The Port of Saragosa in Sicily: A Cartographic Masterpiece by William Heather

Dive into the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with "The Port of Saragosa in Sicily," a rare and exquisitely detailed nautical chart crafted by the renowned English cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a historical document, capturing the strategic importance of Syracuse during the early 19th century. The map is particularly notable for its orientation with west at the top, a style that adds a unique twist to traditional cartographic conventions. It meticulously depicts soundings, anchorages, and topographical features, offering a window into the maritime landscape of the time.

Navigational Details and Topographical Features

Heather's chart is a treasure trove of information for both mariners and historians. It features precise soundings in fathoms, crucial for understanding the depths and underwater terrain of the harbor. The inclusion of a compass rose and detailed water channels aids in navigating the complex coastal waters of Sicily. Noteworthy geographical landmarks such as the Valley of Cantera and the Licoline River are elegantly engraved, highlighting Heather's attention to both the natural and man-made environment. The chart also details Fort Saragosa and the iconic lighthouse, pivotal for the defense and maritime guidance of the era.

Artistic and Cartographic Merit

The chart is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship during the period, with fine engravings that are both functional and artistic. Created during a time when nautical charts were essential for safe passage, Heather’s work stands out for its clarity and aesthetic appeal. The map is signed in monogram by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver, whose precision and style brought Heather's visions to life. The artistic rendering of coastal outlines and cartographic elements makes this map not only a navigational tool but also a piece of art.

Historical Context and Significance

"The Port of Saragosa in Sicily" is part of Heather's ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which was the first English collection of Mediterranean ports and a significant advancement over earlier French and Italian versions. This chart, with its detailed portrayal of military and navigational facilities, provides invaluable insights into the strategic importance of Syracuse as a maritime hub in the Mediterranean. It reflects the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the role of nautical charts in military and commercial ventures.

A Collector’s Jewel

For collectors and aficionados of maritime history and cartography, this chart is a rare gem. Its scarcity and the fine quality of its execution make it a highly desirable item. The map not only serves as a functional nautical chart but also as a historical artifact that captures a moment in time when the Mediterranean was a bustling nexus of naval activity. Owning such a chart is akin to possessing a piece of history, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a tangible connection to the maritime past.

This chart of "The Port of Saragosa in Sicily" by William Heather is more than just a navigational aid; it is a portal to the past, inviting us to explore the rich maritime history and cartographic heritage of the Mediterranean.

Notable Places on This Map

• Port Saragosa
• Cantera
• Licoline
• Bonagia
• Mag (lighthouse?)
• Fort Saragosa
• Egg I. (island)
• South Point
• Cape Morro de Porche
• Valley of Cantera

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Nautical chart showing the coastline, towns, harbours, and other navigational aids
• Soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms)
• Compass rose and water channels
• Fortifications of Syracuse
• Lighthouse and fort

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
• Notable for its finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
• Oriented with west at the top, a unique feature for its time
• Provides valuable historical insights into the strategic maritime importance of Syracuse in the early 19th century

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.