Lombardy

Sources from old books

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

HItherto wee have described Italie in generall, now wee come to describe the severall parts thereof in particular. Some have devided Italie divers wayes. Augustus as Pliny witnesseth hath devided it into 11. Countries. Strabo doth part it into eight. Others into more, but we omitting them will follow the devision and method which Mercator hath propounded unto us. And the first is the Table of Lombardy, in which the Westerne part thereof, together with Valesia is described. It is now Euphoniae gratia, or for the sound sake call'd Lombardie, in stead of Langbardia, which was so called from the Langbardians, who came hither out of Germany in the raigne of the Emperour Iustinian: who for many yeeres together were seated on both bankes of the River Po. It was called heretofore Gallia Cisalpina. Gallia was inhabited by the Frenchmen, the Boyans, the Senonians, the Insubrians, the Cenomanians, and others, who inhabited all that part which is between the foot of the Alpes, & the River. That Rubicon was called Cis-Alpina, because it was on this side the Alpes, as the ancient Italians and the Romane Writers doe report, and the other was that which was inhabited beyond the Alpes. This Cis Alpina where it is most Northward, and lyeth neerest to the Mountaines, Pliny calls Sub Alpina, and Caesar calleth it the higher France for the causes before mentioned. Ausonius calleth it ancient France: Appian calleth it Italia Gallica, or Galatiken: the Register Booke of the Provinces calleth it the Mediterranean Italie: not because it lyeth in the Mediterranean Sea, but because it lyeth in the inward part of the Country: it is encompassed on the North, West, and South with the Alpes, and the Apennine: on the East with the Hadriatick Sea. Polybius and Pli•y doe make this Country to have a Triangular forme, the top whereof is the Alpes, and yet Plutarch in Camillus witnesseth that it is watered with many Rivers. Sidonius speaketh elegantly of this Country. Campi adeo culti & uberes intercedunt (de Pado loquitur) ut satis constet haud temerè alios repiriri aut natura feraciores, aut rebus necessarijs ad hominum vitam instructiores. that is, The Fields are so rich and fruitfull that doe lye on either side (for he speaketh of Padus) so that there are none more fertill, or that affoord more necessaries for the sustentation of mans life. Sigonius afterward addeth that the Ligurians and Etrurians were the ancient Princes thereof: afterward the Frenchmen: and lastly, the Romanes after whom the Gothes succeeded: and the Romanes againe after the Gothes: and after the Romanes the Langbards, as we may see in Sabellicus. Lib. Hist. Venetae 1. Decade 4. Strabo, Pliny, and others doe make Gallia Cis Alpina toward the West twofold, either Cis-Padana, commonly called Lombardia di qua dal Po, or Trans-Padana, della dal Po, because the one is on the hither side, the other beyond Po. But here we describe the Westerne part of the Alpine Lumbardy, which doth containe a great part of Lombardy Trans-Padana. This Country although it be Mountainous, and in some places wooddy, yet it is enriched with divers naturall gifts: for the Valleys and Champion grounds, are of a fruitfull soyle, having abundance of Corne, Wine, and other fruits. And Hills which beare excellent Vines. In the Woods also and the Mountaines there is good hunting of wild beasts. Here are many Citties and Townes: as Mediolanum, Crem•, Bergomum, Comum, Clavenna, Luganum, &c. which may be seene in the Table. It hath also more great Lakes than any other parts of Italy: among which is that which Pliny and Strabo call Verbanus, which the Italians, in regard it is greater than the rest, doe call Lago majore: and the Germanes Lang see. Strabo maketh the length of it 300. furlongs, and the breadth of it 30. furlongs. It is so deepe in most places, that it seemes to have no bottome. It doth breed excellent Fish, especially large Trouts and great Pikes, also Perches, and others. The Lake which Virgil and others call Laris Lacus, and Paul Diaconus and Antonius doe call Comacenus from the adjacent Citty, the Italians doe now call it Lago di Como, and the Germanes Chumer-see, it is greater than Benacus, and almost equall to Verbanus. Strabo writeth that the length of it is 300. furlongs, and the breadth 30. furlongs. But moderne Writers doe measure it otherwise. It runneth Northward unto the South, but somewhat bending Eastward. But betweene Verbanum and Larium, there are some lesser Lakes. As the Lakes Luganus, Gaviratius, Monatius, and others. These Rivers also doe water this Country, Ticinus, Adava, Serius, Tosa, Bremba, and many others. There are also divers Mountaines, as Lucumonis Mons, commonly called Lucmannier, Gothards Mountaine, and the greater Alpes of Lepontium: also the Rhetian Alpes, and many others. But so much hitherto: now it remaines that we should entreat of Valesia in the other part of this Table.

