Fort Cuyo

Citadel in Palawan, Philippines From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fort Cuyomap

Fort Cuyo is a citadel built in 1680 during the Spanish-era in the Philippines. It was constructed to protect the locals from Muslim invaders and other threats.[1]

Quick Facts General information, Town or city ...
Fort Cuyo
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Fort's facade
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General information
Town or cityCuyo, Palawan
CountryPhilippines
Coordinates10°51′19.76″N 121°0′29.20″E
Completed1680
Height10 meters
Grounds1 hectare
DesignationsNational Historical Landmark
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History

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National Historical Commission of the Philippines historical marker

In 1636, Muslim raiders looted Cuyo.[2] To protect the locals from future raids, the Recollect Augustinians built the fort in 1680 .[3]

Originally, Fort Cuyo was made from stone and mortar, and square-shaped with four bastions. The fort has an area of one hectare. Its wall is 10 meters high and 2 meters thick, and has a tall belfry and watchtowers.[4]

Present use

Built in 1622, Saint Augustine Church, is situated inside the fort complex. It is considered as the oldest church in Palawan. In addition to the church, a convent and a chapel are within the fort's walls.[5]

Recognition

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the fort as a historical landmark in 1939.[3]

Notable people

In 1899, Trinidad Legarda was born inside Fort Cuyo. Her parents temporarily took refuge to escape the looting in Cuyo by bandits, led by Kausapin.[4] In the Philippines, Legarda was the first female to become an ambassador of the country when she took office in Vietnam in 1958.[6]

References

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