Old Map of the Kingdom of Valencia, Spain by Visscher, 1690: Murcia, Valencia, Alicante, Dénia, Castellón de la Plana

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past with the magnificent 'Valentia Regnum. Contestani. Ptol. Edentani Plin' map, an exquisite piece of cartographic artistry by Nicolaes Visscher II. Crafted in 1690, this map showcases the Kingdom of Valencia, a region that now forms a part of modern-day Spain. The full name of the map translates to 'Kingdom of Valencia. Contestani. Ptolemy. Edetani Pliny', providing a glimpse into the diverse regions and political divisions depicted on this map. Visscher, the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, one of the most respected mapmakers of the Dutch Golden Age, brings the same level of precision and detail to this map, making it a truly luxurious item for any discerning collector.

The map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical information, featuring cities like Murcia, Valencia, Alicante, Dénia, and Castellón de la Plana. These urban centers, each with their unique history and cultural significance, are depicted with meticulous attention to detail. The map's intricate design also reveals a myriad of landmarks, borders, and natural phenomena that are sure to captivate any history or geography enthusiast.

Hand-colored in outline, the map is centered on Valencia, a city known for its rich history and architectural splendor. The map displays administrative boundaries, towns, forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and landmarks, offering a comprehensive view of the region. The decorative cartouches, compass rose, and rhumb lines add to the map's aesthetic appeal, while the relief shown pictorially provides a sense of depth and realism.

This map is not just a historical artifact, but a testament to the artistry and skill of the cartographers of the past. It beautifully combines historical information with artistic design, making it a perfect addition to any collection. Whether you're a map enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, the 'Valentia Regnum. Contestani. Ptol. Edentani Plin' map is sure to captivate and inspire. Its rich detail and historical significance make it a truly luxurious piece, worthy of any discerning collector.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Kingdom of Valencia

• Valencia: Known as Valentia Edetanorum in Roman times, it's the third-largest city in Spain and a major economic and cultural center.
• Alicante: Known as Lucentum ("Place of Light") by the Romans, it's famous for its historic Mediterranean port.
• Castellón de la Plana: Founded by the Moors in the 13th century, it's known for its rich history and beautiful architecture.
• Elche: Known as Helike by the Greeks and Ilici by the Romans, it's famous for its palm groves, the largest in Europe.
• Gandia: Known for its Borja (Borgia) Palace, it was an important cultural and commercial center during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Alzira: Founded by the Moors, it was a significant agricultural and commercial center.
• Orihuela: Known as Orcelis under the Romans and Aurariola by the Moors, it's famous for its historic buildings and monuments.
• Xàtiva: Known as Saetabis by the Romans, it's famous for its castle and for being the birthplace of the Borgia Popes.
• Sagunto: Known as Saguntum in Roman times, it's famous for its ancient Roman theater and castle.
• Torrent: An important agricultural center known for its ceramics industry.
• Paterna: Known for its ceramics and pottery industry.
• Manises: Famous for its ceramics, especially tin-glazed pottery.
• Alcoy: Known for its textile industry and the Moros y Cristianos festival.
• Benidorm: Originally a small fishing village, it's now a famous tourist destination.
• Villarreal: Known for its ceramics industry.
• Vila-real: Known for its orange groves and ceramics industry.
• Cullera: Known for its historic castle and beautiful beaches.
• Sueca: An important agricultural center known for its rice production.
• Oliva: Known for its historic Moorish quarter and beautiful beaches.
• Altea: Known for its old town with white houses and cobblestone streets.

Contestani

• Murcia: Founded by the emir of Cordoba, it's known for its historic cathedral and beautiful gardens.
• Cartagena: Known as Carthago Nova during the Roman period, it's famous for its rich archaeological heritage.
• Lorca: Known for its historic castle and beautiful baroque architecture.
• Mazarrón: Known for its beautiful beaches and the mining of lead and silver during the Roman period.
• Aguilas: Known for its beautiful beaches and the castle of San Juan de las Águilas.
• Yecla: Known for its wine production and furniture industry.
• Jumilla: Known for its wine production.
• Cieza: Known for its peach production and the historic Church of La Asunción.
• Totana: Known for its ceramics industry.

Edetani

• Llíria: Known as Edeta in ancient times, it's famous for its Roman archaeological sites.
• Segorbe: Known for its historic cathedral and medieval walls.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Albufera Natural Park: A lagoon and estuary on the Gulf of Valencia, it's a popular destination for birdwatching.
• Montgó Natural Park: Known for its diverse flora and fauna, it offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Júcar River: Known for its beautiful canyons and the historic towns along its banks.
• Segura River: Known for its fertile valley, which is a major agricultural area.
• Peñón de Ifach: A massive limestone outcrop, it's a famous landmark on the Costa Blanca.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The Expulsion of the Moriscos (1609-1614): This was a decree by King Philip III of Spain ordering the expulsion of the Moriscos (descendants of the Muslim population that had converted to Christianity) from the Kingdom of Valencia.
• The Battle of Almansa (1707): Although it took place slightly after the period specified, this was a significant event in the War of Spanish Succession, which had lasting effects on the region.
• The creation of the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court) of Valencia: This ancient institution for resolving irrigation disputes was given formal recognition by King Philip II in 1591.

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.