Rare Old Map of the Kingdom of Sicily by Visscher, 1690: Palermo, Catania, Tunis, Malta, Parco dell'Etna

Behold 'Regnum Siciliae Cum circumiacentibus Regnis et Insulis', a magnificent cartographic masterpiece that transports you back to the late 17th century. This translates to 'Kingdom of Sicily with Surrounding Kingdoms and Islands', an accurate depiction of the intricate political divisions of the time. The map, crafted by the esteemed Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, centers around the Kingdom of Sicily and the neighboring territories within the modern-day region of Italy. Visscher II was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, a renowned figure in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, ensuring this map is not just a piece of art, but a testament to a lineage of exceptional mapmakers.

This map is not just a geographical guide, but a historical narrative. It features significant cities such as Palermo and Catania, as well as distant lands like Tunis and the island of Malta. The natural wonder of Parco dell'Etna is also beautifully depicted. These locations, while significant in their own right, also paint a picture of the political and economic landscape of the time, offering a glimpse into the past.

The 'Regnum Siciliae Cum circumiacentibus Regnis et Insulis' is a feast for the eyes, hand-colored and engraved with meticulous attention to detail. It showcases not only towns and waterways, but also the intricate canal systems and mountains that define the terrain. The map also includes decorative cartouches, coats of arms, and a compass rose, adding an artistic flair to the scientific precision of the map. The relief is shown pictorially, adding depth and dimension to the flat surface.

Finally, this map is more than a geographical representation; it's a historical document that captures the zeitgeist of the late 17th century. The political boundaries, the cities, and the landmarks all tell a story of a time when kingdoms were defined by their geography and their alliances. Whether you're a history buff, a cartography enthusiast, or someone who appreciates fine art, the 'Regnum Siciliae Cum circumiacentibus Regnis et Insulis' is a piece that will undoubtedly add value to your collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Kingdom of Sicily:

1. Palermo - Known as Panormus in ancient times, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily and a key cultural and economic hub.
2. Catania - Known as Katane in Greek, it's notable for its rich history, culture, architecture, and proximity to Mount Etna.
3. Messina - Known as Zancle to the Greeks, it's a vital port and has been a gateway to Sicily since ancient times.
4. Syracuse - Known as Siracusa, it was a powerful city-state in ancient Greece and home to the mathematician Archimedes.
5. Trapani - Known for its salt marshes, which have been used for salt production since ancient times.
6. Agrigento - Known as Akragas in Greek, it's home to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Caltanissetta - A significant agricultural and mineral-producing center.
8. Enna - Known as Henna to the Romans, it's one of the few landlocked cities in Sicily.
9. Ragusa - Known for its rich Baroque architecture and as a filming location for the TV series Inspector Montalbano.
10. Marsala - Known for its wine production, especially the fortified wine Marsala.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

1. Mount Etna - The highest active volcano in Europe, located near Catania.
2. Strait of Messina - A narrow passage between eastern Sicily and western Calabria in the south of Italy.
3. Gulf of Naples - Known for its stunning beauty and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
4. Ionian Sea - Part of the Mediterranean Sea, between the Italian and Greek coasts.
5. Tyrrhenian Sea - Part of the Mediterranean Sea off the western coast of Italy.

Historical Events (1600-1690):

1. Sicilian Vespers (1647) - A violent anti-Spanish uprising in Palermo.
2. Battle of Messina (1674-1678) - A battle between the fleets of France and the Dutch Republic.
3. Mount Etna Eruption (1669) - One of the most destructive eruptions of Mount Etna.

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.