Rare Old Map of the Kingdom of Naples, Italy by Visscher, 1690: Naples, Bari, Messina, Salerno, Parco Nazionale del Gargano

Discover a piece of history with this exquisite map titled 'Regnum Neapolis : in quo sunt Aprutium Ulterius et Citerius, Comitatus Molisius, Terra Laboris, Capitaniata Principatus Ulterior et Citerior Terra Bariensis et Hidruntina Basilicata, Calabria Citerior et Ulterior'. In English, this translates to 'Kingdom of Naples: in which there are Aprutium Further and Nearer, County of Molise, Land of Labor, Captaincy of the Further and Nearer Principality, Land of Bari and Hydruntum, Basilicata, Calabria Nearer and Further'. This map, created by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, provides a detailed view of the Kingdom of Naples and its surrounding regions, a significant area of modern-day Italy.

The map features several prominent cities such as Naples, Bari, Messina, and Salerno, each marked with meticulous precision. The region of Naples, the focal point of the map, was one of the most populous cities in Europe during the time this map was created. Bari, another notable city, is depicted as a bustling port town, serving as a gateway to the east. Messina, a historically significant city due to its strategic location, is also prominently featured.

In addition to cities, the map also highlights several natural landmarks, such as the Parco Nazionale del Gargano. This national park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, is a testament to the region's rich natural beauty. The map also depicts various waterways, canals, and mountains, each hand-colored and engraved with the utmost attention to detail.

The map is not just a geographical representation but also a historical document. It showcases the administrative boundaries of the time, giving us a glimpse into the political landscape of the late 17th century. Decorative cartouches, coats of arms, and a compass rose add to the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a perfect blend of art and history. This map, with its rich details and historical significance, is more than just a decorative piece. It's a journey back in time, a chance to explore the world as it was known centuries ago.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Aprutium Ulterius and Citerius (Abruzzo)

1. L'Aquila: Founded in the 13th century, it's known for its Renaissance buildings and the Basilica of San Bernardino.
2. Chieti: One of the oldest cities in Italy, it was known as Theate Marrucinorum during Roman times.
3. Pescara: Known as Aternum in ancient times, it was a significant port on the Adriatic Sea.

Comitatus Molisius (Molise)

1. Campobasso: The capital city of the region, it's known for the Monforte Castle from the 16th century.
2. Isernia: Known as Aesernia in ancient times, it's one of the oldest cities in the region.

Terra Laboris (Campania)

1. Naples: One of the most populous cities in Europe during the 17th century, it was known as Neapolis in ancient times.
2. Salerno: An important city during the Norman and Hohenstaufen periods, it was known for its medical school.
3. Avellino: Known as Abellinum in Roman times, it was a significant town in the region.

Capitaniata (Apulia)

1. Bari: A bustling port town during the 17th century, it served as a gateway to the east.
2. Foggia: Known as Foggia in Roman times, it was a significant agricultural center.
3. Taranto: Known as Tarentum in ancient times, it was a major Spartan colony.

Principatus Ulterior et Citerior (Basilicata)

1. Potenza: The capital city of the region, it's known for its rich history and culture.
2. Matera: Known for its ancient cave dwellings, it's one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Terra Bariensis et Hidruntina (Calabria)

1. Reggio Calabria: Known as Rhegium in ancient times, it was a significant city in Magna Graecia.
2. Catanzaro: Known for its silk industry during the 17th century.
3. Cosenza: Known as Consentia in ancient times, it was a significant city in Magna Graecia.

Calabria Citerior et Ulterior

1. Messina: A historically significant city due to its strategic location, it was known as Messana in ancient times.
2. Syracuse: Known as Siracusa in ancient times, it was a significant city in Magna Graecia.
3. Catania: Known as Catana in ancient times, it was a significant city in Magna Graecia.

Notable natural attractions:

• Parco Nazionale del Gargano: Known for its diverse flora and fauna.
• Mount Vesuvius: Famous for its eruption in AD 79 which led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii.
• The Strait of Messina: A narrow passage between the eastern tip of Sicily and the western tip of Calabria.
• The Ionian Sea: Known for its clear and deep blue waters.
• The Adriatic Sea: Known for its shallow depth and clear waters.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690:

• 1609: The publication of the Sidereus Nuncius by Galileo Galilei, which revolutionized the field of astronomy.
• 1631: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius, one of the deadliest in European history.
• 1688: The Revolt of Masaniello, a popular uprising in Naples.

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.