THe second Table of Lombardy containeth the County of Tirolis, and Marca Tarvisina. The Country of Tirolis is so named from the Towne Tirolus, which was heretofore very faire. It lyeth betweene the Rivers Athesis, and Oenus, and betweene the Alpine Rocks: on the North it is enclosed with Bavaria, on the South with Lombardy: on the East with Marca Tarvisina, and Forum Iulij: on the West with Helvetia. It was heretofore a part of Rhetium. This Country although it be enclosed with Alpes, and extendeth it selfe thorow the Rhaetian Rockes, yet it is rich in fruits, and all things necessary to life, as also it hath great store of Gold, Silver, and all kindes of Mettals, which are drawn out of the bowels of the Mountaines, the tops whereof are crowned with vast Woods, and full of great store of wilde beasts: the Hills and Cliffes, are full of fruits and Vines: the Valleys are watered with Fountaines and Rivers, and full of Heards and Flocks of Cattle. And therefore this County may be equal'd and compared not onely to a Dukedome▪ but also to a Kingdome. It was joyned to the House of Austria, in the yeere 1460. by Rodolph the Sonne of Albert Duke of Austria. The Chiefe Citty is Oenipons, commonly call'd Inspruck, on the right hand banck of the River Oenus, being the seate of the Prince, and the Parliament of Austria is kept here. There are also the Towne Ma•••am, by the Royall Castle; and Bolzanum a Mart Towne of Tirolis. Halla is a Town by the River Oenus famous for making of Salt: B•ixia is an Episcopall Citty by the River Isacus where the River Rientius doth disburden it selfe into Isacus. There is also the old Citty T•iden•••• by the River Athesis, which Pliny and Strabo doe place in the tenth Country of Italy, some would have it built by the Frenchmen; and so •••gus delivers. It is supposed that it was so named from Neptunes Trident. For as the Randenensians doe worship Saturne, so the Tridentines did worship Neptune, whose effigies and statue may be yet seene in the Church of B. Viglius, on that side which lyeth toward the Market. Theodorick King of the Ostrogoths did wall this Citty with faire freestone. And hee fortified the Castle of Tridentum on the other banck of the River in Verrucā in like manner. Afterward wh•• 〈◊〉 Ostrogothes were expelled out of Italy, the Langbards did posse••• as a Dukedome. But Desiderius King of Langbards being overcome by Charles the great, it came againe to bee under the Emperours Jurisdiction; and the Emperour did enlarge it, by the accession and addition of the Towne Ripa neere Benacum, with some Valleys and Villages. After him Charles the Saxone gave to the Church the whole County of Tridentum, together with a faire Valley, and the Towne B•lzanius. And the Earle of Tirolis was made Defender and Protector thereof. And from that time the Bishop had Jurisdiction over both. The Citizens doe speake partly the Germane language, and partly the Italians: and which is seldome seene in Frontiere Citties, they speake as pure language, as in the middle of Germany, or in the middle of Italy. In this Citty that famous Counsell was celebrated, in the yeere 1546. under Pope Paul the third. This Country is watered with two speciall Rivers, Oenus and Athesis. The other may rather be called Rivulets than Rivers. Here are no particular Mountaines, for they are all called by one generall name the Rhetian Alpes, although they are afterward distinguished by their proper names. Here are also many woods: as Grinwald, Hosgarten, In der Aich, Milrinald Forrest, Vnser Frawen Holtz, &c.

