Old Birdseye Map of Seville by Merian, 1638: Triana, Torre del Oro, Torre del Plata, La Lonja, El Alcazar

The "Hispalis vulgo Sevilliae urbis toto orbe seleberrimae primareae effigies Hispaniae que," created by the esteemed Swiss engraver Matheus Merian in 1638, is a masterful bird's-eye view of the illustrious city of Sevilla. This map is not just a representation of a city; it is a vivid historical document that captures the essence of Sevilla during the height of its prominence in the Spanish Empire. The intricate details and artistic flourishes, such as the two coats of arms and the decorative cartouches, speak to Merian's skill and the city's significance.

Sevilla, as depicted in this map, is a bustling urban center, teeming with architectural marvels and vibrant neighborhoods. The detailed illustrations of landmarks such as the Torre del Oro and the Torre del Plata highlight the city's rich history and its strategic importance as a port on the Río de Guadalquivir. The inclusion of the Puente de Triana underscores the city's connectivity and its role as a hub of commerce and culture.

The map also showcases significant neighborhoods, including the historic Triana district, known for its deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage. The depiction of the Guadalquivir River, with its busy maritime activity, emphasizes Sevilla's role as a critical point of trade and navigation. The river not only served as a lifeline for the city's economy but also as a picturesque backdrop to its architectural splendor.

Merian's attention to detail extends to the numerous churches and religious institutions that dot the cityscape, such as S. Augustin, S. Francisco, and S. Magdalena. These landmarks are not merely places of worship but also architectural gems that contribute to the city's unique character. The presence of these structures on the map provides a window into the spiritual and cultural life of Sevilla in the 17th century.

This map is a testament to Matheus Merian's unparalleled craftsmanship and his ability to capture the dynamic essence of a city. It is a valuable piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of Sevilla's historical significance. The map's intricate details and historical context make it a compelling addition to any collection, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Spain's most storied cities.

Streets and roads on this map

• Las Cuebas
• La Rinconada
• La Aduana
• La Camp de Irun
• La Encarnacion
• La Lonja
• Las Atarazanas
• Monte del Carmo
• Puente del Arenal
• Puente de Triana
• Puerta de Triano
• Puerta Jerez
• S. Augustin
• S. Francisco
• S. Isquieria
• S. Laurencio
• S. Magdalena
• S. Pablo
• S. Pedro
• S. Roman
• S. Salvador
• S. Vidio
• Sta. Maria
• Torre del Oro

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Two coats of arms
• Detailed depiction of ships on the Río de Guadalquivir
• Architectural landmarks such as churches and towers
• Puente de Triana (Bridge of Triana)
• Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold)
• Torre del Plata (Silver Tower)
• La Lonja (The Exchange)
• El Alcazar (The Alcazar)
• Triana neighborhood
• Río de Guadalquivir (Guadalquivir River)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Hispalis vulgo Sevilliae urbis toto orbe seleberrimae primareae effigies Hispaniae que
• Date of creation: 1638
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Matheus Merian
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Matheus Merian was a notable Swiss engraver and publisher known for his detailed city views and maps. His works are highly valued for their historical and artistic significance.
• Design/Style:
• Bird's-eye view pictorial map.
• Detailed engravings with artistic elements such as coats of arms and decorative cartouches.
• Historical significance/context:
• The map provides a valuable historical record of Sevilla's urban landscape in the 17th century.
• It highlights Sevilla's importance in the Spanish Empire, particularly in relation to trade and maritime activities.

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 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.

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, 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.