Milan, Province

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

The MILANESE, or State of MILAN, is bounded on the West by the Principality of Piedmont, and the Marquisate of Montferrat: On the North, by the Country of Wallistand, the Bailiages of Logan, Locerno and Meadrisi, the County of Chiavenna, and part of the Valteline: On the East, by the State of Venice, and the Dutchies of Mantua and Parma: And on the South, by the Republick of Genoa. It is extended from East to almost West 155 Miles; and from North to South 115; which ought to be understood with respect to its greatest Length and Breadth. This Dutchy, bing one of the most Illustrious of Europe, appertains to the Dominions of the King of Spain, who holds it in Fee of the Emperor, as well as the Town of Final. The Governor bears the Title of Lieutenant, and Captain-General to His Most Catholick Majesty, and acts with very great Authority: which hath given occasion to a common Saying, That the King of Spain reigns in Sicily by Gentleness; in the Kingdom of Naples, by Subtilty; and in the Territories of Milan, by Arbitrary Power. It is also said of these Three Governments, That the First only Knows; The Second Eats; And the Third Devours. His Catholick Majesty draws from hence, every Year, the Summ of 3000000 Livres; besides a Million which the Inhabitants are oblig'd to pay to him during the time of the War; without reckoning the Governor's Revenue, and that which he extorts otherwise, which amounts to little less. It is certain, that almost all the Vice-Roys of Spain are petty Tyrants; and that no Government is more pernicious both to the Sovereign, and his Subjects, than the Triennial. Mr. Lassels says, This State, for a need, can raise 50000 Men.

In this Province are contain'd a great number of Lakes, Rivers, and fruitful Fields, that plentifully bring forth divers sorts of Grains and Fruit, more-especially Rice, and Grapes of a most delicious Taste. Cremona, in particular, affords vast quantities of Corn, Wine, Honey, Flax and Fruits. In the verdant Meadows round about Lodi, good store of Cattle are fed, more-especially large Oxen; and all kinds of Grains and Fruits are generally found there. The Country of Pavia is commoly call'd the Garden of Milan, yielding much variety of Game, both for Hound and Hawk, together with abundance of Domestick Fowls and Fishes. Como enjoys great Plenty of all Provisions, being well stor'd with many sorts of Merchandizes that are transported hither out of divers Provinces. In fine, Lodi is famous for excellent Cheeses, which are made there in great quantities. It is spoken proverbially in this Country, That the Women of Milan are very Honest and Generous; Those of Lodi, Superstitious; Those of Pavia, Covetous; And those of Cremona, Magnificent.

The Romans, after having subdued the Gauls, for a long time possess'd these Territories; and several Emperors have chosen Milan for the usual Place of their Residence. This Province hath been often expos'd to the Incursions of the Goths, and many other Barbarous Nations; and was subject to the Dominion of the Lombards, until the time of Charlemaign, who abolish'd the Kingdom of Lombardy. It was afterwards possess'd by divers Lords and Dukes, the Chief of whom were those of the Families of Visconti and Sforza. The Kings of France have pretended to have a Right of succeeding the former, by virtue of the Marriage of Valentina, the Daughter of G. Galeaceo Visconte, the First Duke of Milan, with Lewis of France, Duke of Orleans, and Second Son of King Charles V. which hath been the cause of many violent Wars: insomuch that the Emperor Charles V. to put an end to these Feuds, after the Death of Francisco Sforza, the Last Duke of Milan, in 1535, amus'd the French King, Francis I. for a long while, with the hopes of Installing one of his Sons in the Dutchy: But notwithstanding so fair a Promise offer'd even to the Electors of the Empire, he took care that the Investiture should be made in favour of his own Son Philip II. The earnest Desire of getting the Possession of this Country, hath caus'd a great number of Sieges to be laid, and many Battels to be fought▪ eight of which are more-especially remarkable, viz. 1st. The Battle of Caravaggio, Agnaldel, or Rivalta, gain'd by the French, in the Year 1509. 2d. That of Novara, in 1512. 3d. That of Marignan, in 1515, wherein the French, in like manner had the Advantage. 4th. That of Bicoque, in 1521. 5th. That of Pavia, in 1524. 6th. That of Ladriano, in 1528. 7th. That of Tesino, in 1636. And the 8th. That of Cremona, in 1648, where the French remain'd Masters of the Field. It hath been also observ'd, That the Capital City of this Dutchy hath been Besieged forty times, and Taken two and twenty.

