Old Pictorial Map of Yugoslavia by Kopac, 1959: Belgrade, Zagreb, Adriatic Sea, Castles, Mountains

The map titled "Jugoslavija," created by the esteemed cartographer Vlasto Kopac in 1959, offers a vibrant and illustrative depiction of Yugoslavia as it stood in the mid-20th century. Kopac, known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works, masterfully captures the essence of a nation rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. This pictorial map is not just a geographical representation but a visual journey through the diverse and dynamic landscapes of Yugoslavia, adorned with colorful illustrations that symbolize the region's cultural landmarks, historical sites, and economic activities.

Kopac's map is a lively tapestry that weaves together the intricate details of Yugoslavian life, heritage, and tourism. Each pictorial illustration is a testament to the country's rich history and vibrant culture, from the majestic castles and ancient churches to the bustling marketplaces and serene coastal scenes along the Adriatic Sea. The map's verso further enriches the experience with images and text panels that delve into specific aspects of Yugoslavian life, offering a deeper understanding of the nation's identity and charm.

The geographical expanse of Yugoslavia is meticulously detailed, showcasing its borders with neighboring countries such as Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. The map highlights the diverse topography of the region, from the rugged mountain ranges that traverse the landscape to the tranquil waters of the Adriatic Sea. This detailed representation not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a historical document that captures the essence of a nation on the cusp of significant political and social changes.

Cities and towns are prominently featured, each marked with an illustration that reflects its unique character and significance. From the bustling capital of Belgrade to the historic city of Dubrovnik, the map provides a snapshot of urban life in mid-20th century Yugoslavia. Smaller towns and villages are also depicted, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the nation's cultural and economic landscape. This detailed urban representation underscores the map's value as both a historical artifact and a piece of art.

The thematic elements of the map extend beyond mere geography, offering insights into the economic activities that defined the region. Illustrations of agricultural fields, industrial sites, and trade routes provide a glimpse into the livelihoods of the Yugoslavian people. This blend of cultural, historical, and economic themes makes Kopac's map a unique and invaluable piece for collectors and historians alike, capturing the spirit of a nation during a pivotal moment in its history.

Cities and towns on this map

• Belgrade (Beograd)
• Zagreb
• Skopje
• Sarajevo
• Ljubljana
• Split
• Novi Sad
• Rijeka
• Maribor
• Podgorica (Titograd)
• Banja Luka
• Osijek
• Niš
• Kragujevac
• Subotica
• Zadar
• Pula
• Dubrovnik
• Šibenik
• Mostar
• Bitola
• Pristina
• Koper
• Tuzla
• Varaždin
• Kraljevo
• Karlovac
• Vranje
• Veles
• Herceg Novi
• Sombor
• Smederevo
• Bijeljina
• Murska Sobota
• Čačak
• Kikinda
• Pirot
• Vršac
• Prokuplje
• Knin
• Gospić
• Novi Pazar
• Valjevo
• Trebinje
• Vinkovci
• Vukovar
• Pančevo
• Leskovac
• Zrenjanin
• Kumanovo
• Krško
• Kotor
• Sremska Mitrovica
• Štip
• Prijedor
• Ptuj
• Bjelovar
• Čakovec
• Požarevac
• Berane
• Kavadarci

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Small inset map showing Yugoslavia's location in Europe.
• Illustrations:
• Various pictorial illustrations representing cultural landmarks, historical sites, and economic activities.
• Landmarks:
• Numerous cultural and historical landmarks, such as castles, churches, and monuments.
• Bodies of water:
• Adriatic Sea (Jadransko More).
• Borders:
• Borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania.
• Mountains:
• Illustrations of mountain ranges across Yugoslavia.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Jugoslavija
• When the map was made: 1959
• Mapmaker or publisher: Vlasto Kopac
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Vlasto Kopac was known for his detailed and illustrative cartographic works, often capturing the cultural and historical essence of regions.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Cultural landmarks: Illustrations depicting significant cultural sites.
• Historical sites: Various historical landmarks are illustrated.
• Economic activities: Symbolic representations of economic activities prevalent in the region.
• Tourism: Highlights tourist attractions and points of interest.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Yugoslavia as it existed in the mid-20th century.
• Neighboring countries: Italy, Austria (Österreich), Hungary (Magyar N.K.), Romania (R.P.ROMINĂ), Bulgaria (N.R. BUGARIA), Greece (Hellas), and Albania.
• Design or style of the map:
• Pictorial and thematic, with a focus on colorful and illustrative elements.
• The map includes a decorative compass rose and a small inset map showing Yugoslavia's location in Europe.
• Historical significance or context of the map:
• The map captures Yugoslavia during a period of significant political and social change in the mid-20th century.
• It serves as a historical document reflecting the cultural, economic, and geographical aspects of Yugoslavia before its dissolution in the 1990s.

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.