SARAGOSSA, the capital of the above province, and for-
Saragossa. merly of the kingdom of Aragon, in a rich plain on the Ebro, just above its confluence with the small river Huerba, 180 miles N.E. of Madrid. It is built on the south side of the river, which is crossed by a fine stone bridge erected in 1437. Encircled by walls, and substantially built, with numerous domes, towers, and spires, it looks very imposing from a distance, but has a dull and gloomy appearance on a nearer approach. The streets are narrow, crooked, and ill-paved, the grand old mansions deserted or in ruins, and the whole town crowded with beggars and lumbering rustic wagons. Along the river's side there are fine public walks and avenues of poplar-trees. The chief buildings of the town are the two cathedrals, in each of which the chapter resides alternately for six months. They present in almost all respects a complete contrast,—the one ancient and stately, in the Gothic style; the other like an oriental building, with multitudinous domes and variegated tiles. The interior of the former is very fine, and has many interesting monuments. The latter is quadrangular, with three naves, and is entirely dedicated to the worship of the Virgin, the chief object of adoration being a pillar of alabaster, on which she is said to have alighted. This relic is enclosed in a small chapel inside the cathedral, and a hollow has been worn in it by the lips of the worshippers. The new tower, or tower of San Felipe, like the celebrated one of Pisa, diverges about 9 feet from the perpendicular, a defect caused by the sinking of the foundation. It is built of brick, richly ornamented, and is lofty enough to command a fine view of the city and environs. Among the eighteen churches of the town, that of San Pablo is remarkable for its grand architecture; and that of Santiago is said to cover the site of the lodging place of the apostle to whom it is dedicated. Saragossa contains one of the largest hospitals in Spain, and a Casa de Misericordia, or poor-house, with accommodation for 600 or 700 inmates. The university, which was founded in 1474, had, in 1841, 1100 students. It formerly possessed a fine building and valuable library, but these were destroyed by the French, and a new edifice, with a handsome quadrangle, has been partially erected. Another remarkable building of the town is the Aljaferia, or old citadel, an irregular pile, standing outside the N.W. gate. It was originally built as a palace by the Moors; subsequently occupied by the Inquisition; afterwards used in succession as a barrack, military hospital, and prison. It is now unoccupied and falling into decay, although it contains a splendid staircase and many magnificent halls. Besides the establishments already mentioned, Saragossa contains various schools and convents, a museum, public library, botanic garden, theatre, baths, &c. Leather, silk, and woollen cloth are manufactured, and there is some trade in agricultural produce carried on by the Ebro. The most ancient name of the town was Salduba, or Salduva, which was given to it by the Celtiberians, who originally inhabited this country. After the Cantabrian war it was colonized by Augustus, B.C. 25, who gave to the place his own name, calling it Cæsar Augusta, or Cæsarea Augusta. It early renounced the pagan religion, and is said to have been the birth-place of Prudentius, the earliest Christian poet. No remains of the ancient city have been preserved. About 470 A.D. it was taken by the Goths, and in 712 by the Moors, who corrupted the Roman name into that which it now bears. In 1118 Alonso, surnamed el Batallador, wrested Saragossa from the Moors after a siege of five years, during which the defenders were reduced by famine to the utmost straits. In 1710 the British general, Stanhope, defeated the French under Philip V., not far from the town. But the most memorable events in connection with Saragossa are those which took place during the French invasion of Spain. In 1808 the citizens rose against the invaders, and, under the command of Palafox, defended the town for two months, favoured by the strength of the place
and their own obstinate courage. The first siege was raised August 15th, 1808; but the respite thus gained was not made use of to strengthen the defences; and when the French attacked the place again in greater force, it was compelled to surrender, February 20th, 1809, having lost in all nearly 60,000 men. Pop. 82,189.