PUERTO-DE-SANTA-MARIA, commonly called El Puerto ("The Port"), a town of Spain, Andalusia, in the province and 7 miles N.E. of Cadiz, near the mouth and on the right bank of the Guadalete, which is crossed by a suspension-bridge. It is a pleasant and well-built though somewhat dull town, in a fertile country; and its houses resemble those of Cadiz, though they are often larger, and profusely decorated with painting. The principal street, called the Calle Larga, about a mile long, is handsome and well paved, which cannot be said of the other thoroughfares. There are several beautiful public walks shaded with trees; that called La Victoria being the finest. The places of public amusement include a theatre and a ring
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for bull-fights; the scene of one given in honour of Wellington, and described by Byron. Puerto is chiefly important as a place of exportation of wine. The bodegas, or wine stores, are large and lofty buildings, with thick walls and narrow windows; but they are not on such a large scale as those of Xeres. The people are employed to a large extent in farming. So excellent is the water of this place, that most of the drinking-water of Cadiz is conveyed from hence. The harbour of Puerto is formed by the river, but its mouth is obstructed by a dangerous bar. Steamers ply between this port and Cadiz. Timber and iron are the chief imports of the town. Pop. 17,930.