Rare Old Map of Crete by Visscher, 1690: Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Rethimno, White Mountains
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FREE delivery in 2 to 3 days
Free delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery, worldwide.
We make maps by hand locally in 23 countries, including the UK
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. If you're buying a gift for someone in another country, we will make the map locally to them.You will never pay import tax or customs duty.
Please note: Some orders are taking 5-6 days to arrive because of postal slowdowns caused by Black Friday and Christmas. This should clear up soon.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1-2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend £50 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
- Framing & personalisation available
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60 day money back guarantee
60 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 60 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
Our usual returns window is 30 days, but to give you extra peace of mind during the Christmas period, we have extended the returns period to 60 days.
For personalised and customised items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell personalised orders.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
- The model holds the 16x20in (40x50cm) map
Custom size and finish
If you are looking for a size or finish that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past with the exquisite 'Insula Candia, olim Creta' map, a testament to the remarkable cartographic skills of Nicolaes Visscher II, a notable figure from the Dutch Golden Age of mapmaking. Created in 1690, this remarkable piece of history vividly depicts the Island of Crete, nestled within the larger expanse of modern-day Greece. The map's title, when translated to English, reads 'Island of Candia, once Crete', hinting at the regions and political divisions captured within its borders.
Each city and landmark has been meticulously etched onto the map, offering a captivating glimpse into the past. Notable cities such as Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Rethimno are displayed in exquisite detail. The White Mountains Forest Preserve, a significant natural landmark, is also highlighted, showcasing the map's attention to both urban and natural landscapes.
What sets this map apart is the detailed view at the bottom, illustrating the Turkish siege of Candia. A key, thoughtfully placed at the bottom, aids in locating 33 points of interest, allowing the viewer to delve deeper into the historical context of the region. From cities and towns to waterways and canals, every aspect of the landscape is represented, providing a comprehensive overview of Crete during this period.
The map is not merely a geographical representation but also a work of art. Hand-colored outlines bring life to the engraved map, while the decorative title cartouche and compass rose add to its aesthetic appeal. The relief shown pictorially enhances the three-dimensional effect, giving the map a realistic touch. With every glance, you will find yourself transported back in time, experiencing the rich history and stunning landscapes of Crete as they were in the 17th century. This map is more than a piece of history; it's a journey into a bygone era, waiting to be explored.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Crete (Candia)
- Chania (La Canea): Known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets, and waterfront restaurants.
- Heraklion (Candia): The largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. Known for the Palace of Knossos.
- Agios Nikolaos: Known for its Byzantine chapel and the archaeological museum.
- Rethimno: Known for its Venetian fortress and old town area.
- Ierapetra (Kyrva): The southernmost city of Europe, known for its fortress and Napoleon's residence.
- Sitia: Known for its Venetian fortress and the archaeological museum.
- Gortyn (Gortyna): An archaeological site on the Mediterranean island of Crete, known for the Gortyn code, the oldest and most complete known example of an ancient Greek law code.
- Malia: Known for the Minoan palace which is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete.
- Phaistos (Festos): Known for its Minoan palace, the second largest on Crete.
- Knossos (Cnossus): Known for its Minoan palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete.
- Kastelli Kissamou (Kisamo): Known for its Venetian fortress.
- Paleochora (Kalamidi): Known for its Venetian Castle Selino.
- Loutro: Known for its historic bay and the ruins of the ancient city of Phoenix.
- Sfakia (Sfacia): Known for its resistance during the many invasions of Crete.
- Anogia (Anoya): Known for its role in the resistance against the Ottoman Empire and the Axis in WWII.
- Archanes (Archanes): Known for its Minoan archaeological site.
- Tylissos (Tilisos): Known for its three Minoan mansions.
- Matala: Known for its ancient Roman tombs.
- Zakros: Known for its Minoan palace, the fourth largest on Crete.
- Palekastro: Known for its Minoan archaeological site.
- Kato Symi (Syme): Known for its archaeological remains.
- Episkopi (Piskopi): Known for its Roman buildings.
- Eleutherna: Known for its ancient city ruins.
- Axos (Axus): Known for its ancient city ruins.
- Lendas (Lebena): Known for its ancient Asclepieion.
- Viannos (Viano): Known for its resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
- Kastelli Pediados (Castellos): Known for its Venetian fortress.
- Neapoli (Neapolis): Known for its Byzantine churches.
- Lasithi Plateau (Lasithi): Known for its ancient settlements and windmills.
- Vamos: Known for its historic buildings and cobbled streets.
Notable Natural Phenomena
- White Mountains (Lefka Ori): Known for its high peaks and deep gorges.
- Ida Mountain (Mount Ida): Known as the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology.
- Samaria Gorge: Known as a World's Biosphere Reserve, a major tourist attraction of the island.
- Lasithi Plateau: Known for its windmills and fertile land.
- Diktean Cave (Psychro Cave): Known as the birthplace of Zeus in another Greek myth.
Historical Events
- Cretan War (1645–1669): A conflict fought between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire for control over the island of Crete.
- Siege of Candia (1648–1669): The city of Candia (modern Heraklion) was besieged by the Ottomans. The siege is one of the longest in history.
- Revolt of Dionysius the Philosopher (1611): A major rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, led by Dionysius the Philosopher.
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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.
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.
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.
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