Old Port of Saragosa, Sicily Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fortifications, Lighthouse, Soundings

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 This chart not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a historical document, capturing the strategic importance of Syracuse during the early 19th century.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.

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.

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

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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.