The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
FoR rHE CENTRAL PREsBYrERIAS.
FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE
TURIN, HOTEL D'EUROPE,
March 20th, 1878.
BY REV. PEYTON HARRISON.

TURIN, HOTEL D D'EUROPE,
March 2Sth, 1878.
Rev. DR.. Brown,-Leaging Genoa yester'
day morning, We soon entered in view of
scenery both grand, and picturesque. Tall
mountains rise in great majesty or pictu-
rescue hills beauti6ed with terraced culture,
interspersed with dwelling houses, and at no
great distance beyond, the mountains are
white with snow, till you reach Alexandria,
about half way to Turin. Then we passed
through a wide champagne country, carpeted
with green wheat and grass, enjoying the
balmy atmosphere of bright May day,
while the snowy Alps are still distinctly in
view. A few miles from Turin the scenery
becomes extremely beautiful. The hills rise
with gentle slopes from the wide plain below,
beauti6ed with culture in vines and wheat,
and tbiekly settled with handsome dwellings
these extend for several miles around, and
near the pretty village of MOntatesi lying
on the Po Crossing an arched bridge you
enter the city.
Turin has population of 100000, is re
markably we'll built with houses succeed,
and covered with tiles according to the usual
style of building in Italy. The streets are
clean and we'll paved, and wider than any
I ever saw, except in Augusta, Georgia.
There are many open squares, several of
which contain statues in bronze, or marble
In front Of the palace are equestrian statues
of Castor and POllux, guarding the open
entrance to that part Of the square near the
palace, and farther off is marble stature in
eommemoratiOn O. the victories of Italy In
the war with Austria, which released Milan
from Austrian rule, and annexed it to Italy.
This was presented by the city of Milan, as
an expression of gratitude to their deliveries.
The palace is large building of plain ex
terror, but beautiful within. l have not
seen any palace more gOrgeOusly finished,
or more elegantly furnished. The floors are
more beautifully tesselated with variety
of woods of different cOlOrs than any ever
saw. The walls are of marble decorated
with gold, and adorned with many fine paint
ings. The ceilings are brilliant with gold,
varied with very fine frescOes. There are
also many fine statues in marble. Those of
Victor Emanuel, and his father are master
pieces of art. We have visited churches,
Geological garden, Sc, but there is nothing
remarkable in the public buildings. An old
castle stands in the large square in front of
the palace. Yesterday evening went to
church Just beyond the Po, which stands on
a bill overlooking the city from which l had
q fine view Of the whole town. This morn
ing We started out in grand style with
handsome open carriage and four, posti
lion dressed in royal livery, red and white
with yellow breeehes, and Suwarrow boots,
rode one of the leaders 1t was observable
that we attracted general notice, as we drove
through the streets, no doubt we were taken
for princes at the least. This equipage was
not for display, but for necessary use in
order to reach the Royal Chapel and tombs,
situated on the top of a mountain few
miles distant This chapel was erected by
Prince Eugene who captured Turin in the
year 17O6. Looking from this mountain
with military eye, he said the place looked
as if it were already beaten, and made VOW
that if be succeeded in its capture he would
build church on that spot. The church
has very imposing exterior, and is finished
with great taste and without regard to ex-
pense. There are several beautiful altars.
One has an alto relieve of the annuUciation.
An angel is represented above, while the
Virgin is sitting with an expression Of mys-
teriOus wonder, pOndering in her heart the
strange communication. On the opposite side
Of the chapel is an altar with representa-
ton of the birth of the Saviour. Mary is
sitting with the babe in her lap, Joseph sits
by with an expression of serious thought.
The other figures are such as are generally
seen in pictures of the birth of Jesus. I'm
derneath in the basement are the tombs of the
Royal family, who have had their burial here
ever since the building was erected. In this
msusOleum are some fne pieces of statuary.
Those Of Faith, " Hope, "Chariay' and
"Peace" are very beautiful The peace of
Utrecht was the result of this victory
Hence. 1 suppose the statue of Peace.
This mountain is two thousand fve hun
dred feet above the level of the river, and
gives a commanding view in every direction.
The city and the vast plain above and be-