Page:A Handbook for Travellers in Spain - Vol 1.djvu/299

Basque Provinces. 8 m. Mañaria. Pop. 634. Near here are the marble-mines from which were quarried the black marble columns used in the construction of the chapel in the Royal Palace, Madrid. In July 1872 there was a sharp engagement here, in which the Carlists were routed.

8 m. Durango. Pop. 6195. (See Rte. 34.) From Durango to

1 m. Bilbao. (See Rte. 33.)

Bilbao. (See Rte. 33.)

From Bilbao the excellent diligence-road runs parallel to the river Nervion to

7 m. Portugalete, Pop. 2476, the port of Bilbao. (See Rte. 33.)

3 m. Somorrostro. Near the village are the celebrated iron-mines of Somorrostro, one of the richest peroxide of iron deposits in Europe. This district has been immemorially celebrated for its iron; the ore occurs abundantly in beds from 3 to 10 ft. deep. The sword steel here produced was that used by the Toledan sword manufactures. The “good Bilbos” of Falstaff were wrought from the produce of the Triano hill. This district has received so great an impulse, that five railways take the mineral to the Ria of Bilbao. Krupp has established works there in order to supply his depot at Essen. The principal mine now belongs to Ybarra y Cia. Outside the bar is the wharf of Poveña, which communicates with the mines of Cobazon by rail. Vessels of all kinds can load and unload from there. (See Rte. 33.)

Somorrostro played a great part in the Carlist war. In February 1874 the Liberal army attacked the Carlist positions and was driven back with a considerable loss. On March 25, 26, 27, the army renewed their attack, but were unable to pass further than San Pedro Abanto; but soon afterwards these positions were taken by the Marques del Duero, who thereby raised the siege of Bilbao.

7 m. Castro Urdiales (Pop. 7578). This pretty port, with its bay, headland, rocks, castle, and hermitage of Santa Ana, was made for the artist. At San Anton, near the town, is a ruined convent formerly belonging to the Knights Templars. The rocky hills which surround the town are terraced with vines which produce a light Chacoli wine much drunk—mixed with water—during the summer months.

5 m. Oriñon. A small port consisting of a picturesque cluster of 38 houses, and placed at the confluence of a small river of the same name. The river is crossed in a ferry boat.

3 m. Laredo. Pop.4386. This port is protected by its headland, and by the fort de Rastillar, which defends the S. side of the bay. It contained, in the time of the Romans, 14,000 Inhabitants. The bay contracts a little higher up, and is crossed by a ferry called el Pasage de Salve, to

3$1⁄2$ m. Santoña. Pop. 5124. This small seaport town rises opposite to Laredo. It was formed by nature, from its naturally strong and easily defended position, to be the Gibraltar of Cantabria, and great fortifications are in course of construction. Visit the Ch. of La Vírgen del Puerto, which contains the miraculous image of the patroness of this parroquia; it came from Antioch. The grand fête, held Sept. 7th, in its honour, is a very picturesque sight. The Franciscan convent may also be visited; it lies higher up the arm of the sea, on the Canal de Ano. An excellent college has been built here by the wealthy banker Manzanedo.