Text (translated from the 1579/1580L2Add, 1579 Latin, 1580/1589 German, 1581 French, 1584 Latin, 1587 French, 1588 Spanish, 1592 Latin, 1595 Latin, 1598 Dutch, 1598 French, 1601 Latin, 1602 German, 1602 Spanish, 1603 Latin, 1606 English, 1609/1612/1641 Spanish and 1609/1612 Latin edition).
28.1. {1579/1580L2Add{The Diocese of SEVILLA, {1608/1612I has instead{The congregation of Hispalis or Sevilla}1608/1612I instead} being part of ANDALUZIA.2. The diocese of the Church of Sevilla is situated in that province of Spain which in rich commodities, and a kind of fruitful and peculiar courage excels <above> all the rest. This beautiful province was by the ancients called Bætica after the river Bætis. But later Writers have called it VVandalicia {1581F, 1587F, 1598F & 1606E only{or Andaluzia}1581F, 1587F, 1598F & 1606E only} {not in 1580/1589G{after the Vandals who about one thousand years ago{1581F, 1584L, 1587F, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1601L, 1602G, 1602S, 1603L, 1608/1612I & 1609/1612L have instead{later}1581F, 1584L, 1587F, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1601L, 1602G, 1602S, 1603L, 1608/1612I & 1609/1612L instead} overran it}not in 1580/1589G}.
28.2 This Diocese or territory is of all regions and territories in Spain rightly considered to be the most fortunate one, {1581F, 1587F & 1598F only{as Plinius calls it}1581F, 1587F & 1598F only} both with regard to the multitude and civility of its inhabitants, and because of its wealth and the overflowing abundance of all things. This was even confirmed by the verses {not in 1588S & 1609/1612/1641S{of the Greek}not in 1588S & 1609/1612/1641S}, who attribute Elysian pleasures and delights to this area which borders on the West Ocean.
28.3. This territory contains, spread out <over it>, almost 200 important towns, next to a great number of villages, so that there are now more towns under the jurisdiction of this single diocese or convent than there used to be over all four <taken> together, for (as Plinius writes) they prescribed laws, but only to 175 towns. And how small a number this seems to be, if you take into account those one hundred thousand villages which in the territory of Sevilla alone, called Axarafi by the Arabs, were by King Ferdinand received into a loyal allegiance with the city itself? In spite of this, after the departure of the Moors {1602G has instead{foreigners}1602G instead}, most of them became desolate.
28.4. Since the limits of this <diocese> differ much from the ancient precincts of Spanish dioceses, they approach the form prescribed by King Vamba to all the Cathedrals of Spain. For this diocese has to the East the territory of Cordoba, West the frontiers of Algarve, North it lies opposite that part of Portugal which is called the Government of Saint Iacobus, but the remainder towards the South is enclosed by the diocese of Cadiz and the Ocean sea. Important towns are here very numerous, the most important one being the royal city of Sevilla, spread out and pleasantly situated on the bank of the Bætis {1588S & 1602S have instead, 1608/1612I additionally{Guadalquiuir}1588S & 1602S instead, 1608/1612I additionally}, and surrounded by beautiful and stately walls.
28.5. This famous river Bætis {1581F, 1587F, 1588S, 1602S, 1606E & 1608/1612I only{or Guadalquibir}1581F, 1587F, 1588S, 1602S, 1606E & 1608/1612I only} comes from a forest formerly called Saltus Tugiensis {1588S & 1602S have instead{plains of Alcaraz}1588S & 1602S instead} and continues its course past the main cities of the province it has entered. From this noble city, known by the old name of Colonia Romulea, continues its stream in a navigable channel abounding with fish, to the Western Ocean for a distance of sixty miles {1588S, 1602S & 1609/1612/1641S only{to Gibraltar}1588S, 1602S & 1609/1612/1641S only}, its banks on both sides flourishing with Olive trees, Vineyards and most admirable sweet Gardens, perfumed with the delectable and fragrant odour of Lemons.
28.6. Now Sevilla, both for its churches and houses is the most graceful city in all of Spain and for the neat clothing of its citizens and a kind of elegance peculiar to them only, is inferior to no city at all in the world. Here religion, the study of liberal arts and the practice of gentleman-like exercises are in their prime. And so infinite are the riches and treasures included within the walls of this city, that the like of it never in the old times could be found in any Kingdom or Empire however great, with Rome as the only exception. For this being the richest of all the cities of Europe, it largely distributes over the entire Christendom that infinite wealth, never dreamt of before, which it fetches, as it seems, from another world <=America> {not in 1603L{which from here was first discovered}not in 1603L}. With which it also abundantly furnishes the very barbarous and savage nations inhabiting the innermost parts of Africa and Asia.
