place of the celebrated painter, Francisco Ribalta. Some of his works are to be seen in the church of La Sangre, and in the Casa Capitular, in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The Torre de las Campanas is an octagonal belfry, 265 feet high. There are some good paintings in the several convents. Benicarlo (88 miles), population 6200, is a fortified town, with a small port. The district is rich in vineyards, and the chief business of the place is the production of a strong red wine, which is imported to Bourdeaux, and used to strengthen the poorer kinds of claret for the English and American markets. Vinaroz (91 miles), population 10,000, is famous for its fisheries of sturgeon and lampreys. TORTOSA (120 miles), population 22,000, is a fortified town, situated on the Ebro. The Cathedral is ornamented with fine marbles and bas-reliefs. The chapel of the Santa Cinta contains the girdle said to have been brought down from heaven in 1178 by the Virgin herself, and delivered to a priest. It is said that it works miracles in the cure of diseases. The Castle is in ruins. The view from the battlements is very fine. Passing some unimportant places, we reach TARRAGONA (172 miles), (Hotel: Europa), population 21,000. This was a great city in the time of the Romans. It stands on a hill above the Francoli, and is surrounded by a spacious and richly cultivated plain. The handsome Gothic Cathedral was erected in the eleventh century. Its facade is adorned with numerous reliefs and statues. The interior is plain but imposing. There are some beautiful painted windows; the Silleria of the choir is finely carved in wood; the cloisters are worth a visit. The Plaza de la Constitucion occu pies the site of a Roman circus. Amongst other remains are those of the Capitol, the forum, the palace of Augustus, and the aqueduct. From TARRAGONA to BARCELONA, 634 miles; first class, 51 reals; second, 38 reals; third, 25 reals. Near Torre de Barra (8 miles) we observe a very fine Roman triumphal arch. Passing through a beautiful country we reach MARTORELL (45 miles), populalation 5000. The chief object of interest here is the fine Roman bridge called the Puente del Diabolo, with a triumphal arch at one end. BARCELONA (63 miles), (Hotels; see "HOTEL LIST,") population 225,000. This, the most important manufacturing city in Spain, is beautifully situated on the Mediterranean, in the midst of a fertile district. It is walled, and has a citadel, which, however, is effectually commanded by the fortress of Montjoi on the south-west. It is divided into two parts by the Rambla (riverbed), which is a beautiful promenade. The streets of the old town are narrow and ill paved, but those of the new town are more spacious and regular, while most of the houses are of hewn stone, and of an imposing appearance. The squares are numerous, but, for the most part, small and irregular. The largest of them, the Plaza del Palacio, is very spacious and elegant, having on one side the governor's palace, on the opposite side the exchange, on the south the sea-gate and the custom-house, and on the north a row of good houses. In the centre stands a beautiful marble fountain. The houses are four and five stories high, having large windows with balconies. Many of them have their fronts adorned with paintings in fresco; and se veral of the public buildings are remarkable, both on account of their external beauty and the curiosities which they contain. The Cathedral, which is about 160 feet long and 62 feet broad, has a magnificent appearance. Twelve Gothic pillars separate the nave and aisles; and a large octagonal dome, of Gothic architecture, with eight galleries, stands in the middle of the space between the choir and the great door. The sanctuary, which stands over a subterranean chapel containing the relics of St Eulalia, is formed by ten pillars arranged in a semicircle, and enclosing the great altar, which is in the Gothic style, and of exquisite workmanship. The convent of La Merci has a large church, with a Doric portal, and a fine front composed of two stories of Corinthian and Ionic architecture. Its cloister, which is 60 feet square, is beautifully executed; and the portico, of 16 arcades, which surrounds it, is supported by 20 Doric columns of marble. Above the portico is a spacious gallery, which has, on the outside, 32 arcades, on Ionic columns of marble, ornamented with a balustrade of grey marble. The convent of San Francisco has a large and handsome Gothic church, and a cloister adorned with paintings. The parish church of Santa Maria del Mar, built in the fifteenth century, is the finest in Barcelona. The principal altar is a rich assemblage of white, black, and mixed marble. The Palacio de la Disputacion, now the Audiencia, where the States of Catalonia assembled, is one of the handsomest edifices in the city, and contains the archives and charters of the crown of Aragon. The palace of the Counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon, distinguished by the noble sim plicity of its architecture, is now occupied by a nunnery and an academy of medicine. The Exchange is a rectangular building, 230 feet long and 77 feet wide, and has a noble and majestic appearance. Of other modern buildings, the principal are the custom-house, theatre, and the prison. Barcelona possesses numerous charitable and benevolent institutions, and among literary institutions may be mentioned four public libraries and two museums, an Academy of Belles Lettres, and a Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences. Barcelona is said to have been founded by the Carthaginians, who called it Barcino, after their general Hamilcar Barca. It was here that Columbus was received by Ferdinand and Isabella on his return from his first voyage. ROUTE 190. BARCELONA TO MADRID. 