Rare Old Birdseye Map of Goa by Merian, 1650: Divar Island, Church of St. Francis, Viceroy's Palace, Zuari River, Ins. Chora

The "Birdseye View Plan of Goa" by Matheus Merian, created in 1650, is a captivating glimpse into the historic city of Goa during its peak as a bustling Portuguese colony. This meticulously detailed map offers a unique aerial perspective, showcasing the intricate layout of the city’s streets, buildings, and its riverine harbor. The map’s artistic flourishes, including a compass rose and a coat of arms depicting St. Catherine, add to its visual appeal and historical significance. Merian’s work is not just a map but a piece of art that reflects the cartographic tastes of the mid-17th century.

Goa, now a state in western coastal India, was once a central trading hub with a population of up to 200,000. This map captures the city’s vibrant life before it was abandoned in the 18th century due to a plague. Significant landmarks such as the Church of St. Francis near the water and the shrine on the hills to the east, then dedicated to St. Bras, are prominently featured. The map also highlights the palace of the Viceroy of Goa along the river, a testament to the city’s political importance during the Portuguese rule.

The map extends to the surrounding areas, including Insula Dyvar (Divar Island) and Ins. Chora (likely Chora Island), offering a broader view of the region’s geography. The depiction of the Zuari River in the background adds to the map’s depth, illustrating the natural waterways that were crucial to Goa’s trade and transport. The inclusion of these geographical features provides a comprehensive understanding of the area’s layout and its strategic significance.

Merian’s map is drawn heavily from Linschoten’s rare 1596 view, based on his travels to the city. This historical connection adds another layer of intrigue, as it reflects the evolution of cartographic techniques and artistic preferences over half a century. The map’s detailed index, naming forty-three points of interest in German, serves as a valuable guide to the city’s notable sites, offering insights into the daily life and structure of Goa during this period.

This birdseye view is not only a beautiful representation of Goa but also a significant historical document. It captures a moment in time when Goa was a thriving center of commerce and culture under Portuguese rule. The map’s artistic and historical value makes it a remarkable piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the past and a deeper appreciation of Goa’s rich heritage.

Streets and roads on this map

• Rua de S. Bras
• Rua de S. Francisco
• Rua de S. Joao
• Rua de S. Paulo
• Rua de S. Roque
• Rua de S. Sebastiao

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Coat of arms: Depicts St. Catherine's wheel with the saint holding a sword and a book.
• Ships: Several ships are depicted in the harbor.
• Landmarks:
• Church of St. Francis: Near the water.
• Shrine of St. Bras: On the hills to the east.
• Palace of the Viceroy of Goa: Along the river.
• Neighbourhoods:
• Insula Dyvar: Divar Island.
• Ins. Chora: Likely Chora Island.
• Lakes:
• River: The map extends to a river in the background, likely the Zuari.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: A birdseye view plan of Goa.
• Creation date: 1650.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Matheus Merian.
• Matheus Merian was a notable engraver and publisher known for his detailed and artistic maps.
• Topics and themes:
• City layout: Shows the detailed streets and buildings of Goa.
• Harbor: Depicts the city's riverine harbor.
• Surrounding fields: Includes fields and rural areas around the city.
• Decorative features: Contains artistic elements such as a compass rose, coat of arms, and illustrations.
• Countries and regions shown:
• Goa: A region in western coastal India, which was a Portuguese colony until 1961.
• Divar Island: Labeled as Insula Dyvar.
• Chora Island: Likely Ins. Chora on the map.
• Design/Style:
• Birdseye view: Pictorial map providing a detailed aerial perspective of the city.
• Artistic details: Reflects the cartographic tastes of the mid-17th century.
• Index of points of interest: Includes a key naming forty-three points of interest, indexed in German.
• Historical significance:
• Portuguese Goa: Once a central trading hub with a population of up to 200,000.
• Abandonment: The city was abandoned in the 18th century due to a plague.
• Viceroy's Palace: The palace was moved to Panaji in 1759.
• Spanish rule: The coat of arms may have been created during the brief Spanish rule in Goa.
• Archontologia Cosmica: The map comes from Merian's collection of works.

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.

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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.

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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.

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