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

Ch. XIV.

THROUGH ITALY.

471

of the kind, I believe, in Europe. These apart-
ments open on a terrace, which commands an
extensive view of the bay, with its moles and
lighthouse, and of the rough coast that borders it
on one side.
In this palace the Emperor Joseph was lodged
during his short visit to Genoa, and is reported
to have acknowledged that it far surpassed any
that he was master of. The merit of this com-
pliment is, that it is strictly true · for few sove-
reigns are worse accommodated with royal resi-
dences than the Austrian princes. The imperial
palace at Vienna is a gloomy plastered barrack;
that in the suburbs is as contemptible an edifice
as that called the Queens Lodge at Windsor;
and the castle of Laxenberg, which has long
been the favorite residence, is inferior in size,
appearance, and furniture, to the family seat of
many an English country gentleman.
Yet, though I have selected the palace of
Durazzo as the best specimen of Genoese archi-
tecture, I know not whether I might not with
propriety have given the preference to that of
Doria in the Strada Nova, at least in point of
simplicity (for it is certainly inferior in magni-
tude) as its pilasters and regular unbroken cor-
nice give it an appearance of more purity, light-