Old Monaco Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Citadel, Fortifications, Soundings

Discover the Historical Elegance of "The Bay of Monaco" by William Heather

Embark on a journey back to the early 19th century with "The Bay of Monaco," a chart of remarkable historical and artistic significance. Crafted in 1802 by the esteemed mapmaker William Heather, this chart is part of Heather's pioneering work, "The New Mediterranean Pilot." This collection marks the first English endeavor to comprehensively map the Mediterranean's ports, a feat previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. The map meticulously details the coastal town of Monaco, capturing its bay, the iconic citadel, and surrounding fortifications. This chart not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a window into the strategic and cultural landscape of Monaco at the time.

Navigational Brilliance and Artistic Mastery

The map is a testament to the era's cartographic and engraving skills, with work attributed to the London engraver John Stephenson, known for his finely detailed engravings. The chart features precise soundings in the bay, essential for mariners navigating the shallow waters, and includes a beautifully rendered compass rose, illustrating the map's practical use for navigation. The inclusion of various extraneous buildings, a chapel, and mills adds layers of societal insights, making this map a rich tapestry of Monaco's historical landscape.

A Glimpse into Monaco's Strategic Importance

Strategically located, the map highlights Monaco's defensive structures, including detailed representations of its fortifications and the famous citadel. These elements underscore Monaco's role as a fortified maritime hub in the Mediterranean. The detailed depiction of the town's layout and key features such as Cape Martin, La Turbie, and the regions of Rimplas and Borrigo, provide a comprehensive view of the area's geographical and military significance during a tumultuous period in European history.

Scarce and Collectible: A Cartographic Rarity

This chart stands out not only for its historical value but also for its rarity. As possibly the first English printed chart of Monaco and only the second 19th-century map of the city that has come to light, it represents a unique collectible item. Maps of Monaco from this period are exceedingly rare, making this a prized possession for collectors and historians alike, who are keen to own a piece of Mediterranean maritime history.

An Invitation to Explore and Own a Piece of History

"The Bay of Monaco" offers more than just a visual representation; it is an invitation to explore the intricate details of a bygone era. For enthusiasts of history, cartography, and art, this map is a meaningful acquisition. It not only enhances one's collection but also serves as an educational tool and a piece of art that continues to tell the story of Monaco's past. Owning this map is akin to preserving a fragment of historical artistry, an heirloom that carries the legacy of Mediterranean cartography into the future.

Notable Places on This Map

• Monaco
• Menton
• Cape Martin
• La Turbie
• Rimplas
• Borrigo
• St. Hospice

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed soundings in the bay of Monaco
• Illustration of the famous citadel
• Information about the fortifications
• Depictions of extraneous buildings, a chapel, and mills

Historical and Design Context

• Title: The Bay of Monaco
• Date: 1802
• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather, known for "The New Mediterranean Pilot"
• Design or Style: Finely engraved chart, signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
• Historical Significance: Possibly the first English printed chart of Monaco and only the second 19th-century map of the city that has been handled
• Topics and Themes: The map shows the town of Monaco, including the bay, citadel, fortifications, buildings, chapel, and mills

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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 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.