Port De Ferrol (1793) charts one of Spain’s most strategically guarded Atlantic harbors at the zenith of European naval power. Produced by the Dépôt Général de la Marine and included in Hydrographie Française 5, it exemplifies the collection’s focus on strategic maritime regions, trade routes, and precise port-city plans. Here, the town and harbor of Ferrol are rendered with navigational exactitude, situating bays, docks, and approaches within a broader network of maritime channels. The chart captivates because it makes the complex choreography of late 18th‑century navigation intelligible at a glance—fusing practical pilotage with the era’s global ambitions in exploration, commerce, and defense, all anchored to a port that served as a linchpin of Atlantic seafaring.

The map’s infographics are a masterclass in clarity. Soundings, carefully plotted in fathoms, form a numeric lattice that guides vessels between shallow banks and secure depths. Nautical routes and approach lines radiate from a stately compass rose, marrying orientation to action as ships thread between headlands, rock formations, and the Islas Firme. Notations flag maritime navigational aids, anchorage points, and leading lines, while labels for coastal settlements and infrastructure keep the mariner oriented to the shore. Together, these elements create an intuitive pilot’s dialogue: where one can safely stand off, where a course must shift, and how to time entry into the harbor’s protected waters.

At the heart of the chart lies a detailed plan of Ferrol’s harbor, with its bays, docks, and naval infrastructure presented in crisp, legible tiers. The rendering isolates maritime channels suitable for shipping, identifies mooring grounds and docking areas, and traces rivers and inlets that influence current and silt. Surrounding geographical contours are shaded to show relief and exposure, revealing how topography and wind conspire to shape local sea conditions. Landmarks of significant nautical interest—promontories, points, and engineered facilities—form a stitched line of references, allowing pilots to triangulate their position from sea to shore, and ensuring safe passage to the bustling quays within.

The Dépôt de la Marine brought scientific rigor to sea-chart production by centralizing observations from naval officers, astronomers, and pilots into standardized, authoritative charts. A distinctive feature of this tradition is the union of mathematical precision with aesthetic refinement: an ornate cartouche frames the title, while the compass rose and calibrated graticule enforce order across a living coastline. That synthesis made French hydrography the benchmark of its day. Within the wider Hydrographie Française 5—one of the most comprehensive, non-duplicative assemblies of French sea charts—Port De Ferrol stands out for translating complex coastal intelligence into an elegant, universally legible visual language.

Beyond its immediate utility, this chart is a historical record of how data transformed navigation during an age of expansion. The fathom soundings, harbor facilities, and clearly articulated channels prefigure modern data visualization, converting depth, risk, and opportunity into navigable knowledge. Set against the collection’s global sweep—from Europe and the Mediterranean to Africa, parts of Asia, and the Americas—Ferrol appears as a critical node in the Atlantic network. The map’s balance of artistry and exactitude captures an era when safe sea travel depended on disciplined observation, and when ports like Ferrol anchored the ambitions of fleets, merchants, and explorers alike.

Notable places on this map

• Ferrol (town and harbor)
• Islas Firme (islands in the vicinity)
• Bays and docks of Ferrol
• Rivers and inlets along the coast
• Surrounding coastal features (rock formations, etc.)
• Navigational landmarks (for ships at sea)
• Maritime channels (areas suitable for shipping)
• Landmarks related to naval infrastructure
• Key topographical features (headlands, points)
• Locations of significant nautical interest

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Nautical routes marked by lines and soundings indicating water depths
• A detailed plan of the harbor area at Ferrol
• Various coastal topographical features, including islands and shallow areas
• A compass rose indicating cardinal directions
• Notations for maritime navigational aids
• Labels for coastal settlements and infrastructure
• Detailed rendering of surrounding geographical contours
• The cartouche and other artistic elements typical of the era
• Depth markings showing fathoms for safe navigation
• Presentation of harbor facilities and docking areas

Historical and design context

• Date Created: 1793
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Depot General de la Marine
• Collection Context: Part of "Hydrographie Française 5," an extensive collection of French hydrographical maps produced between the late 18th and early 19th centuries
• Collection Significance: Represents one of the largest assemblages of French sea charts, with around 600 maps, and is notable for having no duplicates
• Geographical Coverage: Includes coasts of the Americas, Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and parts of Asia, emphasizing global maritime trade and exploration
• Themes: Strategic maritime regions, trade routes, and detailed port city plans, reflecting the importance of navigational charts during the era of colonial expansion
• Historical Significance: Highlights the advancements in maritime navigation and the critical role of the Dépôt de la Marine in producing high-quality navigational knowledge
• Artistic and Design Elements: The map features a compass rose and soundings indicating water depths, adhering to the cartographic style of the time, which often utilized ornate designs

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.