an ancient and celebrated town of Italy, in the duchy of Milan, and capital of the Pavefan, with an university and bishop's see. It was anciently called Ticinum, from its situation on that river, and lies 20 miles to the southward of Milan. It was formerly the capital of the Longobardic kingdom, and is still remarkable for the breadth of its streets, the beauty and richness of some of its churches, and for its university founded by Charlemagne, and for several other literary institutions. Here is a bishop's see, which was once the richest in Italy, but is now dependent on the pope; and upon the whole the city is gone to decay, its trade being ruined through the exactions of the government. The few objects within it worth the public attention belong to the clergy or monks; and the church and convent of the Carthusians are inexpressibly noble, the court of the convent being one of the finest in the world, and surrounded by a portico supported by pillars, the whole a mile in circumference. It is defended by strong walls, large ditches, good ramparts, excellent bastions, and a bridge over the river Tafin. In the centre of the town is a strong castle, where the duke of Milan was wont to reside. There are a great number of magnificent castles, and some colleges. It was taken by the duke of Savoy in 1706; by the French in 1733; by the French and Spaniards in 1745; but retaken by the Austrians in 1746. E. Long. 9. 5. N. Lat. 45. 10.