441 miles; first class, 355 r. 50 c., second, 269 r. 65 c.; third, 181 r. 80 c. HE first place of importance after leaving Barcelona is Sabadell (13 miles), a town of 15,000 inhabitants, styled the "Manchester of Catalonia," from its entensive manufactures of cotton and wool. Tarrasa (20 miles) has numerous cloth manufactories. Manresa (40 miles), population 13,340, has manufactures of cloth and cotton goods, and several distilleries. Passing several places of no importance, we reach LERIDA (113) miles), (Hotel: San Luis), popula tion 20,000, situated on the Segre. The Old Cathedral, dating from the 13th century, is a magnificent specimen of Byzantine Gothic architecture. It was converted into a fortress by the French in 1707, and it has not since been used for religious services. The New Cathedral, built in the reign of Charles III. is a Corinthian structure. The church of San Lorenzo has some good tracery. The church of San Juan is a fine building. Passing several places of no note, we reach SARAGOSSA (228 miles). For a description of this city, and of the remainder of the journey to Madrid, see Route 180. ROUTE 191. BARCELONA TO GERONA. The coast-route is much the more agreeable of the two. GERONA (65 miles), (Hotels: Casa de Posta, de la Estrella), population 15,200. This is an ancient Moorish city. The Cathedral was originally founded by Charlemagne in 786, and subsequently rebuilt in the 11th century. Considerable additions were made in the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. The altar and retable are of silver, and there are some paintings and enamels. The nave is constructed with a single vault, its width is 71 feet. The Church of San Pedro and the Collegiate Church of San Feliu are interesting structures. The railway to Perpignan was completed in January, 1878. The distance from Gorona to Perpignan is 48 miles. We pass the strongly fortified town of FIGUERAS, Population 7,500. The Castillo de San Fernando, a fortressof great strength contains magazines, and barracks for 15,000 men Connecting with the new line and 500 horses. The French rail (1878) to Perpignan. 65 miles; first class, 50r.; second, 40r.; third, 27r. 68c. are HERE are two routes, one by the coast, the other inland. By the former we pass Mataro (17 miles), a busy town of 18,000 inhabitants, in the neighbourhood of which some much frequented mineral springs; and Arenys (23 miles), a town of 4,500 inhabitants, possessing dockyards, manufactories of lace, linen, and soap, and a training school for the merchant service; in the neighbourhood of this place also there are mineral springs which are held in great estimation. By the latter route the most important place passed is Granollers (18 miles), population 4,500, a manufacturing town. way is reached at Porte Vendres, whence to Perpignan is half-anhour's ride. PERPIGNAN (Hotels: Grand, de l'Europe des Ambassadeurs), population 26,000. It is situated on the right bank of the Tet, in the plain of Roussillon. The vineyards are numerous, and here the celebrated wine of the name is produced. There is a magnificent view from the Citadel. The Cathedral was founded in 1320. It possesses no features of interest. The remains of an older cathedral called St Jean le Vieux, are close by. The Loge, or Bourse (in Spanish Lonja), has a curious Moorish and Gothic cloister, and a highly decorated facade. The Promenades in the environs are delightful. Trains several times a day continue on to Cette, Narbonne, and all points in France. ROUTE 192. MADRID TO LISBON. 412 miles. Time, 21 hours. Fares, 1st class, 15820 reis: 2d class, 11640 reis; 3d class, 8200 reis. HE most direct route is by Talavera de la Regna. The railway passes through an uninteresting country. TALAVERA DE LA REGNA (81 miles) is charmingly situated on the Tagus, and contains several ancient churches and many pleasant alamedas. The celebrated battle between the French and the allies was fought here in 1809. Plascensia (141 miles). The town itself is 6 miles from the station, to which there is a branch railway. From Plascensia a pleasant excursion can be made to the monastery of Yuste, where Charles V. retired on his abdication, and where he died in 1558. Valencia de Alcantara, the frontier town of Portugal; buffet; Custom House examination. At Abrantes is the church of St Francesia, one of the finest in Portugal. Napoleon's General Junot took his title from this place. We pass several places which deserve no particular mention before reaching LISBON (Hotels Braganza, Grand Hotel Central), population 