THe third Table of Lombardy followeth, in which Pedemontium, the Marquiship of Montisferrat, and the Dukedome of Genoa are describ'd and delineated. Ped•montium is the first, which is so called, quod ad pedem sit montium, because it is at the foote of the Mountaines, or the Alpes, which doe devide France and Sabaudia from Italie: it is commonly call'd Piamonte. It is bounderd on the East with Padus; on the South with the Ligurian Alpes: on the West with the Alpes of France: on the North with Duria and Riparia. This Country is full of fruitfull pleasant Hills, which doe yeeld excellent Corne, Wine, and other fruits. And it hath Mines of Iron neere Turinum, and of Marble neere •aisana. Here the Turinians dwelt heretofore, who were well knowne to Polybius, Livy, and Plutarch; and also Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy doe place them in the ninth Country of Italy, and doe make them to be of the stock of the Ligurians. Afterward this Country began to be called the Taurinian Dukedome under the Langbardians, who having reduced it into a Province, made it a Dukedome. After them it came to be under the government of the Kings of Italie: and afterward of divers other Princes: especially of Sabaudia: and the Country of France: it was much wasted in the time of the warres betweene the Emperour Charles the fifth, and Francis King of France. The chiefe Citty of this Country is the ancient Citty Taurinum, which Ta•itus, Pliny, and Ptolomy doe call Augusta Taurinorum. Antonius saith in many places that this Citty was called Taurinorum from the people, it is commonly called Turino. Stephanus the Gramarian would have it so called from a Bull, which was the armes of the Massilians, whose Colonie it was: it lyeth at the mouth of Duria on Padus, in a foure square figure, and hath foure Gates, and many faire Aedifices or buildings, and it hath plenty of all things. The chiefe Church is consecrated to Saint Iohn Baptist, besides which there are some 20. other Churches, or thereabouts, also there is the Dukes Palace; and a famous University, in which Erasmus Roterodamus was made Doctor of Divinity. This was one of the first Citties in Italy, which had a Printing house: it is also a Bishoprick. Neere the Hill there is Rivoli, a populous Towne: and a little farther neere the River Po there is the Towne Carignano: A little higher betweene the Rivulets and Aviliana there is the faire Monastery of Saint Antonius Ravisinus: and a little from thence neere the Monastery of Saint Ambrose, there is Susa, which the most doe reckon to be in Saubaudia. Neere to Po, sixe miles from the mouth of Sangonus there is a Towne, which they call in their Country speech Pinarolo, which is very rich, and hath a sumptuous Monastery: a little above there is Petrosa: and on the left side of the Fountaine Sangonus there is Pagellato, and Bricasse, on the right side of the Mountaine Bobius. Not farre from the River Pelice, which runneth into Po, there is Villa Franca, where a Bridge doth joyne both the Bankes of the River Po. There are also by the Springhead or Fountaine of Padus, Revello, and Paisana, and a little farther Critio: and a little farther Mambrin•, where the Valley of Po beginneth. The Inhabitants doe call it Valle di Lucerna, from a Castle which is there of the same name.

