or FRASCATI, a small town, situated on the brow of a hill, about twelve miles to the eastward of Rome. It derives its name from the coolness of the air, and freth verdure of the fields around. It is built of the ruins of the ancient Tufculum; and the Tufculan villa where Cicero wrote his famous questions is at a place now called Grotta Ferrata, about two miles distant. E. Long. 11.43. N. Lat. 41.48. There is a very fine prospect from this town into the neighbouring country, which abounds with the seats of cardinals and other nobility. It is the see of a bishop, who is one of the fix senior cardinals, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful villas in Italy; the principal of which are the villa Aldobrandini, belonging to Prince Pamfili; the villa Taberna, belonging to Prince Borghese; and villa Ludovisi, to the family of Colonna. The villa Aldobrandini, called also Belvedere from its beautiful prospect, is the most remarkable, on account of its fine situation, extensive gardens, airy terraces, its grottoes, cascades, and water-works. Over a saloon, near the grand cascade, is the following inscription:

Huc ego migravi musis comitatus Apollo; Hic Delphi, hic Helicon, hic mihi Delos erit.

The walls are adorned with a representation of Apollo and the Muses; and some of that god's adventures are painted in fresco by Domenichino. The villa Taberna is one of the finest and best furnished of any in the neighbourhood of Rome. From this you ascend through gardens to Monte Dracone, another palace on a more lofty situation, belonging also to that prince, and deriving its name from the arms of his family. From hence you may see Rome, and the whole extent of the plain; it has a noble ascent, with a broad paved walk; and among other curiosities there is a hall adorned with the pictures of a vast number of men eminent for learning and arms. The gardens, laid out by Vignola, contain three miles in compass; and have many delightful walks and curious water-works. Near this place are the monks of Camaldoli and the capuchins; and higher up are ruins of the ancient Tufculum. Ascending towards the plain, two miles on the right hand, you find the famous abbey of Grotta Ferrata, belonging to the monks of St Bafil, and situated on the ruins of Cicero's house. The Virgin Mary of the great altar is an ancient Greek picture; in the chapel the pictures of St Nilus and St Bartholomew the abbot, are by Annibal Caracci; and all the paintings in fresco of this chapel are by Domenichino. Villa Ludovisi has a charming walk going up to it, where you see the ruins of Lucullus's palace. The house is small; but the gardens are large, embellished with a great variety of walks and fountains, and a beautiful cascade.