Gravina was an iron-hulled unprotected cruiser[1] designed for colonial service in the Spanish Empire.

[2] In 1880, the Spanish government signed a contract for the construction of Gravina with the Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd. of Leamouth, London, in the United Kingdom.

[1] Gravina completed her delivery voyage to Spain with her arrival at Ferrol at the end of 1881.

[1] On 26 October 1882, a Spanish squadron composed of Gravina, Velasco, the unprotected cruiser Aragón, the screw corvette Vencedora, the screw schooner Sirena, and the gunboats Arayak and Paragua 2 got underway from Manila for operations against the Jolo pirates, carrying a landing force consisting of 490 Spanish Marine Infantry personnel and naval infantrymen, 105 men of the Iberia Infantry Regiment, 111 men of the Jolo Infantry Regiment, and 100 men of a Manila disciplinary company.

[1][2] After the squadron reconnoitered the coast, fighting began when the landing force went ashore at Looc on 29 October 1882.