(Danish, Slesvig), a seaport of Denmark, capital of the duchy of the same name, at the head of the Schlei, a long narrow inlet of the Baltic, 23 miles N.W. of Kiel, and 70 N.N.W. of Hamburg. It has a beautiful situation, being almost surrounded by the water; and is neatly but irregularly built, mostly of brick. There are three distinct parts of the town,—Altstadt, called the Old town, the Lollfuss, and the Friedrichsberg. Among the public buildings, the most remarkable is the cathedral, containing the monuments of many dukes and bishops of Schleswig, and an altar-screen beautifully carved in wood. The large and handsome old castle of Gottorp, once the ducal residence, stands on an island connected with the town by two dams. It is now used for barracks, and its park for an exercise-ground. East of the town stands the nunnery of St John, for noble ladies, the only one now remaining of the conventual establishments in the duchy. It possesses extensive lands in the vicinity. Schleswig has also a gymnasium, deaf and dumb hospital, lunatic asylum, and other benevolent institutions. Manufactures of sail-cloth, woollen cloth, lace, china, earthenware, leather, &c., are carried on here, and there is a considerable trade and navigation. The harbour has been improved, but is only accessible to small vessels. About 100 families, who live in a separate part of the town, are employed in fishing. Schleswig is a very old place, having been in existence as early as 808; and for nearly six centuries it was the chief commercial city in Denmark, and a member of the Hanseatic League. The deposits of mud that obstruct the mouth of the Schlei have been the chief cause of its decline. Pop. 11,600.

or SLEESWICK, DUCHY OF. See DENMARK.