Piedmont

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

Piedmont, Piedmontium, Pedemontium, is a Province of Italy, towards France and Switzerland; called by the French Piedmont; by the Spaniards Piamonte; by the Germans Das Pemund; by the English Piedmont; which signifies the foot of the Hills. It has the honour to be stiled a Principality: under the Duke of Savoy; having been of old called Gallia Subalpina. Great, well watered, fruitful, and populous; extended between the Dukedoms of Milan and Montferrat to the East; the States of Genoua, and the County of Nizza to the South; the Dauphine and Savoy to the West; the Dukedom of Auostor, (Osta) and a small part of Milan to the North. It contains the Marquisate of Saluzzo, the County d' Asti, the Territories of Verellese, Biellese, Albesano, and Piedmont (properly so called,) together with a part of the Dukedom of Montferrat. The Capital of this Province is Turin, Torino: the other Cities are Asti, Biela, Jurea, Fossano, Mondovi, Pignerol (under the French), Saluzzo, Susa (lately taken by the French) and Verelli. Under the Lombards this was called the Dukedom of Turin. The History of it belongs properly to Savoy; of which this is but a Province. The Taurini, Salassii, Segusiani, &c. were the ancient Inhabitants thereof in, and before the Roman times. Now the eldest Sons of the Dukes of Savoy are styled Princes of Piedmont.

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

THE Principality of PIEDMONT, which appertains to the Jurisdicton of the Duke of Savoy, was heretofore compris'd within the Limits of Gallia Subalpina, and afterward in those of Lombardy. But at present it is bounded on the North by the Wallisland in Switzerland; on the West, by the Dutchy of Savoy, and the Province of Dauphinè; on the South, by the Republick of Genoa, and the County of Nice, which is generally reckon'd a part of Piedmont; and on the East, by the Dutchy of Milan, and the Marquisate of Montferrat. Its utmost extent from South to North consists of about 140 Miles from Ville Franche as far as the Alps, and 100 from West to East, from the hither side of Lauset to the Frontiers of Montferrat. This Province comprehends in particular the Principality of Piedmont, properly so call'd; the Dutchy of Aoste; the Marquisate of Ivrea, Susa, Seva, and Saluces; the County of Asti, the Lordship of Vercelli, and the Country of Canavese, together with that Part of Piedmont, subject to the Dominion of the French King, wherein are included Pignerol, Perusia, Lucern, and Briqueras. The Duke of Savoy as yet retains the Possession of some litttle part of the Country of Nice, and part of Montferrat, as we shall shew in its proper Place. The Country is very considerable on the account of its Fruitfulness, the clearness of its Air, and the Riches of the Inhabitants. The eldest Son of the Duke of Savoy, bears the Title of Prince of Piedmont.

All Provisions are Plentiful and Cheap here, the Country being very Rich and Fertil. It is esteem'd inferiour to no part of Italy for Pleasantness and Plenty of Corn, Cattel, Wine, Fruit, Hemp, Flax, Metals, and almost every thing necessary for Human Life; and withal is so populous, that the Italians us'd to say, That the Duke of Savoy has only one City in Italy of 300 Miles in Compass. The Inhabitants are so given to Husbandry, that no Country is better cultivated than Piedmont: which may be conveniently divided into these Ten Parts, viz.

• Piedmont Proper
  • Turin, Capital.
• French Piedmont
  • ...Pignerol
• The Lordship of Verceil
  • ...Verceil
• The Principality of Masseran
  • ...Masseran
• The Marquisate of Ivrea
  • ...Ivrea
• The County of Asti
  • ...Asti
• The Marquisate of Susa
  • ...Susa
• The Marquisate of Saluces
  • ...Saluces
• The Valleys of the Vaudois
• The County and Principality of Boglio
  • ...Boglio.

The Lordship of VERCEIL, Vercellensis Ditio.

This Lordship lies between the Countries of Montferrat, Ivree, and Milancse, being extremely fertile, and well peopled. The more remarkable Places are these: Viz.

• VERCEIL, Bish.
• ...Biela.
• Sautia, &c.

