DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.55699#0304
246
THE LANDSCAPE ANNUAL.
such almost is the whole of it at the present day. From
the eminence on which Civita Casteliana now stands,
the eye wanders over a wide extent of country—rich in
the beauties and promises of nature, but unpeopled and
uncultivated. No vestiges remain of the wealthy people
w'ho once inhabited it; of the towns and fortresses which
could defy armies by the strength of their walls and the
resolution of their little garrisons: all is hushed and
solitary as when the gloomy woods and mountains of
Ciminia sheltered hordes of half-barbarous enemies, and
frightened the traveller and merchant from the gloomy
road.
The town, however, of Civita Castellana itself is far
from being the most insignificant of Italian cities. Besides
containing several churches, it has an excellent square,
adorned with a fountain, a bridge, and citadel, together
with many architectural relics of the remote period when
it is supposed to have been in its most flourishing state.
Close to the gates there is also an aqueduct, said to be
still in good repair, the whole appearance of the town
being strikingly in contrast with the loneliness of the
country which surrounds it.
THE LANDSCAPE ANNUAL.
such almost is the whole of it at the present day. From
the eminence on which Civita Casteliana now stands,
the eye wanders over a wide extent of country—rich in
the beauties and promises of nature, but unpeopled and
uncultivated. No vestiges remain of the wealthy people
w'ho once inhabited it; of the towns and fortresses which
could defy armies by the strength of their walls and the
resolution of their little garrisons: all is hushed and
solitary as when the gloomy woods and mountains of
Ciminia sheltered hordes of half-barbarous enemies, and
frightened the traveller and merchant from the gloomy
road.
The town, however, of Civita Castellana itself is far
from being the most insignificant of Italian cities. Besides
containing several churches, it has an excellent square,
adorned with a fountain, a bridge, and citadel, together
with many architectural relics of the remote period when
it is supposed to have been in its most flourishing state.
Close to the gates there is also an aqueduct, said to be
still in good repair, the whole appearance of the town
being strikingly in contrast with the loneliness of the
country which surrounds it.