Old Civitavecchia, Italy Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Port, Castle, Lighthouse

Discover the Maritime Majesty of "Civita Vecchio" by William Heather

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Civitavecchia with the exquisite 1802 nautical chart "Civita Vecchio," crafted by the renowned British cartographer William Heather. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a window into the past, meticulously detailing the strategic port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea just as it transitioned from Papal to French control under the upheavals of the Napoleonic Wars. Heather's work is celebrated for its precision and clarity, characteristics that shine in this chart, which is part of the scarce collection known as Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot.

A Closer Look at the Historical and Nautical Details

The map showcases Civitavecchia, Italy in a period of significant historical flux, highlighting key maritime and architectural features such as the port, arsenal, and the imposing castle. The detailed depiction includes soundings, rocks, reefs, and other hazards, crucial for navigation and understanding the maritime landscape of the era. Notably, the map also features a meticulously drawn new mole and a lighthouse, signaling the advancements in maritime infrastructure that were contemporary to the period.

Artistic and Cartographic Merit

Beyond its utility for historical and geographical insights, "Civita Vecchio" stands out as a work of art. The map is oriented with north at the top and includes a beautifully rendered compass rose and scale bar, which enhance its aesthetic appeal while serving practical purposes. The realistic style adopted by Heather adds a layer of depth and authenticity, making this chart a captivating piece for both historians and art collectors alike.

Infographics and Orientation

The inclusion of a legend and various infographics aids in interpreting the detailed features noted throughout the chart. Each element, from the depiction of mud and weeds to the strategic fortifications like the tower and fort, is carefully annotated, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of Civitavecchia’s defenses and maritime facilities. These elements are not just informative but are integral to appreciating the strategic importance of Civitavecchia in the Mediterranean naval context of the early 19th century.

A Rare Gem for Collectors and Enthusiasts

This chart is a rarity, seldom seen in the market, making it a prized possession for any collector of antique maps or aficionado of naval history. Its historical significance, coupled with its detailed execution and the prestige of its creator, positions "Civita Vecchio" as a standout piece. Whether for academic purposes, historical interest, or aesthetic appreciation, this map is a treasure that encapsulates a pivotal moment in Mediterranean maritime history.

What can be seen on this map

• Civitavecchia
• Tyrrhenian Sea
• Port
• Arsenal
• Castle
• Rocky Ground
• Mud & Weeds
• Tower
• Fort
• New Mole
• Lighthouse
• Ruin

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the city's harbor, as well as the surrounding coastline.
• The map is oriented with north at the top.
• The map is drawn in a detailed, realistic style.
• The map includes a scale bar, a compass rose, and a legend.
• The map is an important historical document that provides a snapshot of Civitavecchia at a specific point in time.
• The map is a valuable resource for historians, geographers, and anyone else interested in the history of Civitavecchia.
• The map is a beautiful work of art that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Historical and design context

• The map was created by William Heather in 1802.
• The map is a nautical chart, focusing on maritime detail such as the location of dangerous rocks and reefs.
• The map shows the extent of the city and castle of Civitavecchia.
• The map was made just after Civitavecchia had passed into the hands of the French Empire in 1806; before, it had been controlled by the Papal States.
• The map is part of Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot, which is a rare collection of charts.
• The map shows the Mediterranean Sea, and the countries of Italy and France.
• The map is a detailed and accurate representation of the area around Civitavecchia, and is an important historical document.
• The map is part of a larger collection of maps of Italy.

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.

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.

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 4,000 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.