VERCEIL, or Vercelli, Vercellae, is water'd with the Streams of the River Sessia, on the very Confines of the Dutchy of Milan, whereto it formerly appertain'd, being situated between Milan to the East, and Turin to the West, at an equal distance of 40 Miles from each, as also 12 from Casal to the North, and as many from Novara to the West. It is a large Place, and at present retains the Title of a Lordship, affording a Seat to a Prelate, whose Metropolitan is the Archbishop of Milan. Moreover, it is well fortify'd with a Castle, Citadel, and other regular Works, and adorn'd with divers fair Churches, besides a famous Hospital. Pope Leo IX. conven'd here a Council against Berengarius, Archdeacon of Angers; who was cited, but did not appear. The Spaniards made themselves Masters of the Town of Verceil, A. D. 1638; yet it was restor'd again to the Duke of Savoy, by virtue of the Pyrenaean Treaty of Peace.

Biela, or Biella, Bugella, Gaumellum, and Laumellum, is a rich and populous Town, beautify'd with several Churches, being the Capital of a small Countrey thence call'd Bielese. It stands on a Hill 8 Miles West of Masseran, and 32 North of Turin. Francis II. Duke of Modena, died here, A. D. 1658.

The Principality of MASSERAN, Principatus Masseranensis.

This small Territory, dignify'd with the Title of a Principality, lies within the Lordship of Verceil, toward Milanese, and takes its Name from the chief Town: Viz.

MASSERAN, seated on a Hill near the Borders of the Countrey of Bielese, 18 Miles North-east of Ivrea, 22 North-west of Vercelli, and 37 almost North-east of Turin. The Prince thereof is descended from the House of Ferrara, and holds his Lands in Vassalage of the Pope.

The Marquisate of IVREA, Marchionatus Eporediensis.

This Marquisate is extended between the Lordship of Verceil to the East, the Dutchy of Aoste to the North, the Marquisate of Susa to the West, and part of Montferrat to the South. The only Place of Note here, is,

IVREA, Eporedia, standing between two Hills, on the Banks of the River Dorea Baltea, over which is erected a fair Stone Bridge, in the Country of the Ancient Salassii. It was built (as some Authors avouch) 100 Years before our Saviour's Nativity, and is distant 22 Miles from Turin to the North, 29 from Susa, and 32 from Vercelli to the West, enjoying the Title of an Episcopal See, the Prelate whereof is Suffragran to the Archbishop of Turin. It hath also given its Name to the Marquisate which was so famous in the time of Berengarius, who contended for the Empire with the French Princes descended of the Kings of Arles. This City is of great Importance to the Duke of Savoy, into whose Hands it came, A. D. 870, having for its Defence a Citadel, and an old Castle. It hath been for a long time Imperial and Free; but the Emperor Frederick II. and William Count of Holland, gave it to Thomas II. of Savoy, A. D. 1242. And in 1349, John, Marquess of Montferrat, granted to Amadei VI. part of his Right to the same Place; which was also taken by the French in 1554, and restor'd some time after to its proper Lords.

Between the City of Ivrea and the River Po, lies the Countrey of Canavese, which was formerly part of Montferrat, but now belongs to Piedmont, since it was left to the Duke of Savoy, by the Treaty of Cherasco, in 1631. In some Villages of this Territory excellent Cheeses are made; and the River Arche conveys thither its golden Sands. Pepper-Trees are likewise found growing in the small Hamlet of Ponto.

The County of ASTI, Comitatus Astensis.

This County is enclos'd in Montferrat, and contains only two remarkable Places, viz. Asti and Verua.

Asti, Asta, or Pompeia, is situated on the River Tanaro, on the Borders of Montferrat, and honour'd with the Titles of a County and Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Milan, being distant 15 Miles from Alba to the North-east; 16 from Casal, the Metropolis of Montferrat, to the South-west; and 26 from Turin to the East. It was at first a potent Republick; nevertheless, in process of time, it fell into the Hands of the Viscounts, and thus became part of the Dutchy of Milan: But being afterward separated from thence, it was at last granted by the Emperor Charles V. to Charles III. Duke of Savoy, A. D. 1531, and is at present divided into many Parts, viz. the City, Burrough, Citadel, Fort and Castle of St. Peter; all which are well fortify'd. The Town now seems to be in a decaying Condition, though the Fortifications are still new and good: nevertheless, the adjacent Fields are fertile, and bring forth excellent Fruits, more-especially a sort of Melons that are very much esteem'd.

