MODENA, an ancient city, in Latin Mutina, which gives name to a duchy of Italy, and is its capital. It stands in a rich plain 28 miles east of Parma, 44 almost south of Mantua, and 20 west of Bologna; and is a pretty large, but not a handsome city, with a population of 23,000. It is much celebrated by Roman authors for its grandeur and opulence; but was a great sufferer by the siege it underwent during the troubles of the triumvirate. Mr. Keysler says, that when Decius Brutus was besieged here by Mark Antony, Hirtius the consul made use of carrier pigeons; and that, even at this day, pigeons are trained up at Modena to carry letters and bring back answers. This city hath given birth to several celebrated persons, particularly Tasso the poet, Corregio the great painter, Sigonius the civilian and historian, Da Vignola the architect, and Montecuculi the imperial general. The tutelary saint of it is named Geminianus. The ducal palace is a very noble edifice; but the collection of pictures and curiosities it formerly contained is no longer there. The only manufacture for which this city is noted, is that of masks, of which great numbers are exported. The women have a singular costume; they cover the head and body with a large silk cloak or veil, which gives them the appearance of old women or masked dominos. The churches of the Jesuits, of the Thea-
tines, and of St Dominic, are well worth viewing. The university, now called the Lyceum, has produced several good scholars in the belles lettres, sciences, and politics. There is also a neat theatre here, and an excellent library. St Beatrix, who was of the family of Esté, is said to knock always at the gate of the palace three days before any of the family dies. Before most of the houses are covered walks or porticoes, as at Bologna. The city is fortified, and on its south side stands the citadel. E. Long. 11. o. N. Lat. 44. 34.