Old Port of Brindisi, Italy Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Swabian Castle, Great Passage, Napoleonic Wars

"The Port of Brindisi, in the Gulf of Venice" is a remarkable nautical chart created by the esteemed British naval officer and hydrographer, William Heather, in 1802. This map is not merely a navigational aid but a historical artifact that captures the strategic importance of Brindisi, a city that has been a nexus of maritime and military activity through various epochs. The map is drawn in a traditional nautical style, detailed with symbols and abbreviations that offer a comprehensive view of the coastal topography and maritime routes.

Map's Geographic and Nautical Details
Focused on the southern part of Italy, particularly the region of Apulia, this chart details the Adriatic and Ionian Seas' intricate coastlines and harbors. It highlights significant maritime features such as soundings, navigational aids like the compass rose, and the delineation of water channels. The map vividly marks the "Great" and "Little Passages" out of Brindisi’s harbor, essential for understanding the historical sailing routes that were pivotal during the Napoleonic Wars.

Historical and Strategic Significance
During a period marked by turmoil and territorial disputes, the map served as a crucial tool for navigators and military strategists. Published in the throes of the Napoleonic Wars, it provided detailed insights into the strategic maritime gateways of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The inclusion of fortifications and the iconic Swabian Castle, dating back to the era of Frederick II, adds a layer of historical depth, illustrating Brindisi's role in various empires from the Ostrogoths to the Bourbons.

Mapmaker's Legacy
William Heather's background as a Royal Navy officer during the American Revolutionary War and his subsequent career as a hydrographer is reflected in the precision and detail of this chart. Heather's expertise ensured that the chart was not only a navigational tool but also a detailed record of the geopolitical landscape of the time. His work remains a testament to the early 19th-century hydrographic practices and is valued both for its accuracy and historical narrative.

Conclusion and Broader Value
This map is a treasure for enthusiasts of maritime history and cartography, offering a window into the past where the confluence of military, trade, and navigation shaped the destinies of coastal cities like Brindisi. The detailed portrayal of coastal and maritime elements makes this chart a valuable resource for understanding the geographical and historical context of the area, reflecting the complexities of a region that has been a pivotal maritime hub through centuries.

Notable Places on This Map

• Brindisi
• Torre Cavallo
• Torre Penna
• Fortification
• Lazaretto
• Western Point
• Little Passage
• Great Passage
• Pidagne Islands
• Lavoratojo
• Straits of Brindisi
• Inlet
• Fresh Water Spring

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the Port of Brindisi, in the Gulf of Venice (now the Adriatic Sea).
• It is a nautical chart, showing a coastal region.
• Likely includes soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms) and navigational aids (a compass rose, currents, water channels, etc.)

Historical and Design Context

• The map was created by William Heather in 1802.
• The map is a detailed and accurate representation of the area, drawn in a traditional nautical style.
• Historical significance: The map was published during the Napoleonic Wars and was an important navigational tool for ships traveling in the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.
• The Swabian Castle, dating to the era of Frederick II, is shown adjoined to the town of Brindisi.
• Brindisi was a city of strategic importance, subject to numerous conquests and part of various empires including the Ostrogoth, Byzantine, Norman, Venetian, Austrian, and Bourbon Empires.

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.

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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.

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.

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See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

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