THE fourth and last Table of Lombardie doth present to your view Romandiola, and the Dukedomes of Parma, and Mantua. The first is Romandiola or Romanula, which was so called by the Pope and the Emperour Charles the great. The bounds of Romanula on the North are the Moores or Marshes of Verona, and Patavina, even to the Mouth of the River Po, together with a part of the Hadriatick Sea: on the East Isaurus together with Picenum, on the South the Apinnine, with Etruria, concerning the Western bounds there are different opinions. Some goe no farther than the River Vatrinus on this side of Fo••m Crrn•lij: some passe over to Scultenna, now Panarium, and there they stay. Wee will follow the latter, and make the length thereof to bee 110. Miles or thereabouts betweene Folia and Panarium: and the breadth almost 96. Miles, betweene the Apennine and the Marshes before mentioned. Concerning the qualitie of this Country Leander writeth that it hath a very good soile, yeelding all kinds of fruites both for delight & necessary use. Here are large fields planted with al kinds of fruite bearing trees, pleasant Hills full of Vines, Olives, and Figgs, Woods full of fruite, Meddowes full of grasse, and Bushie thickets fit for hunting, also many wholsome waters, many Salt-pits, both neere the Shoare side, and within the Countrie, also Mettalls Mines, and innumerable other excellent guifts of nature, which would be tedious to rehearse. There are some famous Citties in this Country and many Townes. The chiefe are, that which Ptolemy and other call Arminum, the Inhalitants doe now call it Rimini, and the Germanes Rumelen. It was so so called from the River which watereth it. Others have other derivations. It aboundeth with plenty. The Haven was heretofore very faire, large and capable of Shipping, but now it receiveth onely small vessells being filled & choaked up with sand. There is also Cervia a Sea Cittie, heretofore called Phicoles. The Cernians for the most part are Salt-makers, of which they make so great gaine, that the Pope hath yearely from thence 60, thousand Crownes. There is also Ces•na, which Ptolemy calleth Caeseni. Strabo, Caesena, and now the most doe call it Caesena and some Cesnadigo, and lastly Cesna. It is now a very populous Citty, and in former time it was enlarged on the West and Noth sides, by Bernardine Rubrius of Parma. There is a strong Castle seated on a Hill on the South side of the Cittie, which was built by the Emperour Frederick the second: Sarsina is an ancient Cittie at the foote of the Apennine, where Plautus was borne. Ravenna which Strabo calleth Raovenna and Ptolomy Ravennai, is an ancient Cittie. Concerning the situation whereof Strabo writeth much Lib. 5. There are under the Archbishop hereof, the Bishop Adriensis, Comaclensis, Cerviensis, Foroliviensis, Foropompiliensis, Vellimensis, or Fille, Cesenatensis, Saremensis or Sarsinatensis, Faventinus, Imolensis, Mutinensis, Bononiensis, Reginensis, Parmensis, and Barcinensis. There are very good Meddowes and Pastures by this Cittie, which doe yeeld grrat stoare of Milke, Butter, and Cheese. Forum-Livij is now called Forli. It is a Citty that excelleth both for Situation, and plenty, being seated betweene the two Rivers Ron•us and Montonus, and hath a good ayre. Forum Cornelij commonly calld Imolais seated by the River Santernus, the soyle round about it is fruitefull, and yeeldeth great store of Corne, Wine, Oyle, and other fruites. Bononia is an ancient noble Cittie, commonly calld Bologna, it is seated at the foote of the Apennine, by the River Rhene, and the Torrent Aposa runneth through the middle of the Cittie: it lyeth all against the East, on the South side it hath Vine-bearing hills, on the other sides faire fruitefull Meddowes. The ayre is not very wholesome. The compasse of it is 7. Miles. It hath 12. Gates, and Magnificent houses, and Noblemens Pallaces. The Emperour Theodosius did institute an Universitie here, in the yeare 423. Now we come to Ferraria, concerning the name whereof there are divers opinions. But it is most probable that it was called from the Inhabitants of Ferrarida, which was beyond Po, who were translated hither in the yeare 423. by the Decree of the Emperour Theodosius: at what time it was a Village without walls, and afterward about the yeare 658. it was walled about by Smaragdus, Exarchus, and by degrees it was so much enlarged, that at length it became a noble Cittie. The Bishoprick was translated hither by Pope Vitellianus about the yeare 658. and 12. neighbouring Villages made subject unto it by the Emperour Constantine the 2. who gave it also many Priviledges. It is now called Ferrara. And it is seated on the Banck of the River Po which watereth it on the East and South sides. The ayre is thick, in regard that it is situate in the Marshes. It hath straite, long, broade streetes, the most whereof the Marquesse Leonell caused to be paved with brick, and it is wonderfully beautified with publike and private buildings. There is a greate Church, and two Castles, the one by the River, the other over against S. Georges Church, which is the Dukes Seate: and both are well fortified: it is populous, and aboundeth with plenty of all things, and it is one of the pleasantest Citties in Italie, being the head seate of the ancient and noble family of the Atestines. The Emperour Frederick the second did institute heere an University in contempt of Bononia. It hath a greate Plaine round about it but barren. I passe by the other Citties of Romandiola and the lesser Townes.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

Lombardy is divided into the Higher and Lower; in the Higher are the Estates of Piedmont, which belongs to the Duke of Savoy; of Millan, which belongs to the Catholick King; of the Commonwealth of Genes, or Genoa; and of Montferrat, which belongs to the Duke of Mantoua; yet the Duke of Savoy hath some part thereof. And in the Lower Lombardy are the Estates of Venice, of Mantoua, Parma, and Modena, which have their Dukes; and of Trent, which hath its Bishop. And in the one and the other Lombardy, are several small Estates, amongst which is that of Mirandola.

The Estates of PIEDMONT, washed by the Mediterranean Sea, is exceeding fertil, though inferiour to other parts of Lombardy: It is divided betwixt the Dukes of Savoy and Mantoua, the River Tener separating their possessions. It is very populous, numbring about 160 walled Cities and Towns,

1. of which the chief is Turin, which is the Palace and Court of the Duke of Savoy; it is also dignified with the See of an Archbishop and an Ʋniversity, where the famous Erasmus proceeded Dr. of Divinity.
2. Aoste, or Avost, seated on the Northern limits of the Country.
3. Verceili, a Town of great strength, bordering on Millan, to which it did once belong.
4. Saluzzo, a Marquisate and Bishops See.
5. Nizza, or Nice, a Sea-port Town, and serveth for Turin: and
6. Asti.

