The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Astorga

ASTORGA (anc. Asturica Augusta), a city of Spain, in the province and 30 m. by rail W. S. W. of Leon, is situated on an elevated plain 2 m. from the river Tuerto; pop. 5,000. It is surrounded by ruined walls, and has an ancient Gothic cathedral with a high altar of great beauty, an old castle, and some Roman remains. Napoleon made Astorga his headquarters during the pursuit of Sir John Moore, at the beginning of 1809. In 1810 it was taken after an obstinate defence by Junot, and in 1812 retaken by the Spaniards.