ACROPOLIS, Athens.—The natural centre of all the settlements in the Attic plain within the historical period was the Acropolis, a rocky plateau of crystalline limestone, rising precipitously to a height of two hundred feet. The semi-mythical Pelasgi, of whom but a few isolated traces have been found in Attica, are said to have leveled the top, increased the natural steepness of the rock on three sides, and fortified the only accessible part by nine gates. It was the earliest seat of the Athenian kings, who here sat in judgment and assembled their councils, as well as of the chief sanctuaries of the State.
PARTHENON, Athens, Greece.—This structure is the most perfect monument of ancient art, and even in ruins presents an imposing and soul-stirring appearance, occupying the culminating point of the Acropolis. It was erected by Pericles and opened for public worship in 433 B.C. The crowning glory of the Parthenon was its magnificent sculpture, ascribed to Phidias, registering the highest level ever attained in plastic art. The Parthenon was used as a Christian Church in the fifth century. In 1460 it became the Turkish Mosque, and in 1670 the stately edifice was blown into ruins.
GRAND CATHEDRAL AND SQUARE, Milan, Italy.—This is the focus of the commercial and public life of the city, and is now enclosed by imposing edifices on every side. The celebrated Cathedral, the eighth wonder of the world, is next to St. Peter's in Rome, the largest church in Europe. It covers an area of fourteen thousand square yards, and holds about forty thousand people. The building is in cruciform shape, with double aisles and transept. The interior is supported by fifty-two pillars, each twelve feet in diameter. The floor consists of mosaic, in marble of different colors.
CORSO VENEZIA, Milan, Italy.—The principal shopping street of the city, and the favorite promenade of the Milanese is here represented. The buildings have a modern aspect, with little balconies at almost every window, which are often adorned with plants, flowers and creeping vines. The street, which is well paved, is wide, extending almost from house to house. The pavements are very narrow, consisting of only four smooth slabs of stone, laid side by side. The shop-windows are decorated in the most tempting style with the wares of the various merchants. The picture was secured in the early morning, giving the street a deserted look, which at all other times is crowded with people.
EXPOSITION BUILDINGS, Turin, Italy.—The city of Turin was the capital of the county of Piedmont in the Middle Ages, and in 1418 it became subject to the Dukes of Savoy, who frequently resided here. From 1859 to 1865 it was the capital of Italy, and the residence of the King. It lies on an extensive plain on the banks of the River Po. Turin was the chief centre of those national struggles which led to a unification of Italy. The removal of the seat of government to Florence seriously impaired the prosperity of the city for a time, but it long since recovered, and celebrated its commercial success in 1884 by the exhibition.
DUKE FERDINAND OF GENOA, Turin, Italy.—In the centre of the piazza Solferino stands the equestrian statue of Duke Ferdinand of Genoa, commanding-general at the battle of Novara. The statue was executed by Balzico, and is remarkable for the life-like expression of the wounded horse, with extended nostrils and gasping breath, sinking under the burden of his gallant rider. This piazza is one of the prettiest spots of Turin. Private residences face it on every side, with sloping lawns relieved by beds of flowers.
GENOA, Italy.—Genoa, with a population of about 200,000, is located in the northern portion of the Peninsula, and is the principal seaport of Italy. The city is in the form of a crescent, and its gradual ascent from the shore, renders its appearance beautiful and attractive. It is enclosed by a double line of fortifications, which places it among the leading fortified cities in Europe. A beautiful light-house on the west side, 300 feet in height, stands like a sentinel on the edge of the bay. In the older portions of the city, the streets are only ten feet wide and are lined with high buildings on both sides.
STATUE OF COLUMBUS, Genoa, Italy.—In the front of the principal railway station, rises the statue of Columbus, who was born at Genoa in 1435. The statue is in the centre of the spacious Piazza Acquaverde, embosomed in palm-trees. The pedestal is adorned with ships' prows. At the feet of the statue, which leans on an anchor, kneels the figure of America. The surrounding allegorical figures represent Religion, Science, Geography, Strength and Wisdom. Between these, are reliefs from the history of Columbus, with the inscription, "A Christoforo Colombo la Patria."
LEANING TOWER, Pisa, Italy.—Pisa is principally noted for its famous "Leaning Tower," begun in 1174, and built of white marble; it is 178 feet high, and fronted with 207 columns. It is 50 feet in diameter, and leans 13 feet from the perpendicular. The foundation being made insufficiently solid, it began to incline before it was one-third completed. The Cathedral on the right was begun in 1604, and consecrated in 1618 by Pope Gelasius; it contains the famous chandelier which Galileo saw swinging, and which led to his invention of the pendulum of the clock. The Baptistry, close by, is noted for its marvelous echo.
PALACE OF THE DOGES, Venice, Italy.—This magnificent edifice, founded in 800, and destroyed five times, has as often been re-erected in grander style. The palace is flanked with colonnades, forming two pointed arcades on the south and west. The upper portion of the building is constructed of red and white marble. The interior presents a noble specimen of Venetian art. Many famous masters are here represented, the subjects either portraying the glory of Venice, or being of a religious order. The Bridge of Sighs connects the palace with the prison adjoining, which contains a series of gloomy dungeons, a torture chamber and a place of execution for political criminals.