340,000. LISBON, in Portuguese Lisboa, is the capital of Portugal, and one of the finest cities in Europe. It is admirably situated on the right bank of the Tagus, and, as seen from the river, presents a magnificent appearance. The city is divided into four quarters or bairros; the old city, Alfama, which escaped the earthquake; Rocio, the modern city; Alcantara, and Bairro Alto. These districts are divided into parishes. The Praça do Commercio is the most remarkable of the numerous squares of Lisbon; it is also called the Esplanade of the Palace (Terreiro do Paco), and the English have named it Black Horse Square, after the equestrian statue of Joseph I. in the centre. The most important public edifices are in this square, including the Custom House, Bourse, India House, &c. The streets Do Ouro, Da Prata, and Augusta, which abut on this square, are large, straight, and formed of fine uniform houses. The oldest promenade of the capital is the Passeio Publico. It is planted with fine trees, and ornamented with marble basins of flowers. Near this place is the principal market, called Figuiera. The Passeio San Pedro d'Alcantara, and Passeio da Estrella are more agreeable promenades than the Passieo Publico, and commands fine views. The Cathedral is a mixture of old Gothic and modern architecture. The facade and the apsis, left standing after the earthquake of 1755, make one regret that the other portions of the edifice have not been rebuilt in the same style. The interior is very ornamental. The church of San Roque contains riches and works of art in profusion. Each chapel possesses sufficient to enrich a large church. The Chapel Royal of St John the Baptist is full of pictures, is paved with mosaics, and the altar is of amethyst, lapis lazuli and massive silver, with columns in cornelian and lapis lazuli. The Church of the Sacred Heart, near the Convent of the Carmelites of Estrella, is a splendid construction in white marble. It is a reduced copy of St Peter's at Rome. In the choir is the monument of the founder, the Queen Dona Maria I. The royal family occupy the two palaces of Necessidades and Ajuda. The former was commenced in 1473, by Don Juan V. It is composed of the palace and the convent which that prince built close by. This residence has been since greatly embellished. It is surrounded by splendid gardens, and affords a fine view of the roadstead. It contains many interesting works of art. The Palace of Ajuda, which the King and Queen mostly inhabit, is built on the summit of a hill. It was constructed by King Juan VI., and is an imposing edifice. The style of architecture being pure Greek, contrasts strangely with that of the Moorish and Gothic edifices by which it is surrounded. The view from this palace embraces the Tagus, the bay, and the whole panorama of Lisbon. There is a fine aqueduct, by which the city is supplied with water, worthy of comparison, for its beauty and solidity, with the most remarkable works of the Romans. It took 19 years to construct, from 1713 to 1732. The principal establishments are: the Academy of the Fine Arts, the Royal Conservatory of Music, a School of Surgery, a Polytechnic School, Academy of Sciences, School of Naval Architecture, and the National Library, containing 10,000 150,000 volumes and manuscripts. Amongst the benevolent establishments are the Santa Casa da Misericordia, for orphans and foundlings; the Casa Pia, an orphan school established in the convent of Belem; and institutions for the deaf and dumb and the blind. The theatres are six in number: San Carlos, for Italian Opera; the theatre of Dona Maria, devoted to the legitimate drama; that of Don Fernando, where the plays are performed sometimes in French, and sometimes in Portuguese; and the Gymnase, a vaudeville theatre. The small theatres are those of Rua dos Condes and Salitre. There are also two circuses, for equestrian exercises and bull-fights. The foundation of Lisbon is said to date from the time of Ulysses. It was occupied by the Romans, but without acquiring any importance. On the 1st November, 1755, the terrible earthquake took place, which left a portion of this beautiful capital a mass of ruins, piled upon thousands of dead bodies. An extensive fire completed the disaster; it lasted three days, and The destroyed almost all that the earthquake had spared. French army entered Lisbon in 1807. In 1808 the Duke of Welretook it from the lington French. CINTRA. Fifteen miles northwest of Lisbon is the picturesquely situated town of Cintra. It stands on the declivity of the Sierra de Cintra, and is surrounded with fine country resi dences. The ancient royal palace, once occupied by the Moorish Kings, is a strange mixture of Moorish and Christian architecture. A charming view of the town and of the sea may be had from the top of a hill crowned with the ruins of a Moorish Castle. On another hill top stands La Penna, once a convent, now a In the neighroyal residence. bourhood is a convent called the Cork Convent, the cells being cut in the rock and lined with cork to prevent dampness. The celebrated Convention be. tween the French and English in 1808, by which the former agreed to evacuate Portugal, was con |