Rare Old Map of Acre by Vesconte, 1611: Templars, Hospitallers, Portus Pisani, Crusades

Step into the captivating world of medieval cartography with the exquisite "Civitas Acon sive Ptolomayda," a masterful representation of Acre during the Crusades. Crafted by the renowned Genoese cartographer Pietro Vesconte in the early 14th century and printed by Johann Bongars in 1611, this map offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in history. Vesconte, celebrated for his pioneering portolan charts, meticulously detailed the city of Acre, showcasing its strategic significance as a European stronghold in the Holy Land. This map stands as a testament to Vesconte's influence on Italian and Catalan mapmaking, capturing the essence of a city that was a focal point of medieval geopolitics.

The map's intricate design reveals the bustling port city of Acre, highlighting its importance as a hub of commerce and conflict. Key features such as the "Custodia Templariorum" and "Custodia Hospitaliorum" mark the presence of the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller, respectively, underscoring the city's role as a center of Crusader activity. Each street and structure is meticulously rendered, offering a window into the urban planning and architectural prowess of the time. The detailed depiction of towers, churches, and fortifications reflects the city's fortified nature, essential for its defense against the forces that would eventually reclaim it in 1291.

Historically, this map is invaluable, preserving the layout of Acre before its destruction by Arabic forces. It captures a city on the brink of transformation, a European enclave in the heart of the Levant. The presence of religious sites such as "S. Michael," "S. Andrea," and "S. Maria de Cuna" speaks to the spiritual and cultural significance of Acre during the Crusades. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a narrative of the city's vibrant history, where faith and warfare intersected in the quest for control over the Holy Land.

The artistic style of Vesconte's map is a marvel in itself, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. The precision with which he delineates the "Portus Pisani" and various towers like "Turris maledicta" and "Turris Patriarche" showcases his mastery of cartographic techniques. His ability to convey the complexity of Acre's urban landscape with clarity and detail is a hallmark of his work, setting a standard for future mapmakers. This map is not just a representation of Acre; it is a piece of art that reflects the intellectual and cultural currents of its time.

Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history, a tangible connection to the past that invites exploration and discovery. It embodies the spirit of the Crusades, a period marked by ambition, conflict, and cultural exchange. As you delve into the intricacies of "Civitas Acon sive Ptolomayda," you embark on a journey through time, uncovering the stories and secrets of a city that once stood at the crossroads of civilizations. This map is more than a historical document; it is a gateway to understanding the complexities and legacies of the medieval world.

Places on this map

• Custodia Templariorum
• Custodia Hospitaliorum
• Turris maledicta
• Portus Pisani
• S. Michael
• S. Andrea
• S. Dionys
• S. Egidius
• Murum Antonii
• S. Lazarus
• Trinitas
• S. Nicolaï
• Turris Patriarche
• Turris S. Nicolai
• Turris Potiu
• Turris Perigrinorum
• Alma M.
• Locum tenentor
• Bonerel
• S. Maria de Cuna

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Custodia Templariorum: Refers to the Knights Templar’s presence.
• Custodia Hospitaliorum: Indicates the area associated with the Knights Hospitaller.
• Turris maledicta: A notable tower.
• Portus Pisani: The port area.
• S. Michael: A church or religious site.
• S. Andrea: Another religious site.
• S. Dionys: Likely a church or chapel.
• S. Egidius: Another religious building.
• Murum Antonii: Possibly a wall or fortification.
• S. Lazarus: A significant place, possibly a hospital or church.
• Trinitas: Refers to the Trinity, likely a church or religious area.
• S. Nicolaï: Another religious site.
• Turris Patriarche: Patriarch’s Tower.
• Turris S. Nicolai: Tower of St. Nicholas.
• Turris Potiu: Another tower.
• Turris Perigrinorum: Tower of the Pilgrims.
• Alma M.: Possibly a religious or significant building.
• Locum tenentor: A notable location or building.
• Bonerel: Possibly a notable structure or area.
• S. Maria de Cuna: Church or religious site.

Historical and design context

• Earliest Printing: 1611 by Johann Bongars
• Original Mapmaker: Pietro Vesconte, a Genoese cartographer from the early 14th century
• Significance of Vesconte: Known for creating portolan charts and was one of the first mapmakers to sign and date his works.
• Historical Context: Depicts Acre during the Crusades, before its destruction in 1291 by Arabic forces.
• Themes: Shows European control of Acre, emphasizing the presence of the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller.
• Design/Style: Detailed depiction of city structures, roads, and significant buildings, typical of Vesconte’s detailed style.
• Historical Significance: Preserves the layout of Acre as it was before its destruction, offering insights into medieval urban planning and military architecture.

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 40in (100cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.