Old Port of St. Nicholas, Greece Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Kythira, Fort, Harbor

Introduction to the Map The Port of St. Nicholas in Serigo, meticulously charted by the esteemed British hydrographer William Heather in 1802, stands as a quintessential example of early 19th-century nautical cartography. This detailed nautical chart not only showcases the intricate coastal configurations of Serigo (now known as Kythira), but also provides a vivid depiction of the maritime landscape as understood during the era. Heather, known for his precision in the surveying of the Mediterranean and the Levant, produced this chart for inclusion in his seminal work, the New Mediterranean Pilot. The map’s richness in navigational detail and its historical context make it a fascinating artifact, reflecting the strategic maritime importance of this region during a time of burgeoning naval exploration.

Detailing the Nautical Features Heather’s chart is a treasure trove of nautical information, offering a comprehensive view of the Port of St. Nicholas with an abundance of depth soundings that guide the mariner through the bay’s waters. The map delineates the rugged coastline with exceptional clarity, marking the location of the fort and the layout of St. Nicholas town. Notably, it includes detailed depictions of navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses, crucial for safe passage. The inclusion of various reefs, shoals, and the depiction of water currents and wind directions further enhance its utility and historical value, providing insights into the challenges faced by sailors of that time.

Cartographic Style and Technique The design of the map is a testament to the cartographic style of the early 1800s, characterized by hand-drawn, colored details that not only serve a functional purpose but also add an artistic quality to the chart. The meticulous attention to detail in the portrayal of topographical features and maritime elements is typical of Heather’s work, who was renowned for his skill in blending accuracy with aesthetic appeal. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but also a piece of art, reflecting the high standards of mapmaking during Heather’s tenure as a master surveyor.

Historical and Geographical Context The Port of St. Nicholas, located on the southern tip of Kythira, holds a significant place in maritime history, serving as a vital point of navigation in the Mediterranean. The strategic importance of this area, situated just off the south coast of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, is captured eloquently in Heather’s chart. This map offers a window into the past, illustrating how geography and human settlement patterns influenced maritime trade routes and military strategy in the Mediterranean basin. The historical significance of this chart is amplified by its rarity and the pivotal period it represents in nautical exploration.

Broader Significance and Appeal This chart is not only a critical piece for historians and collectors but also serves as an educational tool that sheds light on the evolution of nautical cartography and its role in historical maritime journeys. For enthusiasts of maritime history, this map is a link to the age of exploration, symbolizing the human endeavor to understand and navigate the complex tapestry of the world’s seas and oceans. Its appeal lies in its ability to connect us with the maritime past, enriched with tales of sailors and explorers who charted unknown waters with such maps as their guides.

Notable places on this map

• Port St Nicholas
• Fort St Nicholas
• St Nicholas Island
• Serigo Island

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed depiction of the coastline of Serigo (Kythira)
• Location of the town of St. Nicholas and the fort
• Harbor and channel leading into the harbor
• Various islands, reefs, and shoals in the area
• Navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses
• Depth soundings, currents, and wind directions

Historical and design context

• Map Title: The Port of St. Nicholas in Serigo
• Date: 1802
• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather, a British hydrographer known for his detailed nautical charts
• Historical Significance: Provides a detailed look at the Port of St. Nicholas in 1802, a rare example of early 19th-century nautical chart
• Design or Style: Hand-drawn, colored map, showcasing early 1800s cartographic style with detailed maritime and topographical information

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.

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.