DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.55699#0299
CIVITA CASTELLANA.
Rura mihi, et rigui placeant in vallibus amnes,
Flumina amem sylvasque inglorius.
Virgil.
Independent of the classical associations which throng
the imagination on approaching this ancient town, the
mind is impressed with the most romantic feelings as
the precipitous and lonely rock on which it is built rises
into view. In no part of Italy, perhaps, can the eye
rest on wilder or more romantic scenery than is to be
found in this neighbourhood. The hill over which the
town is scattered abruptly descends, on all sides, into a
deep and thickly wooded dell. Along the bottom of this
solitude runs a small stream, pellucid, constantly mur-
muring, and forming a pleasing contrast to the wild and
almost savage aspect of the surrounding scenery. The
fortifications of the town and citadel are built along the
very edge of the rock, and are believed to have been
formed out of the ruins of a more ancient city.
Antiquaries have not been successful in their inquiries
respecting the original occupation of this remarkable site.
For many years the favourite opinion was, that here Veii
stood, and the idea was strongly supported by the pe-
culiarity of the situation, and the natural advantages it
afforded a warlike people.
“ Some masses of rubbish,” says Mr. Eustace, “ are
R
Rura mihi, et rigui placeant in vallibus amnes,
Flumina amem sylvasque inglorius.
Virgil.
Independent of the classical associations which throng
the imagination on approaching this ancient town, the
mind is impressed with the most romantic feelings as
the precipitous and lonely rock on which it is built rises
into view. In no part of Italy, perhaps, can the eye
rest on wilder or more romantic scenery than is to be
found in this neighbourhood. The hill over which the
town is scattered abruptly descends, on all sides, into a
deep and thickly wooded dell. Along the bottom of this
solitude runs a small stream, pellucid, constantly mur-
muring, and forming a pleasing contrast to the wild and
almost savage aspect of the surrounding scenery. The
fortifications of the town and citadel are built along the
very edge of the rock, and are believed to have been
formed out of the ruins of a more ancient city.
Antiquaries have not been successful in their inquiries
respecting the original occupation of this remarkable site.
For many years the favourite opinion was, that here Veii
stood, and the idea was strongly supported by the pe-
culiarity of the situation, and the natural advantages it
afforded a warlike people.
“ Some masses of rubbish,” says Mr. Eustace, “ are
R