Six Major Port Cities of the Spanish Empire

From the 16th century onward, the Spanish Empire established significant port cities across Latin America and the Philippines, boosting its wealth. Seville, which received exclusive trading privileges in 1503, served as the empire's commercial center until the 18th century, when trade moved to Cádiz in 1717. Callao, established by Francisco Pizarro in 1537, played a crucial role in transporting gold and silver until a devastating earthquake in 1746 prompted the construction of the Real Felipe Fortress, which capitulated in 1826. Founded in 1571 by Miguel López de Legazpi, Manila remained under Spanish control until 1898. Veracruz, created by Hernán Cortés in 1519, was Mexico's sole deep-water port, while Cartagena, established in 1533, became the primary hub for precious metals. Havana, founded in 1519, was designated Cuba's capital in 1902.