SETUBAL, erroneously called by the English St Elbes, a town of Portugal, in the province of Estremadura, on the north shore of a bay of the same name, 20 miles S.E. of Lisbon. It is encircled by old ruinous walls, and the whole valley in which it stands is commanded by several heights, which are crowned with forts. The town extends along the shore for about three-quarters of a mile, and consists for the most part of narrow crooked streets, extending parallel to the shore, or at right angles to it. There are several squares adorned with fountains. The houses are in general substantially built; and the most conspicuous edifices are four churches, some of which contain good paintings. There are two upper schools, and two hospitals, one of which occupies a handsome building. The harbour is large, deep, and furnished with commodious quays; but its entrance is obstructed by sand-banks. Large quantities of salt are made in the vicinity of Setubal, and exported to England, Sweden, and other countries. Corn, wine, and fruits are the chief other articles of trade. Setubal is an ancient town; and indeed, if we believe the Portuguese sages, was founded by Tubal, the grandson of Noah. There are many ancient remains in the vicinity, belonging probably to the ancient Cetobriga. After the expulsion of the Moors, Setubal was deserted for a long time; and it was only in the seventeenth century that it was fortified. The town suffered severely, along with Lisbon, from the earthquake of 1755. The people are extensively engaged in fishing. Pop. 15,201.