Old Port of Trieste, Italy Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Adriatic, Citadel, Lazzaretto, Main Port

Embark on a historical voyage with "The Port of Trieste," a meticulously detailed chart crafted by the renowned publisher and engraver William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a window into the maritime significance of Trieste during the early 19th century. Positioned uniquely with southeast at the top, this chart is part of Heather's ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which aimed to provide the most comprehensive guide to the Mediterranean's ports. The chart’s inclusion of soundings, anchorages, and other navigational details highlights its practical value for mariners of the time, offering a glimpse into the era's maritime challenges and practices.

A Closer Look at Trieste's Maritime Infrastructure

"The Port of Trieste" chart offers more than just a geographical representation; it serves as a detailed snapshot of the port's layout and its surrounding topography. Key features such as the citadel, the Lazaretto (quarantine station), and essential infrastructure like the customs house and post office are clearly marked. These elements not only aid in navigation but also provide insights into the social and economic operations within Trieste at the time. The precision in the depiction of these facilities underscores the chart’s value not only to seafarers but also to historians and scholars interested in the developmental history of maritime commerce in the Adriatic region.

Navigational Details and Artistic Merit

The chart is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship in the era's cartographic works. Finely engraved by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver, the map features a crisp, detailed style that enhances both its utility and aesthetic appeal. The inclusion of a scale bar and a beautifully rendered compass rose further accentuates its functionality and artistic quality. This chart is not only a tool for navigation but also a piece of art that reflects the meticulous standards of mapmaking during William Heather’s time.

Historical and Collectible Significance

As a part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart of Trieste stands out due to its rarity and the context of its creation. The series was among the first English attempts to catalog the Mediterranean ports, a genre previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. The English versions, particularly Heather's, were noted for their superior engraving quality, making them highly sought after by collectors and historians alike. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a rare artifact that offers both a historical narrative and a testament to the cartographic artistry of the early 19th century.

Broader Implications and Lasting Value

Beyond its immediate utility for 19th-century mariners, "The Port of Trieste" chart is invaluable for contemporary researchers and enthusiasts of maritime history. It provides an accurate historical record of Trieste’s strategic importance in the Adriatic Sea, serving as a crucial point for trade and military endeavors. The chart not only enriches our understanding of historical navigation techniques but also serves as a cultural relic that highlights the evolution of cartographic science and its impact on trade and exploration in the Mediterranean basin.

Notable Places on This Map

• The city of Trieste
• Gulf of Trieste, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea
• Main port of Trieste

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Citadel
• Lazzaretto (quarantine station for ships)
• Point Muje
• Location of the post office and customs house

Historical and Design Context

• Published by William Heather in London, 1802
• Part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot"
• Chart is oriented with southeast at the top
• Includes soundings, topographical features, and a plan of the village
• Finely engraved chart, notable for its detail and clarity
• Represents a significant English contribution to Mediterranean port charts, previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers

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.

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.

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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.

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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.