COUTANCES, a port town of Normandy, and capital of Coutantin, in W. Long. 1. 32. Lat. 49. 10. This town, anciently called Constantia or Cosedia, is pleasantly situated among meadows and rivulets about six miles distant from the sea. By the remains of a Roman aqueduct, and other ancient ruins, it appears to be a place of great antiquity. It is the see of a bishop suffragan of Rome; and has a magnificent cath-
edral, esteemed one of the finest pieces of Gothic architecture in Europe. The trade of this town is very inconsiderable, and the fortifications are quite demolished. They have several religious houses, and two parochial churches.