Verua is water'd with the Streams of the River Po, and stands on a Rising-ground on the Frontiers of Montferrat, 16 Miles North-east of Turin, toward Casal. The Spaniards laid Siege to this Town, in 1625; but were oblig'd to decamp, without accomplishing their Design.

The Marquisate of SUSA, Marchionatus Susensis.

This Marquisate is bounded on the North by the County of Maurienne, in Savoy; as also on the East and South, by Piedmont Properly so called; and on the West, by Mount Genevre.

SƲSA, the Capital Town of the Marquisate of the same Name, is situated on the River Doria, at the foot of the Alpes Cottiae, or Mount Cenis; and Mount Genevre, that separate Piedmont from Dauphiné, being distant only 1 League from the Frontiers of France; 24 Miles from Turin to the North-west; as many from Brianson; and 19 from Pignerol to the North. It is guarded with a strong Fort built on a Hill, commanding all the Passage between the two Mountains, and hath long since enjoy'd the Title of a Marquisate. Here is still to be seen a Triumphal Arch which was erected in Honour of Augustus, in the 740th Year after the Foundation of the City of Rome: And some learned Men take this to be the Town where that Emperor set up his Trophy, fourteen Years before the Nativity of Jesus Christ; although others will have it fix'd at the foot of the Maritime Alpes, near a Place call'd Tourbie, by a corruption of the word Trophy; endeavouring to establish their Conjecture by a piece of Stone, on which are seen part of the letters composing these words, Sentes Alpinae Devictae, with the Names of some other Nations. Others affirm, That Augustus caus'd the same Trophy to be erected in two several Places, and by that means would reconcile both Opinions. Moreover, at Susa was found the Sepulchre of Cottus, from whom the Cottian Alpes took their Name. The adjacent Countrey is very fruitful, and abounds more-especially with Wine and Honey. The French took this Town, in 1630, and caus'd it to be strongly fortify'd; but it was afterward restor'd to the Duke of Savoy. However, it was again surpriz'd by them, in 1690, at the beginning of the late War between France and Savoy.

The Marquisate of SALUCES, Marchionatus Salutiensis.

This Marquisate, lying at the foot of the Alpes, is bounded on the East by Piedmont Proper; on the West, by Dauphiné; on the North, by the Valleys of the Vaudois; and on the South, by the County of Nice. It was formerly possess'd by the French Kings, until Henry IV. gave it to Charles Emanuel, Duke of Savoy, in exchange for Bresse, Bugey, and some other Places on the hither side of the Alpes, A. D. 1600. The River Po takes its Rise in this Countrey, from the Mountain Viso, which is esteem'd the highest of the Alpes: and the Marquesses of Saluces have caus'd a famous Vault to be hew'd here out of a Rock, four Miles long, and in which the Mules may easily pass that transport Merchandizes from Italy to France. The Family of these Noble Marquesses (as it is reported) deriv'd its Original from one William, an Italian Count, who flourish'd in 910. This Marquisate contains above 50 Castles, besides the Towns, whereof the most considerable are these:

• SALƲCES, Bish. Cap.
• ...Carmagnola.
• ...Staffarda.
• ...Revel.
• ...Droner.
• ...Cental.
• ...Roquespariero.
• ...Bergues.

SALƲCES, Augustae Vagiennorum, or Salutiae, commonly call'd Saluzzo by the Inhabitants, is noted for its pleasant Situation on a Hill at the foot of the Alpes, scarcely 1 Mile from the River Po, 12 nigh South of Pignerol, and 22 South-west of Turin. It is the Capital City of the Marquisate of the same Name, and an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Turin; nevertheless, exempted from its Jurisdiction. The Cathedral Church is extremely Magnificent and Rich; and the Castle, built on a Hill, of no less Note, on account of its Regular Fortifications. This Place was both taken by the French, and recover'd out of their hands, A.D. 1691.

Carmagnola is a Place of great Importance, defended by a strong Fortress: It was taken, A. D. 1588, during the Civil Wars of France, by Charles Emanuel, Duke of Savoy, wo in like manner subdu'd the whole Marquisate of Saluces, and had it afterwards left to him by a Treaty of Peace concluded in 1600. The French recover'd this Town in 1691, but lost it again the same Year. It stands 2 Miles from the River Po, and 9 South of Turin.

