Old Port of Napoli de Romania, Greece Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Nafplion, Argolic Gulf

Discover the Charm of the Ancient Port: The Port of Napoli de Romania

Embark on a historical journey with "The Port of Napoli de Romania," a captivating nautical chart crafted by the esteemed mapmaker William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a vibrant historical document that showcases the port of Nafplion, nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese on the shores of the Argolic Gulf. The map's rich detail and colorful design highlight the strategic importance of Nafplion, which has been a pivotal maritime gateway since the Byzantine era, through periods of Venetian and Ottoman rule, and into its significant role in the Greek War of Independence.

A Nautical Chronicle of Nafplion

The map serves as a detailed guide to the maritime landscape of the early 19th century. It meticulously marks the depth of the waters, the locations of sandbars, and other navigational hazards that would have been crucial for sailors of the time. Lighthouses and other aids to navigation are also prominently displayed, underscoring the map's practical use as a tool for seafarers. This chart is not only a reflection of the geographical layout but also an artifact that speaks to the advancements in nautical charting during this period.

A Tapestry of History and Cartography

William Heather's work is renowned for its precision and aesthetic appeal, and this map is a testament to his mastery in the field of cartography. The use of vibrant colors to distinguish various topographical features and the meticulous attention to detail in the depiction of the towns of Nafplion and Argos, perched on hills overlooking the bay, make this map a visual delight. It is a piece that transcends its utilitarian origins to become a work of art, capturing the essence of the region during a tumultuous period in its history.

A Glimpse into the Past

This chart is not just a map; it's a window into the past, offering a snapshot of the strategic economic and military significance of Napoli di Romania. The inclusion of numerous other towns and landmarks around the Argolic Gulf provides a broader context, illustrating the interconnectedness of the region and its role in the maritime history of Greece. For historians and enthusiasts alike, this map serves as a valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of Mediterranean trade and warfare during the early 1800s.

Rarity and Collectibility

As a piece from Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart is exceedingly rare and holds significant value for collectors and historians. The scarcity of such detailed and beautifully rendered nautical charts from this era adds to its allure and makes it a prized possession for any collector. Owning this map is not just about having a piece of history; it's about preserving a fragment of the maritime heritage that shaped the modern world. This chart is more than just a collector's item—it's a legacy of the Age of Sail, captured in ink and paper by one of the most skilled cartographers of his time.

Notable Places on This Map

• The city of Napoli di Romania (Nafplio)
• The Gulf of Argos
• Surrounding areas of the Peloponnese

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed soundings and navigational aids
• Locations of sandbars and other hazards to navigation
• Lighthouses and other aids to navigation

Historical and Design Context

• Map titled "The Port of Napoli de Romania" showing the port of Nafplion on the Peloponnese
• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Nafplion's historical significance from Byzantine and Frankish rule to its role in the Greek War of Independence
• Hand-drawn, highly detailed, and colorful chart style
• Part of Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," known for its rarity and detailed depiction of Mediterranean ports

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

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.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.