Old Port of Saragosa, Sicily Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fortifications, Lighthouse, Soundings
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Handmade in the UK
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Your map will be handmade in the UK
The Unique Maps Co. is a UK-based company that prints, frames, personalises and delivers maps all around the world.
If the delivery address is in the UK, your map will be printed and framed here.
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This is great for gifting. For example, you can buy a map for someone in Singapore, and I'll make and deliver the map locally in Singapore with no tax or duty to be paid by the recipient.
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Free delivery
in 2 to 3 days
Delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1 to 2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
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The Port of Saragosa in Sicily: A Cartographic Masterpiece by William Heather
Dive into the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with "The Port of Saragosa in Sicily," a rare and exquisitely detailed nautical chart crafted by the renowned English cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a historical document, capturing the strategic importance of Syracuse during the early 19th century. The map is particularly notable for its orientation with west at the top, a style that adds a unique twist to traditional cartographic conventions. It meticulously depicts soundings, anchorages, and topographical features, offering a window into the maritime landscape of the time.
Navigational Details and Topographical Features
Heather's chart is a treasure trove of information for both mariners and historians. It features precise soundings in fathoms, crucial for understanding the depths and underwater terrain of the harbor. The inclusion of a compass rose and detailed water channels aids in navigating the complex coastal waters of Sicily. Noteworthy geographical landmarks such as the Valley of Cantera and the Licoline River are elegantly engraved, highlighting Heather's attention to both the natural and man-made environment. The chart also details Fort Saragosa and the iconic lighthouse, pivotal for the defense and maritime guidance of the era.
Artistic and Cartographic Merit
The chart is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship during the period, with fine engravings that are both functional and artistic. Created during a time when nautical charts were essential for safe passage, Heather’s work stands out for its clarity and aesthetic appeal. The map is signed in monogram by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver, whose precision and style brought Heather's visions to life. The artistic rendering of coastal outlines and cartographic elements makes this map not only a navigational tool but also a piece of art.
Historical Context and Significance
"The Port of Saragosa in Sicily" is part of Heather's ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which was the first English collection of Mediterranean ports and a significant advancement over earlier French and Italian versions. This chart, with its detailed portrayal of military and navigational facilities, provides invaluable insights into the strategic importance of Syracuse as a maritime hub in the Mediterranean. It reflects the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the role of nautical charts in military and commercial ventures.
A Collector’s Jewel
For collectors and aficionados of maritime history and cartography, this chart is a rare gem. Its scarcity and the fine quality of its execution make it a highly desirable item. The map not only serves as a functional nautical chart but also as a historical artifact that captures a moment in time when the Mediterranean was a bustling nexus of naval activity. Owning such a chart is akin to possessing a piece of history, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a tangible connection to the maritime past.
This chart of "The Port of Saragosa in Sicily" by William Heather is more than just a navigational aid; it is a portal to the past, inviting us to explore the rich maritime history and cartographic heritage of the Mediterranean.
Notable Places on This Map
- Port Saragosa
- Cantera
- Licoline
- Bonagia
- Mag (lighthouse?)
- Fort Saragosa
- Egg I. (island)
- South Point
- Cape Morro de Porche
- Valley of Cantera
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Nautical chart showing the coastline, towns, harbours, and other navigational aids
- Soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms)
- Compass rose and water channels
- Fortifications of Syracuse
- Lighthouse and fort
Historical and Design Context
- Created by William Heather in 1802
- Part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
- Notable for its finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
- Oriented with west at the top, a unique feature for its time
- Provides valuable historical insights into the strategic maritime importance of Syracuse in the early 19th century
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