The most considerable Cities and Towns of the State of Milan are these: Viz.

MILAN, Archb. Capital. Pavia, Bish. Como, Bish. Novara, Bish. Lodi, Bish. Bobbio, Bish. Alexandria della Paglia, Bish. Cremona, Bish. Vigevano, Bish. Tortona, Bish. ...Mortara. ...Lecco. ...Caravaggio. ...Marignan. ...Ʋgogna. Casal Maggiore. ...Voghera. ...Anghiera.

MILAN, Mediolanum, is one of the four Principal Cities of Italy; the other three being Rome, Venice and Naples: It is situated in a verdant Plain, between the River Addua and Tesino, from which two Chanels are deriv'd, of very great use for the conveying of Merchandizes into the City, which is distant 43 Miles almost East of Casal, 65 North of Genoa, 72 North-west of Parma, 84 almost East of Turin, 84 West of Mantua, 106 almost North-west of Modena, 158 North-west of Florence, 168 West of Venice, and 192 North-west of Rome. It is the See of an Archbishop, and the Metropolis of the Dutchy whereto it hath communicated its Name, being govern'd by the Lieutenant of the King of Spain, and a Senate compos'd of a President and twelve Senators, three of whom are generally Spaniards by Birth.

This City (as it is believ'd) was built by the Gauls, who, under the Conduct of Bellovesus, settl'd themselves in Italy, about A. D. 170, and hath been often ruin'd by the Barbarous Nations. Bellisarius took it from the Ostrogoths, at the Solicitation of Dacius the Archbishop: But Vitiges King of the same Ostrogoths regain'd it, A. D. 539, when 300000 Persons perish'd by the Sword, or through Hunger. After the Reign of Charles sirnam'd the Great, or Charlemaign, MILAN, together with the adjacent Territories, was united to the Empire, and became so Rich and Potent, that it injuriously treated the other Towns with great Scorn and Contempt; insomuch that the Arrogance of the Inhabitants oblig'd the Emperor Frederick I. sirnam'd Barbarossa, to make Preparations for War, and to impose divers Tributes on them, after having defeated, their Forces, A. D. 1160. In a second Expedition which the said Emperor undertook into Italy, he made himself Master of their City, utterly ruin'd it, and caus'd Salt to be sowed therein, sparing only some few Churches. However, those Citizens who had esc•p'd the Slaughter, found means to re-build it, under the Protection of Pope Alezander III. and through the Assistance of their Neighbours. Afterward it fell into the Possession of several Lords, who were succeeded by the Dukes.

