CHAP. XXXII.

Of the City of Lisbon.

THE City of Lisbon is the ordinary Residence of the Kings of Portugal,* is one of the finest and richest Cities in all Europe, which affords eve∣ry thing that is most rare and precious in Foreign Countries. It contains 7 Hills within the Precinct of its Walls, on one of these Hills is Built the Castle. There are abundance of fine Churches in Page  217 this City, among which, that of the Jacobin Fri∣ars excels all the rest.

In one of the Chapels of this Church is an Altar,* where a Crucifix of an inestimable value of Relieve, is enclosed in an Iron Grate, with the Wound in our Saviour's Side; it is daily exposed to publick view, there being constantly kept 6 white Wax Candles, and 7 Lamps burning before it. The great Chapel belonging to the Cathedral is also a most magnificent Structure.

In a Convent called a Madre de Deos, there is to be seen the Handkerchief of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which most precious Relick is shew'd to the people every Holy Friday in the After∣noon.

The Streets of Lisbon are generally very narrow, there being very few but such as have been lately Built, which are passable for Coaches, and I sup∣pose it is upon this account that Chairs and Lit∣ters are so much used in this City.

The Royal Palace is Built upon the very Bank of the River. The grand Place-Royal faces this Castle, called by the Portugueses, Tereriro de Paco, where they run at the Ring, and keep their Bull-fightings.

There are in Lisbon several good Market-places, and other large and fine Squares; abundance of stately Buildings, and a great number of Fountains, which are to be seen all over the City, and serve both for an Ornament to the City, and for the con∣veniency of the Inhabitants.

The Portugueses are very cautious in following the French Fashion in their Dresses. The Portuguese Women are very little, but well shap'd. Ladies of Quality appear abroad with their Faces unco∣vered, the rest wear Veils, but they have a way of opening them, when they have a Mind to be seen.