Old Map of the Bay of Manila by Gongora, 1790: Cavite, Laguna de Bay

Discover the captivating allure of the "Plan de Manila, su Bahia y Puerto de Cavite; según su Estado en el Año de 1787," a masterpiece crafted by Pedro de Gongora y Lujan, Duque de Almodovar, in 1790. This exquisite map offers a detailed glimpse into the vibrant cityscape of Manila and its surrounding bay during a pivotal era in history. The map's meticulous design is rooted in the cartographic tradition of Father Pedro Murillo Velarde's earlier work, reflecting a rich tapestry of political and physical features that define this iconic region.

Manila, a city steeped in history and culture, is beautifully depicted alongside its bustling bay and the strategic port of Cavite. The map highlights significant landmarks and fortifications, offering a window into the city's past as a hub of commerce and colonial influence. The intricate details capture the essence of Manila's urban landscape, showcasing its importance as a center of trade and governance in the late 18th century.

The map's portrayal of Manila Bay is both striking and informative, with a detailed compass rose guiding the viewer through its intricate waterways. The depiction of the Canal de la Laguna and various rivers and estuaries underscores the city's reliance on its natural resources and strategic location. This attention to detail provides a fascinating insight into the geographical features that shaped Manila's development and its role in regional maritime activities.

While the map does not label specific neighborhoods, it offers a broader perspective on the city's layout and its connections to surrounding areas. The inclusion of Part of the Laguna de Bay adds depth to the geographical context, highlighting the interplay between urban and natural environments. This blend of political and physical elements makes the map a valuable resource for understanding the historical significance of Manila and its environs.

The Duque de Almodovar's map is not just a cartographic achievement but also a rare historical artifact. Published in Madrid as part of a comprehensive volume on European overseas establishments, it stands as a testament to the era's exploration and expansion. Its rarity and historical context make it a prized addition to any collection, offering a unique glimpse into the past and the enduring legacy of Manila as a city of global importance.

Streets and roads on this map

• None specifically labelled as streets or roads.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations: Compass rose.
• Landmarks:
• Manila
• Cavite
• Fortifications and settlements around the bay.
• Lakes: Part of the Laguna de Bay.
• Other notable features:
• Canal de la Laguna
• Various rivers and estuaries.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1790.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Pedro de Gongora y Lujan, Duque de Almodovar.
• Themes and topics:
• Political and physical features of Manila Bay.
• Based on Father Pedro Murillo Velarde's 1734 map.
• Countries and regions shown: Manila Bay and the surrounding areas in the Philippines.
• Design/style:
• Detailed portrayal of the bay, coastlines, and nearby settlements.
• Historical significance:
• Published in Madrid in 1790 as part of a historical volume on European overseas establishments.
• Rare map, seldom seen on the market.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.