Old Istrian Peninsula Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Rovinj, Poreč, Vrsar, Croatia

Discover the Maritime Heritage of the Istrian Peninsula

"The Ports of Rovigno Orsera, and Parenso" is an exquisite chart created by the renowned British hydrographer William Heather in 1802. This map is not merely a navigational aid but a window into the early 19th-century maritime landscape of the western coast of Istria, now part of modern-day Croatia. Heather, known for his detailed and accurate maritime charts, presents a meticulous depiction of the Istrian coastline, focusing on its strategic ports and harbors. This chart is particularly valuable for its historical context, capturing the region shortly after its integration into the Austrian Empire from Venetian control.

Navigational Details and Cartographic Style

Heather's chart is a masterpiece of nautical cartography, featuring a prominent compass rose and a detailed scale bar that enhances its practical utility for seafarers of the time. The map's focus on the harbors—such as Port Rovigno, Port Orsera, and Port Parenso—highlights their importance in maritime trade and defense. The inclusion of smaller ports and anchorages along with detailed coastal topography, such as the depiction of the Učka mountain range and the Motovun Forest, reflects Heather's commitment to providing comprehensive navigational information.

A Rich Tapestry of Maritime and Cultural Landmarks

Beyond its navigational utility, the map is a cultural treasure trove, detailing not only the physical landscape but also the human imprint on the region. It marks the locations of towns and villages, ancient churches, and monasteries, which are essential for understanding the historical and cultural landscape of the area. Notable sites like the Roman ruins in Pula and the Venetian fortress in Poreč are also depicted, providing insights into the historical significance of these locations during the early 1800s.

The Strategic and Economic Significance of the Istrian Peninsula

The strategic importance of the Istrian Peninsula, as depicted in Heather's chart, is underscored by its detailed representation of trade routes and defensive positions. This area was a crucial point of contention and cultural exchange between the Venetian Republic and the Habsburg Monarchy, and later, the Austrian Empire. The map's detailed portrayal of this dynamic region offers a unique glimpse into the geopolitical and economic factors that shaped the history of the Adriatic Sea and its coastal communities.

A Rare and Valuable Collector's Item

As a part of William Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors and historians alike. Its rarity is compounded by the limited number of editions produced and the specific historical context it represents. Owning this map is not just an acquisition of a rare artifact; it is an investment in a piece of maritime history that captures the essence of a pivotal era in European naval exploration and cartography.

This chart, with its rich detail and historical significance, offers an unparalleled insight into the maritime heritage of the Istrian Peninsula, making it a prized possession for any collector or enthusiast of nautical maps.

Notable Places on This Map

• Rovigno
• Orsera
• Parenso
• Port Quieto
• Port Cerviere
• Port Parenso
• Port Fontane
• Port Orsera
• Port Leme
• Port Rovigno
• M. Caldero
• S. John
• S. Euphemia
• Port Valdibora
• Figarole Is
• Marini I.
• St Andrews I.
• Bagniola I.
• Orsera Bank
• Regata I.
• Orada L.
• Altesa I.
• Cuniti
• St Frigida

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the Istrian peninsula and the northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
• The map is focused on the harbours and coastal areas of Rovinj, Poreč, and Vrsar.
• The map shows the location of several towns and villages, including Rovinj, Poreč, Vrsar, Novigrad, and Umag.
• The map shows the location of several islands, including the Brijuni Islands and the Kornati Islands.
• The map shows the location of several rivers, including the Mirna River and the Dragonja River.
• The map shows the location of several mountains, including the Učka mountain range.
• The map shows the location of several forests, including the Motovun Forest and the Lim Bay.
• The map shows the location of several roads and trails.
• The map shows the location of several churches and monasteries.
• The map shows the location of several historical sites, including the Roman ruins of Pula and the Venetian fortress of Poreč.

Historical and Design Context

• The map was created by William Heather in 1802.
• Heather was a British hydrographer and mapmaker who published a number of charts and pilot guides for the Mediterranean Sea.
• The map includes the cities of Rovinj, Vrsar, and Porec.
• The map is designed in a nautical style, with a compass rose and a scale bar.
• The map is a valuable historical document that provides information about the geography of the Istrian Peninsula in the early 19th century.
• This area had recently been fully agglomerated into the Austrian Empire, with Venice previously holding parts of the territory.
• The charts from Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot are extremely rare on the market.

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.

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.