FERRARA, a city of Italy, in the territory of the pope, capital of a duchy of the same name. It is seated in an agreeable and fertile plain; watered by the river Po, which is a defence on one side; and on the other is encompassed by a strong wall, and deep broad ditches full of water, as well as by a good citadel, finished by pope Paul. In the middle of the city is a magnificent castle, which was formerly the palace of the dukes, and is not now the least ornament of Ferrara. It is quite surrounded with water; and the arsenal, which is near it, deserves the observation of travellers. Over-against the palace is the duke's garden; with a park, called Belvedere on account of its beauty. Behind the garden there is a palace, built with white marble, called the palace of diamonds, because all the stones are cut diamond fashion.
Ferrara had formerly a considerable trade; but it is now almost deserted, being very poor, inasmuch that there is hardly a person to be seen in the streets. This is owing to the exactions of the popes. The fortifications are now neglected, and the ancient university is dwindled into a wretched college of the Jesuits. However, in 1735, it was advanced to an archbishopric by pope Clement XII. The country about it is so marshy, that a shower or two of rain renders the roads almost impassable. It is 24 miles north-east of Bologna, 38 north-west of Ravenna, 70 north-by-west of Florence, and 190 north of Rome. E. Long. 12. 14. N. Lat. 44. 36.