Rare Old Map of the Kingdoms of Portugal & Algarve by Visscher, 1690: Lisbon, Porto, Seville, Salamanca, Serra da Estrela

Immerse yourself in the rich history and intricate details of the 'Portugalliae et Algarbiae Regna', a map crafted by the renowned Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated to 'Kingdoms of Portugal and Algarve', this map encapsulates the political and geographical nuances of these regions during a time when cartography was both an art and a science. The map captures the essence of the Dutch Golden Age, a period renowned for its advancements in trade, science, military, and art, with Visscher II being a significant contributor to its cultural and intellectual prosperity.

This map is a testament to Visscher II's remarkable ability to intertwine aesthetics and accuracy. It beautifully illustrates the cities of Lisbon and Porto, along with Seville and Salamanca, each depicted with their unique architectural and cultural features. The Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal's highest mountain range, is also meticulously represented, reflecting the mapmaker's attention to natural phenomena.

The 'Portugalliae et Algarbiae Regna' is not just a map, but a historical document that portrays the world as it was perceived in the late 17th century. It offers a unique perspective on the administrative boundaries, towns, forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and landmarks of the time. The map is hand-colored in outline and features decorative cartouches, coat of arms, compass roses, and vignettes of ships, all of which add to its charm and historical significance.

Finally, the 'Portugalliae et Algarbiae Regna' serves as a remarkable piece of art that would be a prized possession for any collector or history enthusiast. Its relief is shown pictorially, offering a three-dimensional effect that brings the map to life. This piece is more than just a representation of the Kingdoms of Portugal and Algarve; it is a window into the past, a testament to the Dutch Golden Age, and a work of art that continues to captivate and inspire.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Kingdom of Portugal:

1. Lisbon - Known as Lisboa in Portuguese, it is the capital and the largest city of Portugal. It was an important port for trade between the Mediterranean Sea and northern Europe.
2. Porto - Also known as Oporto, it is the second-largest city in Portugal. Famous for its production of Port wine.
3. Braga - One of the oldest cities in Portugal, and traditionally known as the religious center of Portugal.
4. Coimbra - Known for the University of Coimbra, established in 1290, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world.
5. Setúbal - An important center of Portugal's fishing industry.
6. Aveiro - Known as the Venice of Portugal because of its canals and boats.
7. Évora - A city well known for its well-preserved old town center, still partially enclosed by medieval walls.
8. Faro - The southernmost city in Continental Portugal.
9. Viseu - Known for its high quality of life, it was a center of Portuguese Dão wine production.
10. Guarda - The highest city in continental Portugal, known for its historical and cultural value.
11. Viana do Castelo - Known for its folklore, it has a rich historical heritage with origins dating back to pre-Roman times.
12. Leiria - An important medieval city with a castle that overlooks the city and the river.
13. Santarém - Known as the Gothic capital of Portugal.
14. Beja - Known for its agriculture and archeological heritage.
15. Portalegre - Known for its tapestry and silk manufacturing.

Kingdom of Algarve:

1. Silves - Once the capital of the Kingdom of Algarve.
2. Lagos - Known for its iconic cliffs and sandy beaches.
3. Tavira - Known for its Renaissance and Moorish architecture.
4. Albufeira - Known for its coastal beauty.
5. Portimão - Known for its shipbuilding and sardine fishing.
6. Vila Real de Santo António - Known for its town square and riverside location.
7. Faro - The administrative center of the Kingdom of Algarve.
8. Olhão - Known for its fishing port.
9. Loulé - Known for its market and its Carnival.
10. Quarteira - Known for its Roman ruins and fishing industry.
11. Sagres - Known for its historical navigational school established by Henry the Navigator.
12. Monchique - Known for its mountain range and spa town.
13. Aljezur - Known for its castle and sweet potato crops.
14. Vila do Bispo - Known for its religious heritage.
15. Castro Marim - Known for its medieval castle.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

1. Serra da Estrela Natural Park - The highest mountain range in Portugal.
2. Rio Douro - One of the major rivers in the Iberian Peninsula, known for its wine production.
3. Rio Tejo - The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula.
4. Ria Formosa - A large coastal lagoon, a birdwatcher's paradise.
5. Cabo de São Vicente - The southwesternmost point of Portugal and of mainland Europe.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

1. Restoration War (1640-1668) - The period of the Portuguese history that saw the end of the House of Habsburg (also known as the Philippine Dynasty) and the rise of the House of Braganza.
2. Battle of Ameixial (1663) - A battle fought near Estremoz, a significant victory for the Portuguese Restoration War.
3. Treaty of Lisbon (1668) - This treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Portuguese House of Braganza.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.