Rare Old Map of Peloponnese, Greece by Visscher, 1690: Patras, Zakinthos, Kalamata, Nafplion, Saronic Islands

Experience the grandeur of the 17th century with the meticulously detailed 'Peloponnesus hodie Morea' map, a masterpiece by the renowned Dutch cartographer Nicolaes Visscher II. This magnificent work of art transports you back to 1690, offering a captivating glimpse into the historical landscape of Peloponnese, known as Morea during the period. Translated into English, the title of the map reveals its focus: 'Peloponnese, today Morea', reflecting the geographical and political landscape of the time.

The map features a wealth of significant cities, towns, and landmarks that narrate the story of the region. Notable cities such as Patras, Zakinthos, Kalamata, and Nafplion are intricately represented, each brimming with historical significance. The Saronic Islands, a group of islands in Greece, located in the Saronic Gulf, are also depicted, adding a touch of maritime intrigue to the map.

Visscher's masterpiece is not just a map, but a vibrant tapestry of natural phenomena and geographical features. It beautifully illustrates the administrative boundaries, waterways, canals, and landmarks of the time. Lakes and mountains are depicted with pictorial relief, offering a three-dimensional perspective that brings the map to life. The decorative title cartouche and compass rose add to the aesthetic appeal, making this map a perfect blend of art and cartography.

The 'Peloponnesus hodie Morea' map is a treasure trove of historical, political, and geographical information. It provides a unique perspective on the world as it was known in the late 17th century. This map is more than just a piece of history; it is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of one of the finest mapmakers from the Dutch Golden Age. Each city, landmark, and natural feature has been depicted with an incredible level of detail, making this map a must-have for history enthusiasts, map collectors, and lovers of fine art alike.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Peloponnese (Morea)

• Patras: Known as the 'Gateway to the West', Patras was a bustling port city and a significant node in maritime trade routes. It was known as 'Patrae' during Roman times.
• Zakinthos: An island in the Ionian Sea, known for its vibrant culture and rich history. It was known as 'Zacynthus' in ancient times.
• Kalamata: Known for its castle and the Church of Ypapantis, it was an important Byzantine city. It was known as 'Pharae' in ancient times.
• Nafplion: Known as the first capital of the modern Greek state, it has a rich history dating back to the prehistoric era. It was known as 'Nauplia' during the Byzantine era.
• Sparta: An ancient city known for its military strength and austere lifestyle. It was a significant city-state in ancient Greece.
• Corinth: Known for the ancient Temple of Apollo and Acrocorinth, it was a significant city-state in ancient Greece.
• Argos: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it was a major center of Mycenaean civilization.
• Megalopolis: Known as the 'Great City', it was an important political and cultural center in ancient Arcadia.
• Tripoli: Known for its fertile plains and as a commercial center, it was known as 'Tripolitsa' during the Ottoman era.
• Pylos: Known for the Palace of Nestor, it was a significant city in the Mycenaean civilization.
• Messenia: Known for its ancient theater and the Temple of Zeus, it was a significant region in the southwestern Peloponnese.
• Laconia: Known for the Byzantine city of Mystras, it was a significant region in southeastern Peloponnese.
• Elis: Known for hosting the Olympic Games in antiquity, it was a region in the western part of the Peloponnese.
• Achaia: Known for the ancient city of Patras, it was a region in the northern part of the Peloponnese.
• Arcadia: Known for its picturesque landscapes and as the mythological home of Pan, it was a region in the central part of the Peloponnese.

Saronic Islands

• Aegina: Known for the Temple of Aphaia, it was a significant naval power in ancient Greece.
• Poros: Known for its lush vegetation and beautiful beaches, it was a popular retreat for Athenians.
• Hydra: Known for its well-preserved architecture and role in the Greek War of Independence, it was a significant maritime center.
• Salamis: Known for the Battle of Salamis, it was a significant naval power in ancient Greece.
• Spetses: Known for its significant role in the Greek War of Independence, it was a prosperous maritime and commercial center.

Notable natural phenomena and tourist attractions:

• Mount Taygetus: Known for its rich biodiversity and hiking trails, it is the highest mountain in the Peloponnese.
• Corinth Canal: An engineering marvel that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf.
• Mani Peninsula: Known for its rugged landscapes and Byzantine churches, it is a popular tourist destination.
• Neda River: Known for its beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation, it is a popular spot for nature lovers.
• Diros Caves: Known for their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, they are a major tourist attraction.

Notable historical events between 1600 and 1690:

• The Morean War (1684-1699): A part of the wider conflict known as the Great Turkish War, it resulted in the recapture of the Peloponnese by the Venetians.
• The Cretan War (1645-1669): A conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Venetian Republic, it had significant implications for the balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean.
• The Orlov Revolt (1770): A precursor to the Greek War of Independence, it was an early attempt to liberate Greece from Ottoman rule.

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.