Rare Old Pictorial Map of Yugoslavia by Kopac, 1959: Belgrade, Zagreb, Adriatic Sea, Castles, Mountains

The map titled "Jugoslavija," created by the esteemed cartographer Vlasto Kopac in 1959, offers a vibrant and illustrative depiction of Yugoslavia as it stood in the mid-20th century. Kopac, known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works, masterfully captures the essence of a nation rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. This pictorial map is not just a geographical representation but a visual journey through the diverse and dynamic landscapes of Yugoslavia, adorned with colorful illustrations that symbolize the region's cultural landmarks, historical sites, and economic activities.

Kopac's map is a lively tapestry that weaves together the intricate details of Yugoslavian life, heritage, and tourism. Each pictorial illustration is a testament to the country's rich history and vibrant culture, from the majestic castles and ancient churches to the bustling marketplaces and serene coastal scenes along the Adriatic Sea. The map's verso further enriches the experience with images and text panels that delve into specific aspects of Yugoslavian life, offering a deeper understanding of the nation's identity and charm.

The geographical expanse of Yugoslavia is meticulously detailed, showcasing its borders with neighboring countries such as Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. The map highlights the diverse topography of the region, from the rugged mountain ranges that traverse the landscape to the tranquil waters of the Adriatic Sea. This detailed representation not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a historical document that captures the essence of a nation on the cusp of significant political and social changes.

Cities and towns are prominently featured, each marked with an illustration that reflects its unique character and significance. From the bustling capital of Belgrade to the historic city of Dubrovnik, the map provides a snapshot of urban life in mid-20th century Yugoslavia. Smaller towns and villages are also depicted, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation's cultural and economic landscape. This detailed urban representation underscores the map's value as both a historical artifact and a piece of art.

The thematic elements of the map extend beyond mere geography, offering insights into the economic activities that defined the region. Illustrations of agricultural fields, industrial sites, and trade routes provide a glimpse into the livelihoods of the Yugoslavian people. This blend of cultural, historical, and economic themes makes Kopac's map a unique and invaluable piece for collectors and historians alike, capturing the spirit of a nation during a pivotal moment in its history.

Cities and towns on this map

• Belgrade (Beograd)
• Zagreb
• Skopje
• Sarajevo
• Ljubljana
• Split
• Novi Sad
• Rijeka
• Maribor
• Podgorica (Titograd)
• Banja Luka
• Osijek
• Niš
• Kragujevac
• Subotica
• Zadar
• Pula
• Dubrovnik
• Šibenik
• Mostar
• Bitola
• Pristina
• Koper
• Tuzla
• Varaždin
• Kraljevo
• Karlovac
• Vranje
• Veles
• Herceg Novi
• Sombor
• Smederevo
• Bijeljina
• Murska Sobota
• Čačak
• Kikinda
• Pirot
• Vršac
• Prokuplje
• Knin
• Gospić
• Novi Pazar
• Valjevo
• Trebinje
• Vinkovci
• Vukovar
• Pančevo
• Leskovac
• Zrenjanin
• Kumanovo
• Krško
• Kotor
• Sremska Mitrovica
• Štip
• Prijedor
• Ptuj
• Bjelovar
• Čakovec
• Požarevac
• Berane
• Kavadarci

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Small inset map showing Yugoslavia's location in Europe.
• Illustrations:
• Various pictorial illustrations representing cultural landmarks, historical sites, and economic activities.
• Landmarks:
• Numerous cultural and historical landmarks, such as castles, churches, and monuments.
• Bodies of water:
• Adriatic Sea (Jadransko More).
• Borders:
• Borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania.
• Mountains:
• Illustrations of mountain ranges across Yugoslavia.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Jugoslavija
• When the map was made: 1959
• Mapmaker or publisher: Vlasto Kopac
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Vlasto Kopac was known for his detailed and illustrative cartographic works, often capturing the cultural and historical essence of regions.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Cultural landmarks: Illustrations depicting significant cultural sites.
• Historical sites: Various historical landmarks are illustrated.
• Economic activities: Symbolic representations of economic activities prevalent in the region.
• Tourism: Highlights tourist attractions and points of interest.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Yugoslavia as it existed in the mid-20th century.
• Neighboring countries: Italy, Austria (Österreich), Hungary (Magyar N.K.), Romania (R.P.ROMINĂ), Bulgaria (N.R. BUGARIA), Greece (Hellas), and Albania.
• Design or style of the map:
• Pictorial and thematic, with a focus on colorful and illustrative elements.
• The map includes a decorative compass rose and a small inset map showing Yugoslavia's location in Europe.
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• The map captures Yugoslavia during a period of significant political and social change in the mid-20th century.
• It serves as a historical document reflecting the cultural, economic, and geographical aspects of Yugoslavia before its dissolution in the 1990s.

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.

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.