Old Map of Lisbon by SDUK, 1870: Alfama, Bairro Alto, Castello de S. Jorge, Estrella Basilica, Tagus River

The map titled "Lisboa (Lisbon)" offers a captivating glimpse into the urban fabric of Lisbon as it stood in 1870. Created by the esteemed Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK), this map is a testament to the intricate and detailed cartographic techniques of the 19th century. Lisbon, a city steeped in history and culture, is meticulously depicted, showcasing its winding streets, significant landmarks, and the majestic Tagus River that flows along its southern edge. This map is not just a navigational tool but a visual journey through the heart of one of Europe's most enchanting cities.

One of the most striking features of this map is its panoramic birdseye view, which provides a unique perspective of Lisbon from Quinta da Torinha Val de Pereiro. This vantage point allows viewers to appreciate the city's topography and architectural grandeur. The inset map in the top right corner, titled ‘Environs of Lisbon,’ further enriches the main map by illustrating the surrounding towns along the river Tagus, offering a broader context of the region's geography and its connection to the capital.

Lisbon's historical neighborhoods are prominently featured, each with its own unique charm and significance. The Alfama district, one of the oldest in the city, is depicted with its labyrinthine streets and traditional houses, evoking the spirit of old Lisbon. Bairro Alto, known for its vibrant nightlife and historical importance, is also highlighted, showcasing the diverse character of the city's urban landscape. These neighborhoods are not just residential areas but living museums, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Lisbon.

The map also highlights several of Lisbon's iconic landmarks, such as the Castello de S. Jorge and the Estrella Basilica. Castello de S. Jorge, perched atop a hill, offers a commanding view of the city and the Tagus River, symbolizing Lisbon's historical and strategic importance. The Estrella Basilica, with its stunning baroque architecture, stands as a testament to the city's artistic and religious heritage. These landmarks are more than mere structures; they are symbols of Lisbon's enduring legacy and its role in shaping European history.

Adding to the map's allure are the large parks and public squares that dot the cityscape. Campo de Sant'Anna, a notable park area, provides a green oasis amidst the urban environment, reflecting the city's commitment to preserving natural spaces. The Praça do Comercio, a grand public square, serves as a central hub of activity and a focal point of Lisbon's social and economic life. These features, along with the detailed depiction of streets and roads, make this map a comprehensive and fascinating representation of Lisbon, capturing the essence of the city in the late 19th century.

Streets and roads on this map

• Avenida da Liberdade
• Campo de Sant'Anna
• Campo Grande
• Carmo
• Castello
• Estrella
• Graca
• Largo do Carmo
• Largo do Rato
• Largo do Regedor
• Largo do Senado
• Largo do Trigueiros
• Largo do Val de Pereiro
• Praça do Comercio
• Praça dos Restauradores
• Rua Augusta
• Rua da Alfandega
• Rua da Conceição
• Rua da Escola Politecnica
• Rua da Gloria
• Rua da Madalena
• Rua da Misericordia
• Rua das Janelas Verdes
• Rua de São Bento
• Rua do Arsenal
• Rua do Carmo
• Rua dos Fanqueiros
• Rua dos Remedios
• Rua Garrett
• Rua Nova do Almada

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Environs of Lisbon: Located in the top right corner, showing other towns along the river Tagus.
• Illustrations:
• Panoramic view of Lisbon: At the bottom of the map, depicting the cityscape from Quinta da Torinha Val de Pereiro.
• Landmarks:
• Castello de S. Jorge: A prominent castle in Lisbon.
• Estrella Basilica: A notable church in the city.
• Neighbourhoods:
• Alfama: One of the oldest districts in Lisbon.
• Bairro Alto: A central district known for its nightlife and historical significance.
• Large parks:
• Campo de Sant'Anna: A notable park area in Lisbon.
• Other notable features:
• Tagus River (Rio Tejo): A major river flowing along the bottom of the map.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Lisboa (Lisbon)
• Date created: 1870
• Mapmaker or publisher: SDUK (Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge)
• Context about the mapmaker: SDUK was known for producing detailed and highly accurate maps and educational materials in the 19th century.
• Topics and themes:
• Urban layout: Detailed depiction of Lisbon's streets, buildings, and landmarks.
• Geographical features: Representation of the Tagus River and surrounding topography.
• Historical context: Reflects the urban and social landscape of Lisbon in the late 19th century.
• Regions shown on the map:
• Lisbon, Portugal: The primary focus of the map.
• River Tagus: Featured prominently along the bottom of the map.
• Design or style:
• Birdseye view: Offers a panoramic perspective of the city.
• Inset map: Provides additional context for the surrounding areas.
• Engraving style: Typical of 19th-century cartographic techniques.
• Historical significance:
• Urban development: Highlights the urban structure and key landmarks of Lisbon during the 19th century.
• Educational value: Produced by SDUK, known for their educational contributions through detailed and accurate maps.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.

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.

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 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.