the prettiest bit of ruin in Rome, consisting of Corinthian columns,
which support an architrave adorned with a frieze, and divided by
ressauts, and an attic above. On the attic is a colossal figure of
Minerva, represented in relief as the patroness of labour; on the
architrave the goddess appears engaged in instructing young girls in
various female occupations, and in punishing the insolence of Arachne,
who had ventured to compete with her in the labours of the loom.
The wall upon which this altar stands was also a piece of the wall of
the kings: in it was evidently a gateway, which was filled in when the
wall was utilized for the altar. In the yard of the large new house
opposite remains of a tower can be seen, probably the tower called
Turris Mamilia. (See Festus.)
_Leaving this ruin on our right, we proceed up the Via Croce Bianca,
into the_ VIA MADONNA DEI MONTI, _the district of the Suburra._
(_Carriages must proceed straight on down the Via di Torre di Conti,
and turn up the first street to the left._)