Rare Old Map of Cyprus & Holy Land by Münster, 1554: Jerusalem, Mount Sinai, Medina, Taurus Mts

Step into the captivating world of 16th-century cartography with Sebastian Münster's exquisite creation, the "Map of Cyprus, Holy Land & Medina." Crafted in 1554, this map is a testament to Münster's unparalleled skill and the Renaissance's thirst for exploration and knowledge. As one of the most influential cartographers of his time, Münster's work was instrumental in shaping the geographical understanding of the era. His "Cosmographia" was not just a map but a window into the world, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes that defined the regions from Cyprus to Medina.

This map intricately details the regions of Cyprus, Cilicia, and the Holy Land, extending to the sacred Mount Sinai and the historic city of Medina. It captures the essence of these lands, with towns like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Antioch meticulously illustrated, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life of these ancient cities. The map's embellishments, including sailing vessels and decorative cartouches, add a layer of artistry that complements its geographical precision.

Münster's work is not merely a geographical representation but a narrative of exploration and discovery. The map showcases the majestic Taurus Mountains, the revered Mount Sinai, and the expansive Mediterranean Sea, weaving together natural wonders with human settlements. Each element on the map tells a story of the land's history, its people, and the interconnectedness of the ancient world. The map serves as a historical document, preserving the knowledge and aspirations of a time when the world was still being charted.

The map's design reflects the Renaissance's artistic and intellectual spirit, characterized by detailed woodcuts and a harmonious blend of information and embellishment. Münster drew from his own travels and the accounts of explorers, creating a map that was both informative and visually captivating. His work was groundbreaking, influencing contemporary cartographers like Mercator and Ortelius, and leaving an indelible mark on the history of geography.

Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of history, a tangible connection to the Renaissance's grand narrative of exploration and discovery. It invites you to explore the ancient lands of Cyprus, the Holy Land, and beyond, offering a unique perspective on the world as it was understood in the 16th century. This map is not just a collector's item but a gateway to the past, a reminder of the enduring quest for knowledge that defines the human spirit.

Cities and towns on this map

• Cyprus

• Nicosia (not visible on this map but generally significant)

• Holy Land (Modern Israel/Palestine)

• Jerusalem
• Bethlehem
• Jaffa
• Gaza

• Nazareth

• Surrounding Regions

• Antioch
• Tripoli
• Sidon
• Tyre
• Petra

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Sailing vessels

• Decorative embellishments and cartouches

• Landmarks:

• Mount Sinai

• Medina

• Bodies of Water:

• Mediterranean Sea

• Suez (Sinus Arabicus)

• Mountains:

• Taurus Mountains
• Mount Cassius
• Sinai mountains

Historical and design context

• Creation Date: 1554
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Sebastian Münster
• Münster's "Cosmographia" was a groundbreaking work of the Renaissance.
• Influenced contemporary cartographers like Mercator and Ortelius.
• Design and Style:
• Detailed woodcuts and illustrations typical of the 16th-century cartographic style.
• Historical Significance:
• Reflects themes of exploration and geographical knowledge during the Renaissance.
• Preserves the knowledge and aspirations of a time when the world was still being charted.

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.

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.