28.7. It is quite clear that for a number of years taken together in the bookkeeping of the Indies-contract-houses there was most faithfully registered <a wealth of> a hundred and more millions <ducats> {1602G instead{100 tons}1602G instead} of gold. And from this one may guess that even much more was concealed by those that brought it <here>, fearing that the King at a certain time would like to have borrowed it. What then should we think of the infinite and incredible amount of riches which after their first discovery of America to the present has been transported to this place, two fleets yearly running into Spain, carrying no other cargo than gold and silver {1580/1589G, 1581F, 1587F & 1602G only{instead of being stabilised with sand}1580/1589G, 1581F, 1587F & 1602G only}, and mostly weighed by both? But these (you will say) are foreign commodities, fetched from far away.
28.8. It is so rich by itself that it pays a yearly tribute to the King to whom it is loyally devoted, of a million and a half {1602G has instead{one and a half tons}1602G instead} in gold, as much as many Princes can scarcely raise from their entire kingdoms. Here live for trade innumerable multitudes of strangers, next to whom there have lately been counted 24,000 Citizens <who are> householders, divided into 28 wards. The first of these wards is famous both for its name and for the Church of St. Mary, no church in all of Christendom being better, if you consider this large and magnificent building with its beautiful and admirable ornaments, and its steeple, likewise of exceeding height, from where signals are given at certain hours. In it, you find a lofty pinnacle of most excellent workmanship, from where you may behold a most glorious view all over the city and the adjacent fields.
28.9. How am I to describe the royal magnificence of the kings castle, no others having been built more gorgeously by the Kings of Spain, nor more pleasantly situated <than this one>? Or to what purpose should I describe the sumptuous palaces of Dukes, Earls and Nobles, or the neat houses of <the> Citizens, with their crystal-clear fountains, green parks and fragrant gardens? In silence I omit <to mention> the ancient water streams, diffused by arches through all parts of the city, and the more recent ones, which through infinite costs and industry of the Senators and Citizens of Sevilla have for public appreciation been channelled to the place commonly called Hercules pillars, which, by planting trees, they have converted from a large fenny quagmire into a most beautiful grove, leaving fair and broad spaces open for people to walk, run and amuse themselves.
28.10. Now who can sufficiently recommend the gardens outside the city, full with a variety of pleasures, and those stately houses in the fields bordering on the river Bætis {1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I have instead{Guadalquiuir}1588S, 1602S & 1609/1612I instead}? From where they may daily behold ships arriving both from the old and the new world. For Sevilla, queen of the Ocean, located as it is as an intermediate between the two, unites them by prosperous sea travel, and rich trade. It would be tedious to list the majesty of the Kings palace, or of his castle at Triana. This Triana is a fair suburb on the other side of the <river> Bætis (1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I have instead{Guadalquiuir}1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I instead}, inhabited by almost three thousand Citizens, and joined to the city by a bridge of timber. But whoever considers the richness and fertility of their fields, abounding with all kinds of grain, may justly acknowledge it as a bountiful and prodigious work of nature, which here above all other places seems to attract and distribute pleasures and treasures for the solace and benefit of mankind.
28.11. Next {1606E only{to Sevilla in authority and size}1606E only} <is> Cæsariana, also called Xeres de la frontiera, and Iulia Firmitas {1588S & 1602S have instead{Ecija}1588S & 1602S instead}, {not in 1609/1612/1641S{now called Astigi}not in 1609/1612/1641S}, which in old times were colonies of the Romans. They excel <above> all other towns and cities. Carmona and Utraria may well be called the two granaries and store houses of Sevilla. Next follows Marchena, consisting of ancient stone monuments, and next, I do not truly know why <it is being called as it is> comes Martia Colonia and Arcobriga, being the lordship towns of the most illustrous ducal family of the Ponce. To these you may add Ursao, formerly called Genua Vrbanorum, and at this moment Ossuna, the most honourable and richest dukedom of the Girones ennobled with a University.
28.12. For oil, corn and wine Constantina, Cazalla and Moron excel mostly. Nebrissa, similarly situated at the mouth of the Btis {1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I have instead{Guadalquiuir}1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I instead}, the most happy native soil of Ælius Antonius, the restorer and author of the Latin tongue in Spain is famous for <its> antiquity, and inferior to none in abundance of Corn. Also in the very bay in which the Btis (1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I have instead{Guadalquiuir}1588S, 1602S & 1608/1612I instead} discharges its waters on the headland formerly called Luciferi Promontorium you find the town which we now call Solucar or Sa<i>nt lucar, the rich market town of the Gothish Dukes, and very commodious for the west-Indian fleets. Other important towns of this Diocese I omit for brevity's sake.
