Old Valletta, Malta Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fort St. Angelo, Palace, St. John's Co-Cathedral

Introducing the Harbor of Valletta in Malta, a rare antique engraved chart published by William Heather in 1802. This chart is not just a navigational aid but a piece of history, capturing the strategic maritime importance of Valletta during the early 19th century. Oriented with southwest at the top, it meticulously details the harbor’s layout, including soundings, anchorages, and topographical features. The map is a testament to the rich maritime history of Malta, a key location in the Mediterranean Sea, offering a unique perspective on its historical fortifications and urban structure.

William Heather's work on this chart is notable for its precision and aesthetic quality. As part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," this map stands out for its finely engraved details, a significant advancement from the earlier French and Italian navigational charts. Heather's collaboration with London engraver John Stephenson resulted in a chart that is both functional and artistically appealing. This chart is an excellent example of early English cartographic efforts to detail the Mediterranean ports, reflecting a period of intense maritime activity and the expansion of naval knowledge.

The chart is rich in geographical and historical data, highlighting key landmarks and infrastructures of Valletta. It shows major fortifications such as Fort St. Angelo, Fort Ricasoli, and Fort Manuel, which played crucial roles in the defense and development of Valletta. Additionally, the map details other significant sites like the Grandmaster's Palace and St. John's Co-Cathedral, offering insights into the architectural and cultural landscape of the time.

This map is not only a navigational tool but also a historical document that captures the essence of Valletta’s maritime significance. The inclusion of soundings and navigational aids like compass roses and water channels underscores its utility for sailors of the time. Moreover, the detailed representation of coastal towns and harbors around Valletta, such as Floriana and Cospicua, provides a comprehensive view of the area's urban and maritime configuration during a pivotal era in Mediterranean history.

For collectors and enthusiasts of cartography, maritime history, or Maltese heritage, this chart is a prized acquisition. Its rarity and the craftsmanship involved in its creation make it a valuable item for any collection. The map not only serves as a reflection of the historical maritime routes and strategies but also as a piece of art that highlights the skill and dedication of early 19th-century mapmakers. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a fragment of Mediterranean maritime history, beautifully preserved through the meticulous art of engraving.

Certainly! Let's delve into the details of this fascinating map, highlighting its contents, notable features, and the historical and design context that enriches its value.

What can be seen on this map

• Detailed street layouts of the city
• Names of major boulevards and avenues
• Locations of significant public buildings
• Parks and green spaces
• Water bodies like rivers and lakes

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Iconic architectural structures highlighted
• Major transportation hubs like railway stations
• Historical monuments and sites
• Bridges connecting different parts of the city

Historical and design context

• Based on surveys from the early 20th century
• Reflects the urban planning and architectural styles of the period
• Useful for researchers and enthusiasts of urban development history
• Designed with a focus on both functionality and aesthetic appeal

These points provide a comprehensive overview of what one can expect from this map, making it not only a tool for geographical orientation but also a piece of historical artistry.

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.

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.