Rare Old Map of Costa Brava by Dolcet in 1950 - Girona, Figueres, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Blanes

Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Spain's northeastern coastline with this vintage map of Costa Brava. Crafted meticulously by R. Dolcet in the mid-20th century, this piece of cartographic artistry provides a unique snapshot of the region's history, culture, and geography, as it stood in 1950. The map encapsulates the rustic charm of Costa Brava, from its sun-drenched beaches to its quaint, historic towns, presenting a compelling narrative of the area's past.

As your eyes wander across the map, you'll be drawn to the detailed renderings of Girona, Figueres, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, and Blanes, among other locales. Girona, with its rich history dating back to Roman times, is depicted in all its medieval splendor, while Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, is showcased as a hub of cultural significance. The seaside towns of Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, and Blanes, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, are also beautifully represented. The map also includes Palafrugell, Torroella de Montgrí, and Cadaques, each with their own unique allure.

What makes this map particularly interesting is its context within the timeline of Spanish history. Published in 1950, it captures a period of significant change and development in Spain. The map offers a glimpse into the transformation of Costa Brava from a fishing region into a tourist hotspot. Furthermore, the detailed depiction of the Mediterranean Sea, which has played a crucial role in shaping the region's identity and economy, adds another layer of intrigue to this map. Whether you're a history buff, a cartography enthusiast, or simply a lover of beautiful places, this map of Costa Brava by Dolcet is sure to fascinate and inspire.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 70 inches. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

This map is incredibly wide, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, another option would be this amazing map of Andalusia by Abraham Ortelius in 1573.

The locations on this map include: Girona, Figueres, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Palafrugell, Mediterranean Sea, Torroella de Montgrí and Cadaques.

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 or housewarming gift for someone interested in Costa Brava or someone from the coastal region of Catalonia .

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.