And since we have before omitted it, before we pass further let us repass the Alpes, and speak of the Territories of this Duke on this side, which is the Country of Savoy, from whence he bears his Title.

SAVOY, adjoyning to Piedmont, is a Country very Mountainous and full of narrow passages, and consequently not very fertil. Its chief City is Chambery, or Cambreria, the residence of the Duke, when he is in these parts, seated in a pleasant Valley, amongst Mountains, which are well stored with beautiful Houses, belonging to the Gentry of these parts; and next Turante, which commands the passage into Italy. Its other places of account, are Thonon, Cluse, Beaufort, Ʋgine, Montiers, Yenne, Modane, &c.

The Dutchy of MILLAN is rich in Natures gifts, being seated in the best part of Lombardy, affording great plenty of Grains, Wines, Oils, and Silks, and is said to have the best Rice in the World.

1. It hath for its chief places, Millan, which notwithstanding its often spoils, is said to be the greatest City of all Lombardy. It is seated in a wide Plain, wherein are no less pleasant than profitable Meadows and Rivers; it is strongly fortified with a Wall, and a spacious and almost impregnable Castle, besides its Fortifications; it is beautified with many splendid Ornaments, the chief of which are its Ʋniversity; its Hospital, liberally endowed, seated in an Isle almost two miles in compass, and capable to give entertainment to about 4000 Sick persons. Its Schools, Nunneries, and Churches, which amount in all to 238; most of which are stately structures, and beautified with curious Paintings, Images of the Saints, Sepulchres, and several Religious Antiquities. The whole City is about seven miles in circuit, is exceeding populous, very rich, and of a great Commerce, affording sundry good Commodities.
2. Pavia, seated on the River Tacinus honoured with a famous Ʋniversity, of note for the Battel, in which Francis the first of France was taken Prisoner by the Emperour Charles the Fifth, who for his ransom was forced to release all his Title and interest to the Kingdom of Naples, and this Dutchy of Millan.
3. Cremona, seated on the banks of the Poe, first built in the beginning of the Punick War. It is a place of good account, hath a considerable Trade, beautified with well built Houses, with the conveniency of curious Gardens, and hath large and well ordered Streets. It is of most note for its high Tower and Cathedral Church, where are to be seen many Relicks of Saints, and curious Pictures.
4. Como, seated on a Lake so called, which is about fifty miles in circuit, on which the Citizens use to recreate themselves in Boats; It is a City of good Antiquity, and here it was that both the Plinys were born.
5. Alexandria, which from a poor Village (through the often ruins of Millan,) is now become a fair, strong, and flourishing Town.
6. Lodi;
7. Tortona;
8. Valenca; and
9. Novara.

The State of GENES, or GENOƲA, once very large, but at present possesseth only Liguria in the Continent, and the Isle of Corsica, of which we shall speak in place more convenient. The People are much addicted to Traffick and Ʋsury, and here the Women are allowed the liberty of the Streets, as also to accompany or discourse with Men, which is forbidden them in other parts. Its chief places are,

1. Genoua, seated on the Sea-shoar, at the foot of high Mountains between two Rivers, built by Janus, the first Inhabiter of Italy; it is (as also its whole State) governed in form of a Republick. The City for its stately Buildings, makes it to be termed by the Italians, Genoua la Superba, having beautiful Palaces, with delightful Gardens; its Strada Nova being a spacious, long, and strait Street, on each side imbellished with stately Palaces, which for the most part are supported by vast Pillars of Marble, not to be parallel'd in the World; amongst which may be reckoned the Jesuits Colledge, than which nothing can be more polite. The Palace of the Prince d'Orta, with its famous Bird-cage, deserves a particular mention; nor is its new Mould to be forgotten, which hath made the Port twice as capacious, and much safer than before. The City is in circuit about eight miles, defended besides its Walls, by a strong and fair Castle; it is exceeding populous and rich, its Inhabitants being observed to be the greatest Ʋsurers and Money-mongers in the World, which is a great obstruction to its Trade.
2. Savona, of note for the interview between Ferdinand of Spain, and Lewis the 12th of France, Anno 1507.
3. Sarzana;
4. Arbengue; and
5. Vintimiglia.