28.13. The soil in this entire area is most miraculously abundant with wheat, wine and oil, and all kinds of grain, with which it supplies remote and foreign countries overseas. And how deservedly would Plinius have preferred this part <of the world> above Italy, had he not, <being> an Italian, entertained a greater affection for his own country? Yet, Spain, wherever it borders on the sea, is recommended by him, which praise we understand especially for that part of Andaluzia {1588S & 1602G have instead{Bætica}1588S & 1602G instead} which pertains to the Diocese of Sevilla, because it lies open to the main Ocean and the gentle blasts of the west <winds>.
28.14. The sky is here most favourable, always smiling in a temperate and most amiable way. Its people, born to piety and good arts, excelling in sharpness of wit and surpassing others in bold courage and readiness of mind {1580/1589G, 1584L, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1601L, 1602G, 1602S, 1603L, 1606E & 1608/1612I only{(which is in a way peculiar, and hereditary to this nation)}1580/1589G, 1584L, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1601L, 1602G, 1602S, 1603L, 1606E & 1608/1612I only} will in no case allow themselves either in offices of courtesy of in the waging of war to be surpassed by any nation.
28.15. The Archbishop of Sevilla, next to the one of Toledo, is the highest prelacy of all of Spain. Earlier, it had eleven suffrage Bishops {1602S only{namely those of Malaga, Cadiz and Canaria}1602S only}, as appears from the composition of the councils, namely the Bishop of Cordoba who is now under the Jurisdiction of Toledo, the Bishop of Illiberis, who after the expulsion of the Moors moved to the Metropolitan see of Granada, The Bishop of Ilipa or Elepa, now called Pennaflor, <a town> which is presently destitute of a Bishops see, and is subjected to the authority of the church of Sevilla. The Bishopric of Tuccitan, now called Martos, and in old times Augusta Gemella Colonia, at this moment destitute of a Bishop and under the Jurisdiction of Gienna. The Bishopric of Malaga, which is now suffrage to Sevilla. The Bishopric of Ægabria, now called Cabra. It has no prelate, but belongs to the church of Cordoba.
28.16. The Bishopric of Asindia or Asidonia, now called Medina Sidonia, subjected to the Bishop of Cadiz, the episcopal see being moved from Gadisea, others call it Asidonia, is now said to stand not far from that place where Xeres is located, {1603L & 1606E only{unless you will say that it retained one and the same name}1603 & 1606E only}. {1580/1589G, 1584L, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1601L, 1602G, 1603L, 1608/1612I, 1609/1612/1641S & 1609/1612L only{The gardens of Sidonia you now find at the banks of the river Guadalete, once called Asidonia Cæsariana, much better known by its corrupted name Xerxes, unless this derives from another place name}1580/1589G, 1584L, 1592L, 1595L, 1601L, 1602G, 1603L, 1608/1612I & 1609/1612L only}. So far from Silueira}1588S & 1609/1612/1641S only}. It also had the Bishopric of {not in 1588S{Ossonoba near}not in 1588S} Pharo, a town in Algarve, the Moors named it Exuba. Afterwards it was incorporated into the church of Silvis, which, before becoming a member of Sevilla, was made Suffragan to Evora by Pope Paul the third, which <he> himself had advanced to a Metropolitan see. The Bishopric of Abdera which was converted to the see of Almeria, and is now Suffrage to Granada.
28.17. <Then> the Bishopric of Astigi {1588S has instead{Ecija}1588S instead}, which has now been incorporated into the church of Sevilla. The Bishopric of Italica, situated in a most noble settlement of the Romans, not only of citizens, but also Emperors and Generals, which, being at a distance of six miles from Sevilla, on the other side of the Btis {1588S has instead{Guadalquivir}1588S instead}, in ancient times, when St. Gerontius the martyr was bishop, was a highly adored place. From this town came Traianus, Hadrianus and Theodosius, three great and renowned Emperors. It is commonly called Old Sevilla, its vast ruins now hardly remaining, a woeful spectacle of the fickleness of human things, to be lamented the more because lost fragments of that most beautiful and large Amphitreatrum which now lie scattered and disjointed, renew a sadder memory of its ancient greatness and magnificence}not in 1602S}.
