Taytay

Taytay lies on a bay in northern Palawan, looking across the Sulu Sea. The settlement predates Spanish occupation, and its surrounding waters and forests were part of the lands used by the Tagbanua people. A fort on a limestone outcrop overlooks the harbour, recalling Taytay's role as a Spanish military and administrative centre.

Construction of the fort began in 1667; by 1738 a stronger stone structure had been completed under the Recollect friars. It guarded the town and its harbour in an age of conflict and maritime raiding. In 1818 Taytay became the capital of the province of Calamianes, which included the territory of Palawan. Its bay and island approaches made it a useful seat from which to oversee the northern part of the long island chain.