Experience the grandeur of the past with the 'Granata, et Murcia Regna' map, an exquisite representation of the Kingdoms of Granada and Murcia, regions that form part of modern-day Spain. This masterpiece was crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, a renowned mapmaker who inherited the legacy of his grandfather, Claes Janszoon Visscher, a luminary from the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. The map, translated to 'The Kingdoms of Granada and Murcia', offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical and political landscape of these regions, presenting an opportunity to travel back in time and explore the intricate geographical details of a bygone era.
The map is a rich tapestry of significant cities and landmarks such as Málaga, Gibraltar, Seville, Murcia, and Tangier. Each city is depicted with remarkable precision, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Visscher. The map also highlights the administrative boundaries of the time, providing a unique perspective on the political divisions and territorial disputes that shaped the history of these regions.
Further enhancing the visual appeal of the map are the beautifully hand-colored outlines and engraved details. Forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and landmarks are all vividly illustrated, offering a comprehensive view of the natural terrain. The map also features decorative cartouches, a vignette of battleships, coat of arms, compass roses, and rhumb lines, all contributing to the aesthetic charm and historical significance of this piece.
Relief is shown pictorially, adding a three-dimensional quality that brings the map to life. The inclusion of explanatory text provides further context, enabling a deeper understanding of the geographical and historical nuances. This map is not just a piece of art; it's a historical document, a conversation starter, and a timeless testament to the art of cartography. It's an invitation to embark on a journey through time, exploring the Kingdoms of Granada and Murcia as they were in the 17th century.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Kingdom of Granada:
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Granada: Known as the last Muslim Kingdom of Spain, it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Also known for the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex.
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Málaga: An ancient city founded by the Phoenicians, it became a bustling port city under the Roman Empire.
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Almería: Known for the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, it was a significant port city during the Islamic rule.
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Jaén: Known for its production of olive oil, it was an important city during the Roman period.
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Gibraltar: Strategically located at the entrance of the Mediterranean, it was captured by the British in 1704.
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Baza: Known for the Lady of Baza, a famous Iberian sculpture, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Antequera: Known for its ancient dolmens, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Ronda: Known for its dramatic escarpments and views, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Loja: Known for its Alcazaba, it was a significant city during the Islamic period.
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Guadix: Known for its cave houses, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
Kingdom of Murcia:
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Murcia: The capital city of the Kingdom, it was a significant cultural center during the Islamic period.
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Cartagena: Known for its rich maritime history, it was a significant port city during the Roman period.
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Lorca: Known for its medieval architecture, it was a significant city during the Islamic period.
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Molina de Segura: Known for its agricultural wealth, it was a significant city during the Islamic period.
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Alcantarilla: Known for its ancient Roman aqueduct, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Cieza: Known for its cave paintings, it was a significant city during the prehistoric period.
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Yecla: Known for its wine production, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Mazarrón: Known for its mining history, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Águilas: Known for its beautiful coastline, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
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Jumilla: Known for its wine production, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
Notable Natural Phenomena:
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Sierra Nevada: A major mountain range in the region with several peaks over 3,000 meters.
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Cabo de Gata: A natural park with a diverse range of flora and fauna.
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Mar Menor: Europe's largest saltwater lagoon, known for its therapeutic mud baths.
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Guadalquivir River: One of the major rivers in Spain, it played a significant role in the region's history.
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Sierra de Cazorla: A natural park known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Historical Events (1600-1690):
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1609-1614: Expulsion of the Moriscos, descendants of Spain's Muslim population, from the Kingdoms of Granada and Murcia.
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1648: The Treaty of Westphalia recognizes Spain's sovereignty over the Kingdom of Murcia.
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1690: Publication of the 'Granata, et Murcia Regna' map by Nicolaes Visscher II.
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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but
it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for
larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.