28.18. At this time the Archbishop of Sevilla has for suffrages the bishops of Malaga, Cadiz and of the Canary Isles. The majesty, dignity and wealth of this church we cannot in a few words describe. Let it suffice that we gather from their own audits and accounts that the archbishops yearly revenues amount to more than 100,000 golden ducats. The principals of the church have clearly more than 30,000 <ducats> {1580/1589G & 1602G only{which are used for the roof}1580/1589G & 1602G only}, the whole society of the church is allowed 120,000 <ducats>, which are distributed among 40 Canons, 11 privileged priests, 20 fellow portionaries or pensioners, and as many half-pensioners in such a way that the Canons and privileged priests have a yearly allowance that amounts yearly to 2000 ducats each. The pensioners have one quarter part less, and the half-pensioners are allowed only one third.
28.19. Next to the Archbishop, the greatest authority resides in the Dean, whose dignity is esteemed <to be> worth 5000 ducats a year. Besides, there are here in this church 20 mass priests, who because of their number we call Vicenarios, who, for their nightly and daily prayers are allowed every day among them all 200 ducats and more. There are also 200 other priests who from their private chapels raise stipends <which are> sufficient for their maintenance. Rich benefices in this diocese there are to the number of 600, many of which are valued at 1000 <ducats>, some at 2000 ducats yearly, and for lesser cures, which are called chapels or chanteries, almost 2000 <ducats>.
28.20. Here are also many cloisters for monks and nuns, in which their religion and the study of divinity flourishes, most of them in yearly revenues capable of raising 6000 ducats. There stands a monastery of the Carthusians, most sumptuously built on the bank of the Bætis {1587F, 1588S & 1602S have instead{Guadalquiuir}1587F, 1588S & 1602S instead} within view of Sevilla, which has 25,000 ducats yearly. It would take <a> long <time> to add up all their hospitals {1580/1589G, 1581F, 1584L, 1587F, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1602G, 1602S, 1603L, 1608/1612I & 1609/1612L only{for the poor}1580/1589G, 1581F, 1584L, 1587F, 1588S, 1592L, 1595L, 1602G, 1602S, 1603L, 1608/1612I & 1609/1612L only}, since in Sevilla only there are more than 120, very richly endowed, many with 8000 and some with 15,000 ducats of yearly income. So much for this region or diocese, from the writings of Don Francisco Pacheco}1579/1580L2Add, 1579L & 1602G end here}. {1592L, not in 1598F{Concerning Sevilla and its adjacent territory you may read more in the Journal of Navagerius}1592L, not in 1598F}.
<Since the text from the 1598 Dutch edition is different and much shorter than the text given above, it is given separately below>.
28.21. {1598D{Andalusia.
28.22. The diocese of the Church of Sevilla is situated in that province of Spain which in rich buildings excels above all the rest. This has excellent agriculture to which the poets referred in their verses when they compared it to the Elysian fields. This diocese has to the East the territory of Cordoba, West the frontiers of Algarbia, North it lies opposite Portugal where you find the Magistratus St. Jacobi, and the remainder towards the South is enclosed by Gades and the Ocean. Important towns are here very numerous, the most important one being the royal city of Sevilla, spread out and pleasantly situated on the bank of the Bætis, and surrounded by beautiful and stately walls.
28.23. This river comes from a forest formerly called Tygiensis and continues its course past the main cities of the province it has entered emptying itself in the ocean at Cadiz after about 60 miles, its banks on both sides flourishing with Olive trees, Vineyards and most admirable sweet Gardens, perfumed with the delectable odour of Lemons.
28.24. Now Sevilla, both for its churches and houses is the most graceful city in all of Spain and for the elegance and pleasantness of its citizens, is inferior to no city at all in the world. The study of liberal arts and the practice of gentleman-like exercises are in their prime. And so infinite are the riches and treasures included within the walls of this city, that the like of it never in the old times could be found in any city, however great, except possibly the Roman Empire. For this being the richest of all the cities of Europe, it largely distributes over entire Christendom that infinite wealth of merchandise, based on what was brought to it from another world that it has first opened up, as also from the inner provinces of Asia and Africa in abundance.
28.25. It is quite clear that for a number of years taken together in the bookkeeping of the Indies-contract-houses there was faithfully registered <a wealth of> a hundred and more millions <of ducats> of gold. And from this one may guess how much more was concealed by those that brought it <here>, fearing that the King at a certain time would like to have borrowed it. What then should we think of the infinite and incredible amount of riches which after their first discovery of America to the present has been transported to this place, two fleets yearly running in, carrying no other cargo than gold and silver, and mostly weighed by both? But these (you will say) are foreign commodities, fetched from far away.
