Rare Old Map of the Algarve by Waghenaer, 1588: Faro, Lagos, Portimão, Cape of Saint Vincent, Decorative Cartouche

"A Description of the Sea Coastes of theland of Algarve and a parte of the Condado with their shew & opening," created by the esteemed Dutch pilot Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer in 1588, is a masterpiece of cartographic art and navigational science. This exquisite sea chart, which captures the Algarve coastline of Portugal and parts of the Condado region in Spain, is a testament to Waghenaer's unparalleled expertise and the advanced maritime knowledge of the late 16th century. The map extends from just north of Sines in Portugal to the Rio de Piedras area in Spain, offering a detailed and colorful depiction of this historically rich and geographically diverse region.

Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer, renowned for producing the first set of effective navigational charts, brought a new level of precision and artistry to maritime cartography. His work, titled "Spiegel der Zeevaerdt," was groundbreaking, setting a standard that would be followed for more than a century. Engraved by Baptist and Jan van Doetecum, Waghenaer's charts are not only practical navigational tools but also magnificent works of art. Collectors highly prize these maps for their historical significance and aesthetic beauty, making them essential additions to any serious collection of maritime history.

The map's design is striking, featuring full color and elaborate decorative elements that captivate the viewer. The intricate cartouche, adorned with floral and geometric patterns, frames the map's title, while artistic depictions of ships and sea creatures populate the surrounding ocean. A compass rose elegantly indicates the cardinal directions, and depth soundings are meticulously marked along the coastal waters, reflecting the latest contemporary knowledge of navigation and position finding. This blend of functionality and artistry makes Waghenaer's map a visual and intellectual delight.

Geographically, the map highlights numerous cities, towns, and natural features along the Algarve coast and the Condado region. Notable settlements such as Faro, Lagos, and Portimão are prominently displayed, alongside important landmarks like the Cape of Saint Vincent and the Cape of Saint Mary. The map also illustrates mountain ranges, rivers, and other physical features that define the landscape. These details provide a vivid snapshot of the region's geography and its significance in maritime history, offering valuable insights into the coastal terrain that was crucial for navigation and trade during the 16th century.

Historically, Waghenaer's charts were revolutionary, embodying the latest advancements in navigational science and cartographic accuracy. They were essential tools for sailors and explorers, facilitating safer and more efficient sea voyages. This particular map of the Algarve and Condado regions not only served practical purposes but also captured the imagination with its decorative elegance. It stands as a testament to the rich maritime heritage of the period and the enduring legacy of Waghenaer's contributions to the field of cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Portugal (Algarve region):
• Faro
• Lagos
• Portimão
• Vila Real de Santo António
• Albufeira
• Tavira
• Loulé
• Silves
• Olhão
• Aljezur
• Vila do Bispo
• Alcoutim
• Spain (Condado region):
• Ayamonte
• Cartaya
• Sanlúcar de Guadiana

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative cartouche with the map title.
• Compass rose indicating cardinal directions.
• Depth soundings in the coastal waters.
• Artistic depictions of ships in the ocean.
• Sea creatures illustrated in the ocean.
• Coastal features such as capes and bays:
• Cape of Saint Vincent (C. de S. Vicente)
• Cape of Saint Mary (C. de S. Maria)
• Mountain ranges depicted inland.
• Rivers flowing into the ocean.
• Elaborate border design with floral and geometric patterns.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1588
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer, a Dutch pilot renowned for producing the first set of effective navigational charts.
• Context about the mapmaker: Waghenaer's charts, engraved by Baptist and Jan van Doetecum, set the standard for navigational charts for more than a century. His work, titled "Spiegel der Zeevaerdt," was highly influential and sought after by collectors.
• Extra notes:
• Rare English sea chart of the Algarve region of Portugal, copied from Lucas Waghenaer.
• Extends from just north of Sines in Portugal to the Rio de Piedras area in Spain.
• Embodies the latest contemporary knowledge of navigation and position finding.
• Highly decorative and considered magnificent works of art.
• An essential map for collectors of the region and the earliest decorative sea chart of the region.
• Themes shown on the map:
• Political: Shows the Kingdom of Algarve and part of the Condado.
• Physical: Depicts coastal features, mountains, and rivers.
• Navigational: Includes sea routes, depth soundings, and compass roses.
• Design/Style:
• Striking full color with elaborate decorative elements.
• Includes artistic depictions of ships, sea creatures, and a decorative cartouche.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the advanced navigational knowledge of the late 16th century.
• Waghenaer's charts were groundbreaking and set the standard for future sea charts.
• Highly valued by collectors and historians for their artistic and historical importance.

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

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 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.

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 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 4,000 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.