena, Senae or Sena, in the Latit. of 42 Deg. 30 Min. and the Longit. of 34 Deg. 40 Min. is seated in the midst of divers Hills, and on a kind of Platform, being distant 28 Miles nigh South of Florence, 64 East of Legorn and Pisa, and 104 North-West of Rome: It is almost 4 Miles in Compass, including much wast Ground, and contains 1820 Houses, being a fair and great City, well fortify'd with a Citadel, built in form of a Pentagon, and 15 or 16 Square Towers like those of Viterbo: It is also adorn'd with an University, and a Metropolitan See establish'd by Pope Pius II. A. D. 1459. The publick Edifices, Palaces and Churches, are very magnificent, more especially the Cathedral, which is almost entirely cas'd, both in the inside and outside, with Marble; the Ornaments of the Architecture being the finest in their kind: The Pavement of the Quire consists likewise of black and white Marble, wrought in Mosaick Work, and enrich'd with curious Figures, representing divers Histories of the Old and New-Testament. This Work was begun by Duceio, and finish'd by Dominico Beccafumi: but that part next the Quire is best preserv'd, shewing the Sacrifice of Abraham, and the Passage of the Red-Sea; the Roof is Azure, set with Golden-Stars, and supported with two rows of Pillars. The Hospitals, the Monasteries of the Dominicans, and Cordeliers, and some other publick Buildings, are likewise very remarkable. The Situation of the great Market-Place is somewhat deep, so that it may be fill'd with Water, sufficient for the extinguishing of any Fire that happens in the Town. Siena was, in time past, a Free-City, and during some Ages, the Capital of the Republick; but, at length, being taken by the Spaniards, A. D. 1554. it was resign'd to the Duke of Toscany, who, as yet, possesseth it, together with all the adjacent Territories.

Piombino, Plumbinum, is a well-fortified and large Town on the Coasts of the Toscan-Sea, lying almost in the midst between Orbitello to the South-East, and Legorn to the North-West, at the distance of 50 Miles from both, and somewhat more from Siena, and 14 from the Island of Elba, which is subject to its Jurisdiction: It sprang up out of the Ruins of Populonia, an ancient ruin'd Town in the Neighbourhood, and is Govern'd by its own proper Prince, of the Family of Lodovici, although defended by a Garrison of Spaniards.

Orbitello, Orbitellum and Ʋrbatellum, is seated near the Sea-shore, at the Foot of Mount Argentaro, 40 Miles from Civita-Vecchia to the West, and 50 from the Isle of Elba to the East. This Town formerly depended on the Dominions of the Republick of Siena, since the Year 1451. but when the latter fell into the Hands of the Grand-Duke of Toscany, the Spaniards retain'd the Possession thereof, together with some other small Towns, viz. those of Telamone, Porto Hercole, Porto Stephano, and Mount Argentaro, fortifying them with Garrisons and Castles; whence the adjacent Country is call'd by the Inhabitants Lo Stato delle Presidii.

Massa, Massa, a very small and ill-built City, is Founded on an Hill, and distant 3 Miles off the Sea, 13 South-East of Sarsana, 24 North-west of Pisa and Lucca, and 66 West of Florence. However, it hath been the See of a Prelate, Suffragan to the Arch-bishop of Siena, ever since the decay of Populonium, and includes within its Diocess the Islands of Elba and Caprara.