28.26. It is so rich by itself that it pays a yearly tribute to the King, of a million and a half in gold, as much as many Princes can scarcely raise from their entire kingdoms. Here live for trade innumerable multitudes of strangers, next to whom there have lately been counted 24,000 Citizens <who are> householders, divided into 28 wards. The first of these wards is famous both for its name and for the Church of St. Mary, no church in all of Christendom being better, if you consider this magnificent building with its beautiful and admirable ornaments, and its steeple, likewise of exceeding height, from where you may behold a most glorious view all over the city and the adjacent fields.
28.27. How am I to describe the royal magnificence of the kings castle? Or to what purpose should I describe the sumptuous palaces of Dukes, Earls and Nobles, or the neat houses of <the> Citizens, with their crystal fountains, and green parks? I omit <to mention> the ancient water streams, diffused by arches through all parts of the city, and the more recent ones, channelled to the place commonly called Hercules pillars.
28.28. Now who can sufficiently recommend the gardens outside the city, full with a variety of pleasures, and those stately houses in the fields bordering on the Btis? From where they may daily behold ships arriving both from the old and the new world. For Sevilla, located as it is as an intermediate between the two, unites the Merchants of East and West with rich trade. It would be tedious to list the majesty of the Council within Sevilla, the Kings beautiful abode, and the castle at Triana. This Triana is a fair suburb on the other side of the <river> Btis, inhabited by almost three thousand Citizens, and joined to the city by a bridge of timber. But whoever considers the richness and fertility of their fields, may justly acknowledge it as a bountiful work of nature, which here above all other places seems to please the eye for the solace and benefit of mankind.
28.29. Next to Sevilla in authority and size is Xeres de la frontiera. Carmona and Utrera may well be called the two granaries of the land around Sevilla. Next follows Marchena and Arcobriga, being the lordship towns of the illustrous ducal family of the Ponce. To these you may add Ursao, at this moment called Ossuna, the most honourable and richest dukedom of the Girones ennobled with a University.
28.30. For oil and wine Constantina, Corzalla and Moron excel mostly. Then Nebrissa, rich in corn, the native city of Ælius Antonius, the restorer of the Latin tongue. Then Saint Lucar, the rich market town of the Dukes of Guzman, and very commodious for the New World fleets. Other important towns of this Diocese I omit for brevity's sake.
28.31. The soil in this entire area is most fertile for wheat, wine and oil, and all kinds of grain, with which it supplies remote and foreign countries. And how deservedly would Plinius have preferred this part <of the world> above Italy, had he not entertained a greater affection for his own country? Yet, Spain, wherever it borders on the sea, is recommended by him, which praise we understand especially for that part of Bæticæ which pertains to Sevilla, because it lies open to the main Ocean and the gentle blasts of the west <winds>.
28.32. The sky is here most favourable, always smiling in a temperate and most amiable way. Its people, born to piety and good arts, will in no case allow themselves either in offices of courtesy of in the waging of war to be surpassed by any nation.
28.33. The Archbishop of Sevilla, next to the one of Toledo, is the highest prelacy. Earlier, it had ten suffrage Bishops, as appears from the composition of the counsels. At this time the Archbishop of Sevilla has for suffrages the bishops of Malaga, Cadiz and of the Canary Isles. The majesty, dignity and wealth of this church we cannot in a few words describe. Let it suffice that we gather from their own accounts that the archbishops yearly revenues amount to more than 100,000 golden ducats.
28.34. The principals of the church have clearly more than 30,000 <ducats>, the whole society of the church is allowed 120,000 <ducats>, which are distributed among 40 Canons, 11 priests, 20 pensioners, and as many half-pensioners. Next to the Archbishop, the greatest authority resides in the Dean, whose dignity is esteemed <to be> worth 5000 ducats a year. Besides, there are here in this church 20 mass priests who, for their nightly and daily prayers are allowed every day among them all 200 ducats and more.
28.35. There are also 200 other priests who from their private chapels raise stipends. Rich benefices in this diocese there are to the number of 600, many of which are valued at 2000 ducats yearly, and for lesser chapels almost 2000 <ducats>.
Here are also many cloisters, most of them in yearly revenues capable of raising 6000 ducats. 28.36. There stands a monastery of the Carthusians, built on the bank of the Bætis within view of Sevilla, which has more than 25,000 ducats yearly. It would take <a> long <time> to add up all their guest houses for the poor, more than 120 in Sevilla alone, endowed, many with 8000 and some with 15,000 ducats of yearly income. So much from the writings of Don Francisco Pachiecus. Concerning Sevilla and its adjacent territory you may read more in the Journal of Navagierus}1598D} © Marcel van den Broecke ©.