The Churches and Publick Buildings of Milan are extremely Magnificent, more-especially the Palaces of the Borromeo's, Visconti's, Sforza's, Trivulcio's and Marini's. Here are also reckon'd up 22 Gates, 230 Churches, 96 Parishes, 40 Monasteries of Monks, 50 Convents of Nuns, 100 Fraternities, and 10 Hospitals wherein are maintain'd 9000 indigent and sick Persons at the Expence of the State, above 4000 being reliev'd in the Grand Hospital alone. The City being of a round form, extends it self in compass for the space of about 10 Miles, and contains about 18500 Houses, and the Inhabitants are by some reckon'd 300000 Souls. The Artificers, lodged in several Quarters and Streets, are very expert in divers sorts of Mechanical Handycrafts, particularly in the casting of Cannons, and Hilts for Swords, and in making of Laces, Embroideries, &c. Indeed, the Shops of the Workers in Crystal which is brought thither from the Alpes, deserves to be view'd by Strangers, where they will meet with many Curiosities, as well as in those of the Enamellers of Gold and Silver. The Ambrosian Library is one of the most remarkable throughout the whole Country of Italy: It was dedicated to St. Ambrose, by its Founder Cardinal Frederick Borromeo, and contains about 40000 Volumes. A stately Gallery of Paintings is joyn'd to the same Fabrick, where are to be seen the Original Draughts of the most famous Masters of that Art. Moreover, the Library of the Dominicans is very considerable; as also the Gallery of the Canon Mantredo Settali, fill'd with all manner of Rarities both of Art and Nature. But that which surpasseth all the Wonders in this City, is, the Cathedral of St. Ambrose, commonly call'd the Dome, cover'd all over, both on the Inside and Outside, with White Marble; and environ'd with 600 Statues of the same Stone, every one whereof cost above a Thousand Crowns: Besides 160 Pillars of so great thickness, that three Men can scarcely grasp the Shanks of one of them with their Arms extended; they are esteem'd to be worth above Ten thousand Crowns a-piece. Among the Statues, that of Adam, and St. Bartholomow Flea'd, are chiefly admir'd. The Roof is of a prodigious height, more-especially over the middle of the Church, which is not at all inferiour to that of St. Peter at Rome, although a sixth part lesser, or to that of St. Sophia at Constantinople. It is enrich'd with a vast quantity of Reliques, and among others, the Bodies of St. Ambrose, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Gervace, and St. Prochasius. It is in like manner worth the while to take an exact view of the Chapel wherein St. Augustine was Baptiz'd; and of the Tombs of the Emperor Lewis, and Pepin King of Italy, both the Sons of Charlemaign; as also of the High Altar, together with its rich Crosses, valu'd at 200000 Crowns; and 14000 Marble Figures, all artificially Carv'd from the Life. The Foundation of this noble Structure was laid by Gio Galeaceo Visconti, the First Duke of Milan, on the 13th. of June, A. D. 1386; and the Building hath been since carry'd on above 300 Years: nevertheless, only some Parts of the Church are absolutely brought to Perfection; so that 'tis probable, the Design of the Chapter is never to finish the whole work, since it is not their Interest so to do; for the Legacies, and other Donations continually made for that purpose, bring them in vast Summs of Money, which they know how to apply to several Uses. The Pavement of this same Cathedral is firmer and more solid than that of St. Peter's at Rome; for the latter consists only of Leaves of Marble, which begin to crack already, and some time or other will be worn to pie•••; whereas here the Squares are much thicker. Indeed this Pavement is not yet finish'd; and (as they say) will cost 66290 Crowns, without comprehending that of the Quire, in the laying whereof 5250 Crowns have been already disburs'd. The Masons cut Stone, and the Women sow and spin, or sell Fruit in the midst of the Church; which, together with its obscurity, and considering that many things are still left imperfect, render the Prospect of the Inside not very delectable to the Eye.

The Fortifications of this City are no less admirable; and it must be acknowledg'd, that there is not any where to be found a stronger or more beautiful Castle than that of Milan; before which Fortress lies a spacious Plat of Ground, where almost all the Persons of Quality are wont to walk, as well as in the Street of the Court. The Counterscarp, which first offers it self to our sight, is very high, and well flank'd with a large Corrider or Covert-way on the side of the Town; together with several Trenches full of running Water, continually supply'd by three Rivulets; and six Royal Bastions lined with Brick; the principal Gate being defended by two Towers built after the ancient Method and Architecture, with Stones of a prodigious size. Afterward, we enter into a second Quarter, enclos'd with a Brick Wall of a great thickness, and rais'd very high; together some old Towers, and a deep Moat: round about this Wall runs a large Gallery cover'd and supported with Pillars of Brick, on which the Cannons are planted, at the distance of three Paces one from another, to the number of 200 Pieces of Artillery. There are also some Cavaliers erected that command the adjacent Country; and the Apartments underneath afford Lodgings to the Soldiers. From thence we pass to the Palace of the ancient Dukes of Milan, built of Brick, after a very magnificent manner, which serves as the Donjon, where are preserved in a large Hall many sorts of excellent Arms of great Value, and with which 10 or 12 thousand Persons may be well accoutred. The Court-Yard, an open Place, is so spacious, that a Body of 5 or 6 thousand Men may be easily drawn up in Battalia therein: and here are divers Mills for the grinding of Corn, from whence the Water that drives them cannot be taken away or dreined, by reason that the Spring riseth within the Castle it self. The Garrison consists altogether of Spaniards, who do not suffer any one to enter, more-especially French-men, without the Permission of the Governor; which is seldom granted. This Fortress takes up the space of a League and a half in compass, and maintains within its Bounds all sorts of Artificers. Lastly, the Suburbs form, as it were, one Body with the City, being in like manner encompass'd with Bastions, Ditches, Out-works, and other regular Fortifications: insomuch, that although Milan hath sustain'd many terrible Assaults, both of Plague and War, as having been 40 times Besieg'd, and Taken 22. Nevertheless, its Grandeur is so well re-establish'd, that it may be now reckon'd among the fairest and most flourishing Cities of Europe.

