Cavite
City was given royal encomienda or land grant in May of 1571 by the
spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, which was named Cavite la
Punta. Cavite la Punta was christened Cavite el Puerto also known as
Cavite Nuevo, when the spaniard discovered that Cavite la Punta was a
suitable place for the repair and construction of their ships and
galleons. Puerto de Cavite was linked to the history of world trade.
Spanish galleons sailed every July to Acapulco, Mexico. Between 1609
and 1616 the galleons Espiritu Santo and San Miguel were constructed in
the shipyard of Puerto de Cavite. In 1590 the surrounding walls
(muralla) and Fuerte Guadalupe on the south side were built. The forts
of San Felipe Neri and Porta Vaga were constructed in 1595 and was
respectively completed in 1602. It was also a haven forchurches ,
convents and hospitals. The Franciscan Hospital de San Jose was built
for sailors and soldiers in 1591, the San Diego de Alcala convent in
1608, the Porta Vaga (La Ermita), San Juan de Dios, Santo Domingo,
Santa Monica (Recolletos) and San Pedro, the port's parish church.
Plazas and parks were evidence of importance, Plaza de Armas across
from San Felipe Fort, Plaza de San Pedro across from the church and
Plaza Soledad across from Porta Vaga, Plaza del Reparo was at the
bayside.