Old Map of the Kingdoms of Granada & Murcia, Spain by Visscher, 1690: Málaga, Gibraltar, Seville, Murcia, Tangier

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 This map is not just a piece of art; it's a historical document, a conversation starter, and a timeless testament to the art of cartography.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:

1. 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.
2. Málaga: An ancient city founded by the Phoenicians, it became a bustling port city under the Roman Empire.
3. Almería: Known for the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, it was a significant port city during the Islamic rule.
4. Jaén: Known for its production of olive oil, it was an important city during the Roman period.
5. Gibraltar: Strategically located at the entrance of the Mediterranean, it was captured by the British in 1704.
6. Baza: Known for the Lady of Baza, a famous Iberian sculpture, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
7. Antequera: Known for its ancient dolmens, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
8. Ronda: Known for its dramatic escarpments and views, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
9. Loja: Known for its Alcazaba, it was a significant city during the Islamic period.
10. Guadix: Known for its cave houses, it was a significant city during the Roman period.

Kingdom of Murcia:

1. Murcia: The capital city of the Kingdom, it was a significant cultural center during the Islamic period.
2. Cartagena: Known for its rich maritime history, it was a significant port city during the Roman period.
3. Lorca: Known for its medieval architecture, it was a significant city during the Islamic period.
4. Molina de Segura: Known for its agricultural wealth, it was a significant city during the Islamic period.
5. Alcantarilla: Known for its ancient Roman aqueduct, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
6. Cieza: Known for its cave paintings, it was a significant city during the prehistoric period.
7. Yecla: Known for its wine production, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
8. Mazarrón: Known for its mining history, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
9. Águilas: Known for its beautiful coastline, it was a significant city during the Roman period.
10. Jumilla: Known for its wine production, it was a significant city during the Roman period.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• Sierra Nevada: A major mountain range in the region with several peaks over 3,000 meters.
• Cabo de Gata: A natural park with a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• Mar Menor: Europe's largest saltwater lagoon, known for its therapeutic mud baths.
• Guadalquivir River: One of the major rivers in Spain, it played a significant role in the region's history.
• Sierra de Cazorla: A natural park known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Historical Events (1600-1690):

• 1609-1614: Expulsion of the Moriscos, descendants of Spain's Muslim population, from the Kingdoms of Granada and Murcia.
• 1648: The Treaty of Westphalia recognizes Spain's sovereignty over the Kingdom of Murcia.
• 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.

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.