Pavia, Ticinum or Papia, and Papia Flavia, the Capital City of the Country of Pavese, and the S•cond in the Dukedom of Milan, is advantagiously seated on the Banks of the River Tesino within the Territories of Milan, from whence it is distant 15 Miles to the South; 32 West of Piacenza, 42 East of Casal, and 46 North of Genoa. It is adorn'd with an University, and an Episcopal See, depending immediately on the Jurisdiction of that of Rome. It hath been sometime well Fortify'd; and, among other Bulwarks, defended with a Castle in which the Kings of Lombardy kept their Court: Nature and Art then seeming to conspire to render it one of the strongest Holds of Europe. Some Authors affirm, that it was built by the Levi and Marici before Milan, and others are of Opinion, that the Gauls were the Founders thereof within a little while after. However, it was subdued by the Romans, sackt by Attala in the V. Century, and at length ruin'd by Odoacer, who besieg'd Orestes therein. The Lombards made themselves Masters of the Town, under the Conduct of their King Alboinus, who took it after a tedious Siege, and constituted it the Metropolis of his Dominions. The Emperor Charlemaign, or Charles the Great, storm'd it A. D. 774. and carried away Captive from thence Didier the last King of the Lombards. Afterward it fell into the Possession of the Kings of Italy, until the Emperor Otho I. seiz'd on it in 951. expelling at the same time Berenger and his Son. In the Year 100•. it was almost entirely burnt by a casual Fire; and in 1059. its Inhabitants wag'd a cruel War with those of Milan. Ever since which time it hath been subject to divers Tyrants, until the Dukes of Milan, of the Family of Visconti, annex'd it to their Territories. Francis I. King of France, having surpriz'd Milan, laid Siege to Pavia, and was there taken Prisoner, his Army being routed, A. D. 1525. But Odet de Lautrec, General of the French Forces, regain'd it in 1527. It was taken again and recover'd in the ensuing Year, until at last the Spaniards remain'd the absolute Lords thereof. The University was founded by Charlemaign, A. D. 791. and re-establish'd by the Emperor Charles IV. A. D. 1361. in the time of Galeaceo Visconti. Moreover, here were erected divers Colleges of the Pope, Cardinal Borromeo, the Grisons, the Marianos, and the Jesuits; together with a great Number of magnificent Churches, particularly that of St. Peter, belonging to the Augustin Fryers; wherein lies the Body of their Founder, St. Augustin: Besides a Stone-Bridge, built over the River Tesin, which hath a very rapid course, and is the largest of all those that fall into the Po. But this small City of Pavia hath entirely lost its ancient Lustre; so that after having taken a view •hereof, one would not, in the least, imagine it to have been the Place of Residence of 20 Kings, and the Capital of their Kingdom. The Castle is an old heap of Stones, as it were abandon'd; and the Fortifications of the Town are in a very ill Condition. The University, in like manner, seems to be much decay'd, but still consists of 5 Colleges; among which, that of Borromeo is chiefly remarkable for the Beauty of its Structure. The Students walk about the City in their Robes; and those of every College wear different Gowns. Over-against the Cathedral, which is an old, low, and obscure Building, stands a brazen Statue on Horseback, suspected to be that of the Emperor Antoninus Pius. It is commonly call'd the Regisol, but the Original of the Name is unknown, although it hath been retain'd ever since the time of Platina; who declares his Opinion, That it was brought from Ravenna, when that City was taken and sackt by King Lairprandus. The same Prince (as it is reported) brought from Sardinia to Pavia the Body of St. Augustin, and caus'd it to be buried in St. Peter's Church: but the certain Place where it was laid could never be found, and the sumptuous Marble Monument in the Chapel, on the side of the Church, is only an honorary Tomb erected by the Monks of that Order.

Como, Comum, or Novocomum, stands on the side of a Lake of the same Name, at the distance of 25 Miles almost East of Burgamo, 38 North of Milan, and 84 North-East of Turin. It hath communicated its Name to the adjacent Country of Comasco, and enjoys the Title of an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Milan, and the Jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Aquileia. We are inform'd by Justin the Historian, That it was built by the Gauls, during their Expedition into Italy, under the Command of their General Brennus. In the Year 1123. the Archbishop of Milan, nam'd Anselmo di Postorula, took this City, and caus'd great Alteration to be made in its State. It also suffer'd much Damage in the beginning of the XVI. Century, during the Wars of Italy. Moreover, the Emperor Charles V. subdued it in 1520. and his Troops committed many Outrages therein, by reason that the Inhabitants had admitted a Garrison of French Soldiers.

