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Rh commands the town and harbour, which, though but a sorry fortification at present, is capable of being made a place of considerable strength, as it hath a range of hills behind it, on which little redoubts might be erected; and with these, and a few substantial outworks towards the sea, it might stand a pretty long siege. The castle is properly on a separate territory, called, the New Land, as is also the cathedral of Bastia, which has nothing very remarkable. It belongs to the bishoprick of Mariana.

The church of St. John in this city, by no means an inelegant building, belongs to the Jesuits, who have here a college. Their garden is finely situated, large, and well laid out. This they owe in a great measure to the French, who have been stationed in Corsica at different times. From them the inhabitants have learned much of what they know of the arts and conveniences of life. There is here a convent of Lazarists or missionaries, a vast and magnificent house, almost overhanging the sea. The convent of the Franciscans, and that of the Capuchins, are situated on the rising grounds behind Bastia. The last stands in a beautiful exposure, and has really a very pretty front.