Old Port of Trapani, Sicily Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Italy, Fortifications, Salt Pits, Fishing Huts
Old Port of Trapani, Sicily Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Italy, Fortifications, Salt Pits, Fishing Huts
Old Port of Trapani, Sicily Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Italy, Fortifications, Salt Pits, Fishing Huts

Old Port of Trapani, Sicily Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Italy, Fortifications, Salt Pits, Fishing Huts

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The Port of Trapano: A Nautical Chronicle of 1802

The Port of Trapano, meticulously charted by William Heather in 1802, stands as a quintessential example of early 19th-century nautical cartography. This chart, a critical piece of Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, delineates the intricate details of the Sicilian coastline, focusing on the strategic port town of Trapani. Its significance is manifold; not only does it serve as a navigational aid, highlighting water depths, hazards, and landmarks, but it also encapsulates a snapshot of maritime life in the Mediterranean during a time of burgeoning English naval interest in the region. The chart's precision and detail reflect the heightened need for accurate maritime charts as English ships ventured more frequently into Mediterranean waters.

Intricate Details and Local Features

Heather's chart is far more than a simple guide; it is a rich tapestry of local geography and human activity. It meticulously marks the salt pits and fishing huts that were integral to Trapani's local economy, alongside the more monumental features such as the Torre di Ligny and the Lazzaretto di Trapani. Each of these features is not just a point on a map but a doorway into the daily lives of those who lived and worked in Trapani in the early 1800s. The inclusion of such details offers a vivid glimpse into the socio-economic conditions of the time, making this chart a valuable resource for both navigators and historians.

Artistry in Cartography

The aesthetic appeal of the chart cannot be overstated. Engraved by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver, the map is a work of art in its own right. Stephenson’s craftsmanship is evident in the finesse of the engraving, with each line and letter carefully rendered to produce a chart that is both functional and visually striking. This level of detail and artistic quality sets Heather's work apart from contemporary French and Italian nautical charts, which were often more utilitarian in design.

Historical and Navigational Significance

From a historical perspective, this chart is a rare artifact. As part of the first English collection of Mediterranean ports, it represents a significant moment in the history of cartography and naval exploration. The chart not only guided the mariners of its time but also helped establish English presence and trade routes in the Mediterranean, competing with the already established French, Italian, and Spanish charts. Its rarity and uniqueness add to its value, not just as a tool for navigation but as a collector's item and a piece of maritime history.

A Collector’s Jewel

For connoisseurs of cartography, maritime history, or simply lovers of rare historical documents, The Port of Trapano chart is an invaluable acquisition. It offers a window into the past, bringing to life the maritime routes that were once sailed by 19th-century navigators. Owning such a chart is akin to possessing a fragment of history, a narrative of adventures and endeavors on the high seas, captured forever in ink and paper by the skilled hands of William Heather and John Stephenson. This chart is not merely a map but a legacy of the age of sail, preserved through the meticulous art of cartography.

Notable Places on This Map

  • Levace I.
  • Port Levace
  • Porci I.
  • Mag
  • True
  • Var 15 West
  • Malconeitio I.
  • Fort
  • Point Trapano
  • Formicolal
  • Colombara I.
  • The Port of Trapano
  • Port Favognano
  • Tower
  • Favognano I.
  • Axinelo I.
  • Guiliano
  • Old Trapano
  • Shoal
  • Castle
  • Notre Dame de Trapano
  • Salt Pits
  • Lanociata
  • Paceca
  • Fishing Huts
  • Tor
  • Dimeco
  • Scale of Miles

Notable Features & Landmarks

  • The coastline of Sicily and surrounding islands
  • The town of Trapani and surrounding villages and towns
  • The port of Trapani and surrounding fortifications
  • Salt pits of Trapani
  • Fishing huts of Trapani
  • Torre di Ligny, a 16th-century watchtower
  • Lazzaretto di Trapani, an 18th-century quarantine station
  • Tonnara di Favignana, an 18th-century tuna trap

Historical and Design Context

  • Title: The Port of Trapano
  • Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather
  • Published: 1802 in London as part of Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot
  • Design/Style: Finely engraved chart, signed in monogram by London engraver John Stephenson
  • Historical Significance: Rare example of an early English nautical chart of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Themes: Nautical chart showing water depths, hazards to navigation, landmarks, and other navigational information
  • Countries and Regions: Focus on the Mediterranean Sea, specifically Italy and Sicily

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.

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