The
Entrance On One Side Is Defended By A Small Fort Built Above The
Town Of Porto Venere, Which Is A Very Poor Place.
Farther in
there is a battery of about twenty guns; and on the right hand,
opposite to Porto Venere, is a block-house, founded on a rock in
the sea.
At the bottom of the bay is the town of Spetia on the
left, and on the right that of Lerici, defended by a castle of
very little strength or consequence. The whole bay is surrounded
with plantations of olives and oranges, and makes a very
delightful appearance. In case of a war, this would be an
admirable station for a British squadron, as it lies so near
Genoa and Leghorn; and has a double entrance, by means of which
the cruisers could sail in and out continually, which way soever
the wind might chance to sit. I am sure the fortifications would
give very little disturbance.
At the post-house in Lerici, the accommodation is intolerable. We
were almost poisoned at supper. I found the place where I was to
lie so close and confined, that I could not breathe in it, and
therefore lay all night in an outward room upon four chairs, with
a leather portmanteau for my pillow. For this entertainment I
payed very near a loui'dore. Such bad accommodation is the less
excusable, as the fellow has a great deal of business, this being
a great thoroughfare for travellers going into Italy, or
returning from thence.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 362 of 535
Words from 96887 to 97141
of 143308
