Eustace, John Cretwode: A classical tour through Italy An. MDCCCII (Vol. 3): 3. ed., rev. and enl (London: J. Mawman, 1815)

Ch. IX.

THROUGH ITALY.

343

which it has so long made in the annals of
modern history. It is indeed t<*> be considered,
that we came directly from Rome, and that the
glories of that capital, when fresh upon the mind,
must naturally eclipse the inferior splendor of
every other city.

CHURCHES.
The Cathedral, with its adjoining baptistery ;
St. Lorenzo, and the Mausoleum of the Medicean
family; Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce,
are the most conspicuous edifices in Florence,
and have each some peculiarity that claims at-
tention.
The cathedral, called as usual in Italy II
Duomo, is an edifice of great strength and mag-
7 ο ο O
nificence, and ranks among the first of the kind
in Europe. It is in fact, if we consider magni-
tude and materials, boldness and skill, the second
and in these respects inferior only to the unri-
valled Vatican. Its walls are incrusted with
black and white marble ; it is paved with va-
riegated marble disposed, at least in part, by
Michael Angelo ; it is adorned both within and
without by marble statues, most of which are
works of the most eminent sculptors ; and its