Old Entrance to Chioggia Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Gulf of Venice, Malamocco River

The map titled "The Entrances to Chiozza near Venice," crafted by the renowned cartographer William Heather in 1802, stands as a significant historical artifact, showcasing the strategic maritime gateways to the ancient and picturesque city of Venice, Italy. This chart is part of Heather's ambitious project, The New Mediterranean Pilot..., which marked the first English endeavor to systematically chart the ports of the Mediterranean—a domain previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. The precision and detail in Heather's work, notably the fine engravings by John Stephenson, set this map apart, offering a superior visual and navigational guide compared to its contemporaries.

Navigational and Topographical Details

Heather’s chart is meticulously detailed, featuring soundings, anchorages, and topographical outlines that provide invaluable information for navigation. It is oriented with west at the top, an unconventional choice that emphasizes the approach from the Adriatic Sea towards the Gulf of Venice. The map delineates several key waterways including the Po, Adige, and Brenta rivers, which are crucial for understanding the hydrography of the region. The inclusion of plans for the village of Chioggia and other points of interest not only aids in maritime navigation but also enriches the viewer’s understanding of the area’s geographical layout and human settlements during the early 19th century.

A Window into Venetian Maritime History

This chart is more than a navigational aid; it is a window into the historical maritime landscape of Venice and its environs. The detailed representations of the Lido di Venezia, Isola di San Pietro, and other significant locales provide insights into the strategic importance of these areas in Venice’s maritime defenses and trade activities. By illustrating the intricate network of rivers and canals that define this iconic city, Heather’s map serves as a valuable document for historians and enthusiasts interested in the evolution of Venetian maritime power and infrastructure.

Artistic and Cartographic Significance

The artistic merit of this map is undeniable, with engravings that reflect a high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic quality rare for its time. Each line and letterform has been rendered with care, likely under the meticulous eye of John Stephenson, whose monogram adorns the piece. This artistic approach not only enhances the map’s utility as a navigational tool but also elevates it to a work of art, deserving of appreciation for its beauty and precision.

Collectibility and Rarity

As a collectible, "The Entrances to Chiozza near Venice" holds a special allure due to its rarity and the prestige of its creator. Maps from Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot... are exceedingly rare in the market, making this particular chart a prized possession for collectors of maritime history and cartographic art. Its historical significance, coupled with its exquisite execution, ensures that it remains a treasured artifact, capturing a unique moment in the cartographic history of the Mediterranean and the enduring allure of Venice as a center of culture and commerce.

Notable Places on This Map

• Chioggia, a town in Italy
• Venice, a city in Italy
• The Gulf of Venice, a gulf in the Adriatic Sea

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The entrances to Chiozza
• The location of the Brenta River
• The location of the Malamocco River
• The location of the Pellestrina Peninsula

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Published in Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot..., London, 1802
• Map is oriented with west at the top
• Includes soundings, some topographical features, anchorages, and a plan of the village
• Part of the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean
• Notable for the finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
• Represents a genre well established in France, Italy, and Spain, with the first collection published by Joseph Roux in Marseilles in 1764

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. 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.

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 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.