Rare Old Map of Old & New Castile, Spain by Visscher, 1690: Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Murcia

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Spain with the 'Utriusque Castiliae nova descriptio' map, an exquisite piece crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The title, translated from Latin, reads 'New Description of Both Castiles', referring to the Old and New Castiles, significant regions in the larger modern-day area of Spain. This map, a testament to the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, offers a detailed and fascinating view of these regions during a period of immense cultural and political change.

The map features a plethora of cities, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. Madrid, the capital city, is prominently displayed, alongside Valencia, known for its Arts and Sciences, and Seville, a city rich in Moorish heritage. Also featured are Zaragoza, a testament to Roman and Moorish influences, and Murcia, a city renowned for its Baroque architecture and vibrant festivals.

This map is not just a geographical representation, but also a work of art. It is hand-colored and engraved, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of Visscher. The map depicts administrative boundaries, towns, forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and landmarks. The relief is shown pictorially, adding a sense of depth and realism to the geographical features. It includes decorative cartouches, explanations, and coats of arms, further enhancing its visual appeal.

A unique feature of this map is its ability to tell a story. The 'Utriusque Castiliae nova descriptio' map not only represents the geographical layout of the Old and New Castiles but also reflects the political and historical context of the time. The map's detailed depiction of administrative boundaries and towns offers a glimpse into the political divisions and power dynamics of the period. The inclusion of forests, waterways, and mountains provides insight into the natural landscape and resources that shaped the region's history and culture. This map is more than a geographical tool; it is a window into the past, offering a deeper understanding of the rich and complex history of Spain.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Old Castile:

1. Burgos: Founded in 884, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Castile for centuries. Known for its Gothic cathedral.
2. Valladolid: Founded in the 11th century, it was the capital of Spain in the 1600s. Known for its Renaissance architecture.
3. Segovia: Established by the Celts, it's famous for its Roman aqueduct and Alcázar.
4. Salamanca: Known for the University of Salamanca, founded in 1134, one of the oldest universities in the world.
5. Ávila: Known for its medieval city walls, built in the 11th century.
6. Soria: Founded by the Celts, it's known for its Romanesque architecture.
7. Palencia: Known for its Gothic cathedral, San Antolín.
8. Zamora: Known for its Romanesque architecture and the 12th-century Zamora Castle.
9. León: Founded by the Romans, it's known for its Gothic cathedral and the 10th-century Basilica of San Isidoro.
10. Ponferrada: Known for the Templar Castle, built in the 12th century.
11. Astorga: Founded by the Romans, it's known for its Roman walls and cathedral.
12. Benavente: Known for the Parador de Benavente, a castle built in the 12th century.
13. Medina del Campo: Known for the Castle of La Mota, a medieval fortress.
14. Toro: Known for its Romanesque architecture and wine production.
15. Peñafiel: Known for Peñafiel Castle, a medieval fortress.

New Castile:

1. Madrid: Founded by the Moors, it became the capital of Spain in 1561.
2. Toledo: Known as the "City of Three Cultures" for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage.
3. Cuenca: Known for its "hanging houses" built on the edge of a cliff.
4. Ciudad Real: Known for the 13th-century Santa María del Prado Cathedral.
5. Albacete: Known for its 16th-century Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.
6. Guadalajara: Known for the Palacio del Infantado, a 15th-century palace.
7. Alcalá de Henares: Known as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote.
8. Valencia: Founded by the Romans, it's known for its City of Arts and Sciences.
9. Murcia: Known for its Baroque architecture and vibrant festivals.
10. Cartagena: Founded by the Carthaginians, it's known for its Roman theatre.
11. Alicante: Known for its medieval castle, the Castle of Santa Bárbara.
12. Elche: Known for the Palm Grove of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Almansa: Known for the Battle of Almansa, fought in 1707.
14. Hellín: Known for the Tamborada, a traditional drumming festival.
15. Alzira: Known for the Monastery of Santa María, a Gothic monastery.

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:

1. Tagus River: The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, known for its scenic beauty.
2. Guadiana River: Known for the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, a wetland reserve.
3. Sierra de Guadarrama: A mountain range part of the Sistema Central, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
4. Sierra Morena: A mountain range known for its vast landscapes and natural parks.
5. Portugal-Spain border: The oldest unchanged national border in Europe.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690:

1. Expulsion of the Moriscos (1609-1614): The forced expulsion of Spain's Muslim population by King Philip III.
2. Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): Spain was a major participant in this European conflict.
3. Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659): Ended the Franco-Spanish War, leading to territorial adjustments between Spain and France.

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.

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.