MARQUISATE OF, a province in the pope's territories in Italy. It lies between the gulf of Venice and the Appenines, which bound it on the north; Abruzzo on the east; the duchy of Spoleto, and that of Urbino, on the west. The air is indifferent; but the soil is fruitful, particularly in hemp and flax; and there is great plenty of wax and honey. It contains several large towns, as Fermo, Loreto, Recanati, Macerata, Jefi, Tolentino, Accoli, Osimo, St Severino, Monte Alto, Camerino, and Ripatransone, which are all archiepiscopal or episcopal sees.

a sea-port town of Italy, the capital of the marquisate of that name, and the see of a bishop. It was formerly the finest port in all Italy, being built by the emperor Trajan, about the year 115; but was almost ruined, and its trade lost: however, it has again begun to revive. Its harbour is the best in all the pope's dominions. The town lies round it on two hills; one of which is at the point of Cape St Syriaco, from whence there is a delightful prospect. On the other stands the citadel, which commands the town and harbour. The streets of this city are narrow and uneven; and the public and private buildings inferior to those of the other great towns in Italy. The cathedral is a low dark structure; and though the front is covered with fine marble, the architecture has neither beauty nor regularity. The church of St Dominic, and that of the Franciscans, have each an excellent picture by Titian. The exchange, where the merchants meet, is a handsome square portico, in which is an equestrian statue of Trajan, who first built the port. At the four corners are four other statues. The triumphal arch of Trajan remains almost entire, with its inscription. The common people in this town are a little particular and fantastical in their dress, but the better sort follow the French mode. It is a great thoroughfare from the north of Italy to Loreto; which renders provisions very dear. The tide does not rise here above a foot, and near the Mediterranean it is scarce visible. E. Long. 15. 5. N. Lat. 43. 36.