The Lake of Como, Larius Lacus, is extended for the space of 34 Leagues in compass, and surrounded with a great Number of Towns. The River Addua crosseth it from the North-East to the South-West; and on that side where it enters, is erected the Fort of Fuentes. The City of C•mo is Rich, and very Populous, having given birth to many illustrious Personages; particularly to Pliny the Younger, Paulus Jovius, and of late, to Pope Innocent XI. descended of the Family of Odescalchi.

Novara, Novaria, is situated on a rising Ground in a very fruitful Country, call'd from thence Il Novarese, and well Fortified, being distant 13 Miles East of Verceil in Piedmont, 18 North-East of Casal, and 28 West of Milan. It is a City of much Antiquity, as it appears from many Inscriptions on Marble found there, and at present the Seat of a Prelate, suffragan to the Archbiship of Milan: Which Episcopal See was sometime possess'd by Benedict Odescalchi, afterward advanc'd to the Papal Dignity, under the Name of Innocent XI. It was also the Place of Nativity of the famous Peter Lombard, Bishop of Paris, who was usually stiled The Master of Sentences. This City hath been often the Theatre of War: for the French took Lewis Sforza, Duke of Milan before it, A. D. 1500. In 1513. the Forces of the same Nation attempted to besiege it, but were defeated by the Switzers that attackt them during the Night. However, in 1515. the French put them to flight, and in 1522. they made themselves Masters of the Place a second time, under the Conduct of one Philip Torniel, a barbarous Wretch, and formidable for his Cruelty, who was afterward hang'd.

Lodi, Laus Pompeia or Laus Nova Pompeia, stands on the Banks of th• River Aadua, amidst very fruitful Pastures, between Milan and Cremona, 24 Miles from each, and 8 South-West of Crema. It was built by the Emperor Frederick I. sirnam'd Barbarossa. 46 Years after that the ancient Town of Laus Pompeia, which is as yet a large well-frequented Village, and retains the Name of Lodi Vecchio, and by Contraction Lodive, had been ruin'd by the Milaneses, A. D. 1158. This old Borough, where many notable Footsteps of Antiquity are still to be seen, was so call'd from Pompeius Strabo, the Father of Pompey the Great, who reestablish'd a Colony therein, and is seated on the Rivulet of Silaro, at the distance only of 5 Miles to the West toward Pavia, from the new City of Lodi, which is very large, well Fortified, and erected into an Episcopal See, subject to the Metropolitan of Milan. Here also are preserv'd the Relicks of Saint Basian, who was Bishop of this Diocess in the time of St. Ambrose.

Bobbio, Bobio or Bobi; Bobium is a City of a small compass, seated on the River Trebia, in a Plain between the Mountains, on the very Borders of the Dutchy of Parma, near the Confines of the State of Genoa, whereto it formerly appertain'd, and its Episcopal See, as yet, depends on the Metropolitan of that Province; being distant 35 Miles from Tortona to the South-East, as many from Genoa; about 25 from Placentia to the North, 35 from Padua, and 16 or 17 Leagues from Milan to the South-East. A small Abbey was heretofore erected in this Place by S•• Columbanus, through the Liberality of Theodolinda, Queen of the Lombards, which afterward grew up to a Town, (whilst the Monastery still remain'd in it's proper Station;) and, in process of time, became the Capital City of a Country call'd from thence Il Bobiese, having been the inheritance of the noble Families of the Malespini, Vermi, and some others.

Alexandria, or Alessandria Della Paglia, Alexandria Statiellorum, is divided into two Parts by the Streams of the River Tanaro, standing almost in the midst between Genoa to the South, and Turin to the West, at the distance of 44 Miles from each, as also 52 from Milan to the South-West, according to the computation of that able Geographer Philippus Ferrarius, a Native of the same Place; which the Inhabitants of Cremona, Milan and Placentia, that adher'd to the Party of Pope Alexander III. against the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, caus'd to be built, A. D. 1178. It was at first called Caesarea, and afterward Alexandria, in Honour of this Pope; but the Emperor, by way of Railery and Contempt, termed it Alexandria della Paglia, in regard that its Walls then consisted only of Straw and Wood cover'd with Earth. However, it vigorously sustain'd the Assaults of the Imperial Forces, during 6 Months, and at length oblig'd them to raise the Siege. The same Pope establish'd an Episcopal See in this City, under the Metropolitan of Milan, and made it the Capital of the adjacent Territories. Some rime after, it fell into the Hands of the Visconti's and Sforza's, Dukes of Milan, and was likewise possess'd by the French and Spaniards. It hath been much harrass d during the Wars in the preceding Age; but at present is well Fortified and furnish'd with all manner of necessary Provisions.