Staffarda is a small Town about 4 Miles North of Saluces, remarkable only for the Victory which the French obtain'd there over the present Duke of Savoy, in the Month of August, A. D. 1690. Indeed, this was the first Battle that His Royal Highness was ever present at: nevertheless, he shew'd therein many notable Proofs both of his Conduct and Valour; but his Forces being raw and undisciplin'd, were over-match'd. The Loss of the Confederates was about 800 Men kill'd, and as many wounded; that of the French not amounting to above 500.

The Valleys of the VAUDOIS, Valles Waldensium.

The VAƲDOIS have render'd themselves so Famous in the late War, by vigorously attacking and defeating considerable Parties of the French, in divers Rencounters, that it may not be improper to give some Account of their Original and Countrey. The Name of Vaudois was first impos'd on those poor People of Lyons, in France, the Followers of Peter Valdo, or Vaud, a rich Merchant of that City, about the Year 1160, who seeing a Friend of his die suddenly, began to enter into a serious Consideration about a Future State, and from that time diligently apply'd himself to the Study of the Holy Scriptures. Whereupon, having discover'd the Errors of the Church of Rome, he divulg'd them to his Friends, and instructed the Poor, distributing Benevolences among them with great Bounty and Charity; but had no thought of setting himself up for the Chief of a Sect or Party, until the Clergy Excommucating him, and persecuting some of his Disciples, they retir'd into the Valleys of Piedmont, and found there some ancient Christians that were also call'd Vaudes.

The Valleys of the Vaudois lie between French Piedmont on the West and North, Piedmont Proper on the East, and the Marquisate of Saluces on the South, being usually divided into Five remarkable Valleys: Viz.

The Valley of

• 1. Pragelas, or Cluson.
• 2. Perouse.
• 3. St. Martyn.
• 4. Angrogne.
• 5. Lucerne.

In the Year 1688, the Duke of Savoy was incited by the French King to persecute the poor Inhabitants of these Valleys; who having, in vain, endeavour'd to preserve their Religion and Liberties, were at last taken Prisoners, and cast into a noisom Goal, where a great number of them perish'd; the rest, at the Solicitation of the Reformed Cantons of Switzerland, being permitted to go wheresoever they thought fit, retir'd for the most part, into the Territories of the Elector of Brandenburgh; who entertain'd them with great Generosity and Charity, giving them certain Lands to cultivate. But in 1690, His Royal Highness the Duke of Savoy, on the Mediation of King William, graciously recall'd these Refugees to their native Country, and restor'd them to all their former Privileges and Immunties, &c.

The County of Boglio; or Bueil (according to the French Pronunciation;) Boleanus Tractus; lies between that of Nice, where it is united, and Provence, taking its Name from its chief Town, which was heretofore govern'd by its proper Counts, and is built amidst the Mountains, at the distance of 3 Leagues from Entrevaux to the East. Divers other Towns are also included within its Jurisdiction; viz. those of Lauset, Chateau-Neuf, St. Dames, Pojet, &c. To these may be added Oneglia and Tenda.

Oneglia, Onelia, or Ʋnelia, is seated on the Coasts of Genoa, in a most delightful and fertile Valley, abounding with Grapes, Olives, and other sorts of Fruit. It is dignify'd with the Title of a Principality, or Marquisate, and was formerly govern'd by its own proper Princes or Lords, until one of them, nam'd Hieronymo Doria, sold it to the Duke of Savoy, A.D. 1576. This Place, which is wash'd by the Mediterranean Sea, almost 36 Miles South of Coni, and 42 East of Nice, was bombarded by the French, A. D. 1692.

Tenda is a small Town with a strong Castle, in the County of Nice, and the Capital of a Territory of that Name. It stands on the Banks of the River Rodia, in the Apennine, 25 Miles North-east of Nice, and 19 South of Coni. In fine, the whole Principality of Piedmont contains about 50 Counties, 15 Marquisates, 52 Earldoms, 160 Walled Towns, and 20 Abbeys, besides a great number of Lordships. The Dukes ordinary Revenue is, by most, agreed to be 1800000 Crowns, of which Piedmont alone yields 1400000. He is able to bring into the Field 30000 Foot, and 5000 Horse, and yet leave enough at Home to guard his Country, (says Leti.) He may travel almost the space of 200 Miles through his own Dominions, from Evian on the Lake of Geneva, as far as Nice on the Mediterranean Sea.