Old Marsaxlokk Harbor, Malta Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Marsascirocco Bay, Benisa Tower, Zeitun Church

Delve into the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with "The Harbor of Marsascirocco in Malta," an exquisitely detailed chart crafted by the renowned London publisher and engraver, William Heather, in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a window into the strategic importance of Marsaxlokk, a key harbor on the southern tip of Malta. The map meticulously documents soundings, anchorages, and topographical features, serving as an indispensable tool for sailors and a fascinating artifact for historians.

Heather's work is distinguished by its precision and artistic merit, traits that shine brightly in this chart. The harbor is laid out with north at the top, and every element—from the depths of the waters to the landmarks like towers, churches, and ruins—is rendered with clarity. These features are not only practical for navigation but also provide a glimpse into the architectural and cultural landscape of early 19th-century Malta.

This chart hails from "Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot," a pioneering English series depicting Mediterranean ports, a field previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Heather's charts, known for their fine engraving, marked a significant advancement in the quality and detail of maritime cartography. This particular chart, rare and highly sought after, stands out as a testament to Heather's commitment to enhancing the accuracy and utility of nautical maps.

Historically, the map is invaluable. It captures a moment in time when Malta was a hub of maritime activity, pivotal for trade and military endeavors across the Mediterranean. The inclusion of specific features like Marsaxlokk Bay, Benisa Tower, and Zeitun Church, among others, provides a rich narrative context, illustrating the strategic and commercial vitality of this port during a turbulent period of European history.

Collectors and enthusiasts of cartography and maritime history will find "The Harbor of Marsascirocco in Malta" a remarkable addition to their collections. Beyond its practical applications for 19th-century mariners, this chart is a piece of art, reflecting the skill and meticulous care of its creator, William Heather, and offering enduring insight into the Mediterranean's storied past.

Notable places on this map

• Marsaxlokk Bay
• Benisa Tower
• Tower del Mare
• Point del Mare
• Church
• Good Ground
• Shoal
• Square Building
• Tower on the hill to the Southward of the Square Building
• Zeitun Church

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Soundings indicating water depths
• Topographical features such as hills and valleys
• Architectural landmarks including towers, churches, and ruins

Historical and design context

• Part of "Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean port charts
• Published in 1802 by William Heather, a noted London publisher and engraver
• Reflects the early 19th-century maritime importance of Marsaxlokk, a key harbor in Malta
• Notable for its fine engraving quality, a significant advancement over earlier French and Italian versions
• Used by mariners and explorers, including figures like Horatio Nelson and David Livingstone

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.

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 print and frame maps in 22 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 standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

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.

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

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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.

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.