Cremona; Cremona is situated on the left side of the River Po, and joined thereto by the Channel of Oglio that fills its Ditches with Water. It is extended in compass, for the space of a League and an half on the Frontiers of the Dutchy of Parma, 15 Miles North-East of Piacenza, 25 North-West of Parma, 28 South of Brescia, 38 almost West of Mantua, and 45 nigh East of Milan. It is a very large City, but meaner and less inhabited then Placentia; yet two Things are very much cry'd up there, that is to say, the Tower and the Castle: A Tower built up the highest of any that are to be seen, and on that account reckon'd among the Wonders of Europe— A Rock the most Stupendous, Strong, and Formidable of any that are found in Italy. This is the Language of one of their Authors: So that People, who are not acquainted with the Italian Rodomantado's, would be very much startled, after having read of these Wonders, to find no such Thing upon their Arrival at Cremona. Indeed the Castle is an old rude Building half ruin'd, which could never be compar'd with a well built Fort, but might perhaps have gain'd some Reputation in the time of the Archers. As for the Tower, it is neither Fair nor High; and there are Thousands surpassing it, that were never mention'd in the World. It is reported, That the Emperor Sigismond, and Pope John XXIII. stood once together on the top of this Tower, attended by a certain Lord of Cremona, nam'd Gabrino Fondulio; and that the same Lord often declar'd afterward, That he repented he had not thrown them down headlong from top to bottom, for the Rarity of the Fact. This Report perhaps has given Occasion to the Remarks concerning the height of the Tower. However, the Streets are somewhat large and strait, and the Houses beautiful: There are also divers fair Churches and Market-Places. The Gate of the Cathedral stands on Columns of Marble; and the Workmanship of the High Altar is very curious. This City was first founded An. Dom. 445. some time after became a Colony of the Romans, and hath been since subject to many great Revolutions. For Hannibal pillag'd it in passing into Italy: the Goths committed horrible Outrages therein; and it was entirely ruin'd by the Sclavonians and Lombards, in 630. but was re-built in 1284. at the special Command of the Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa; who likewise caus'd the said high Tower to be erected. Afterward Cremona, which hath been dignified with the Title of an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Milan, was govern'd by its own Viscounts, until the French, Venetians, Dukes of Milan, and Spaniards, at several times made themselves Masters thereof; and it as yet remains under the Dominion of the King of Spain.

Viglevano, Viglebanum or Vergeminum, stands in the County of the same Name, on the Banks of the River Tesino, and is the Seat of a Prelate subject to the Archbishop of Milan, from whence it is distant 18 Miles almost to the West, and 12 almost South-East of Novara. The Dukes of Milan have formerly taken much delight in residing in this small City, although the adjacent Country is very barren; and the Town first took its denomination from thence, as it were Vilis Gleba, according to the Report of Gaudentius Merula.

Tortona, Dertona or Terdona, is the Capital City of a small Territory, called from thence Il Tortonese, and an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Milan; being distant 8 Miles from the Confines of the Sta e of Genoa to the North, and as many from the River Po; 26 Miles South-East of Casal, 32 almost South-West of Milan, and 35 North of Genoa. It was ruin'd by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and re-built by the Milaneses; but never recovered its ancient Grandeur. Afterward the French made themselves Masters thereof, A. D. 1642. but the Spaniards re-gain'd it in the Year ensuing. The Town is well Fortified, and defended with a strong Citadel, which was founded A. D. 1654.

Mortara was formerly call'd Bella Sylva in Latin, and afterward Mortaria or Martuarium, from the Slaughter of the Lombards made by the Army of Charlemain, when this Prince took their King Didier Prisoner, and put an end to their Monarchy. It is the chief Town of the Country Lumellina, and built on the right side of the River Gogna, 9 Miles South of Navara, and 30 West of Pavia and Milan. It was taken by the French Forces, under the Command of Francis I. Duke of Modena, A. D. 1658; and restor'd to the Spaniards by virtue of the Pyrenean Treaty of Peace concluded in 1660.

Marignan, Merinianum, or Melignanum, is a little Town water'd by the Streams of the River Lambro, running through the midst thereof, at the distance of 8 Miles East from Milan, and as many from Lodi, being famous for the Victory which Francis I. King of France, gain'd over the Switzers, on the 14th. day of September, A. D. 1515.