The Estate or Country of MONTFERAT doth in part belong to the Duke of Mantoua, and the rest to the Duke of Savoy; a Mountainous Country, but of a fertil Soyl. It is encompassed with the Appenine Hills, Millain, and Piedmont: the River Tenarus parts the possessions of the Duke of Mantoua from that of Savoy; its chief places are,

1. Alba, where Pertinax the Roman Emperour was born;
2. St. Vas, built by the first Duke of Mantoua;
3. Casal; and
4. Trin, fair Cities, with some others.

In the Lower LOMBARDY we have placed the Estates of Venice, Mantoua, Modena, Parma, Placenza, and Trent; of which in order.

The Estates of the Duke of VENICE may be divided into several Parts or Provinces, as they lye on firm Land and on the Sea, which are taken notice of in the Geographical Tables of Italy; the chief of which I shall here only name, as I have occasion to treat of the Cities;

1. Trevigi, seated in the Province of Marche Trevisane, a City of some account, as commodious for an Inland Trade.
2. Bressia, seated in the Province of Bressan, esteemed the second City for largeness and beauty in all Lombardy; it is more famous in her Archbishop, who is Earl, Marquess, and Duke, than in any matter of trade.
3. Brescello, in the Province of Bressan, famous for the death of Otho, the Roman Emperour.
4. Este, in the Province of Padouan, from whence came the late Dukes of Ferrara:
5. Crema, in the Province of Cremase, seated on the River Serio, and in a very fertil Soyl; a beautiful and rich City, adorned with stately Edifices; and about two Furlongs from the City, towards the Castle, is a stately Temple, called Sancta Maria del la Cruce, a structure of great beauty, and richly adorned with Pictures, &c. a place much frequented for Devotion sake: this City may be termed a strong Fortress against the Millanois, upon which it borders.
6. Vicenzo, in the Province of Vicentin, seated at the bottom of a Hill which commands the City, being well watered with Rivers, which uniting themselves not far distant from the City, form a Navigable River, capable to receive Vessels of a considerable burthen, which passing by Padua falls into the Sea by Venice. It is about four miles in circuit, beautified with stately Palaces, Temples, and Publick buildings; it is very populous, and inhabited by Nobility and Gentry, who contrary to the custom of the Italians, delight to Travel; here is a famous Theater, capable to receive five thousand People, whose Stage is so represented by Prospective, that it seems a stately City, being modelled by the famous Architect, Andreo Paladio: then its Piazza, a spacious and beautiful place.
7. Verona, in the Province of Veronois, a fair, large and beautiful City, seated on the Athesis, a place of great strength, as well by Nature as Art, and boasteth chiefly of its yet standing Amphitheater, capable to receive about 80000 Persons.
8. Padua, in the Province of Padouan, seated in the midst of a spacious Plain, about 20 miles distant from the Sea; It is a place of good strength, being inclosed with double Walls and deep Ditches, besides its Bulwarks and Fortifications; it was built by Antenor, Brother, to Priam King of Troy, whose Tomb is here yet to be seen; to this City do belong seven Gates, several Stone-Bridges, and five spacious Piazza's; it is every where beautified with many splendid Edifices, as well private as publick; also its Churches are no less beautiful and rich, of which the Domo or Cathedral is chief; its Hall of Justice is a spacious and stately structure, near to which are the Schools for Learning: but this City is now most famous for its Ʋniversity of Physicians.
9. Bergamo, in Bergamasse, adjoyning to Cremase:
10. Feltri, in Feltrin, towards the Bishoprick of Trent; and
11. Rovigo, in the Polesine of Rovigo, far engaged towards the Estates of the Church. And these Provinces may properly be comprehended under one part, to wit, Marche Trevisane.

The chief Rivers in this Country are Addua, Athesis, Breuta, and Olius.

The second part in this Estate of Venice, is FRIOLANI, encompassed with Histria, the Alpes, Trevigiana, and the Adriatick Sea. Its chief places are,

1. Aquilegia, seated on the Natisco, a place not very well inhabited:
2. Cuidad de Austria, built by Julius Caesar:
3. Palma la Nova, the best fortified place in all Italy; and
4. Tergestum, or Treist, seated nigh the Seashoar.

The chief Rivers are Natisco, Risanus, and Lizonsus.

The third and last part of this Estate shall be ISTRIA, of an unhealthful Air. Its chief places are,

1. Cabo d'Istria;
2. Polo;
3. Cita Nuova; and
4. Parenzo: But to proceed to Venice, the principal City of this Republick.

