This Italian travel guide from 1599 provides information about cities, transportation, customs, and costumes in Italy. Some key points:
- The major cities are Rome, Florence, and Venice, each with their own governments and industries. Florence was wealthy from the textile industry and banking.
- Transportation was primarily by land using wagons, horses, or walking, as roads were poor. Water travel was also used but dangerous due to pirates.
- Customs changed as the Renaissance humanist movement grew and the Catholic Church's influence declined. However, strict social classes and sumptuary laws regarding dress remained.
- The guide offers travelers advice on cities to visit, safe forms of transportation, Italian customs