The City of VENICE is seated at the bottom of the Adriatick Sea, or Gulph of Venice, built on 72 Islands, being distant from the main Land five miles, and defended from the fury of the Sea by a Bank of sixty miles in length, through which, in seven places there are passages broken for small Vessels, save only at Malamocco, and the Castle of Leo, which are strongly fortified; it is about eight miles in circuit, having for the conveniency of the Inhabitants about 4000 Bridges, amongst which that of Rialto is the chief, built over the Grand Canal, which for length, breadth and height, may compare with any in the World; and for the passage of People to and fro, here are said to be employed about 10 or 12000 Gondelos; all its Buildings are fair and beautiful; here are 200 particular places built of Marble, adorned with Columns, Statues, and Pictures of great value, erected by the Senators, which for their Grandure are fit to lodge and entertain any Prince in Christendom, most of which are seated on the Grand Canal. Also the Royal and proud Palace of the Duke deserves a particular description, which for its largness, beauty and riches, as well in its fabrick without, as in its Pictures and Statues within, exceeds all others: then the Tribunals or Courts of Justice, the Senate-house, or great Hall. Its Arsenal or Magazine of War being about two miles in circuit, encompassed with high Walls, and the Sea having but one place or Gate for entrance, and only one Channel for Ships to pass in and out at; and here is kept always in readiness about two hundred Gallies, with all things fit for a Voyage or fight; also here are kept a thousand Coats of Plate, garnished with Gold and covered with Velvet: but above all, its Church of St. Mark, which for its exteriour and interiour beauty, and richness of its Ornaments, have deservedly made this City famous; and in this Church, according to report, lyeth the body of St. Mark, the Patron of this City, which was brought hither from Alexandria. In this City are seventeen rich Hospitals, 56 Tribunals, 67 Parish Churches, 26 Monasteries of Nuns, 54 Convents of Fryars, 18 Chappels, and six Free-Schools for the increase of Learning. Its Piazza, or broad place of St. Mark, adorned with sumptuous Fabricks, Statues, &c. is a place much frequented by the Gentry. This City is the only place where Policy, Warfare, and Merchandize have embraced one another: the Gentry are here held in such esteem, that it is held for the greatest honour they can bestow upon the best deserver, to make him a Gentleman of this City, and from them the Sonatours are chosen; and out of them the Duke, who in a manner is only titular, not having the Regal power, his Salary which is paid him out of the Common Treasury, is forty thousand Duccals yearly.

In this Estate are two Patriarchs, and 34 Bishops.

The Dukedom of MANTOƲA, seated Northwards of the Estates of Venice: Its chief City is so called, a place of good strength, encompassed on the sides with Water about a quarter of a mile broad, and on the other side with a Wall; it is seated on a River, which emptieth it self into the Po. In this City Virgil, that famous Poet, was born.

The Dukedom of MODENA, formerly joyned to that of Mantoua, hath for its chief City, Modena, famous for the Battle between Anthony and Augustus, where Hirtius and Pansa, the two Consults, were slain, and Anthony lost the day. This place is the residence of its Dukes, as Mantoua is of hers.

The Dukedom of PARMA and PLACENTIA, Northwards of Mantoua, hath for its chief place Parma, seated in a fruitful Plain five miles from the Appenuines. It is about four miles in circuit, adorned with many rich and stately Structures, is very populous, and well inhabited by Gentry, who are much addicted to Learning and Arms: it hath a fair and spacious Campagnia, which feeds abundance of Sheep; and here the Duke hath his Palace, which is a place of great delight and state. This Country boasts of its Parmasan-Cheese, so much esteemed by some. The chief place of Placenza is so called; it is seated on the Po, comodious for Traffick, and famous for its Fairs in Exchanges here quarterly kept, which are much resorted unto: it is about five miles in compass, a place of good strength and beauty, being adorned with many fair and rich Structures and Churches.

The Bishoprick of TRENT, whose chief City bears its names; it is seated in a Plain, and surrounded with Mountains of an excessive height, being always covered with Snow, by reason of which it is more fit for Wines than Corn. The City is not large, but indifferent strong; its Houses are fair and stately, its Streets large, its Churches beautiful and richly adorned, and its Royal Palace sumptuous and stately. This, City is famous for the general Council there held, for the establishment of the Roman Catholick Religion.