Rare Old Large Map of Madrid by Teixeira, 1656: Plaza Mayor, Calle Mayor, Calle de Alcalá, Major Churches, Convents

The "Topographia de la villa de Madrid," crafted by the esteemed Portuguese cartographer Pedro Teixeira Albernaz in 1656, is a captivating glimpse into the heart of Madrid during the mid-17th century. Commissioned by Philip IV of Spain, this map is a testament to Teixeira's meticulous attention to detail and his unparalleled skill in cartographic representation. It showcases the intricate layout of Madrid's streets, houses, and significant structures, offering a vivid portrayal of the city's urban landscape. This historical artifact is not only a map but a rich narrative of Madrid's architectural and cultural heritage.

Teixeira's map is remarkable for its comprehensive depiction of Madrid's religious and healthcare institutions. The map features 18 churches, 55 convents, and 14 hospitals and religious schools, reflecting the city's profound spiritual and social fabric. Each building is intricately detailed, with information on the number of floors, doors, windows, and even the facades and roofs. This level of detail provides an invaluable resource for understanding the architectural styles and urban planning of the period, making it a treasure trove for historians and enthusiasts alike.

One of the most striking aspects of the map is its portrayal of Madrid's major landmarks and neighborhoods. The Plaza Mayor, a central and historically significant square, is prominently featured, alongside the bustling Calle Mayor and the iconic Calle de Alcalá. These thoroughfares were the lifeblood of the city, connecting various neighborhoods and serving as hubs of commerce and social activity. The map also highlights the Carrera de San Jerónimo, a key route that played a crucial role in the city's development. Each street and landmark is meticulously labeled, providing a detailed snapshot of Madrid's vibrant urban life.

The map's artistic elements further enhance its historical value. Decorative cartouches and a coat of arms add a touch of elegance, while the pictorial relief offers a three-dimensional perspective of the city's terrain. The inclusion of gardens and green spaces, such as the meticulously depicted parks, underscores the importance of nature in urban planning. These elements not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide insights into the city's landscape and its integration with the natural environment.

Pedro Teixeira Albernaz's "Topographia de la villa de Madrid" is more than just a map; it is a window into the past, offering a detailed and richly illustrated view of Madrid during the reign of Philip IV. Its comprehensive depiction of the city's streets, buildings, and landmarks, combined with its artistic flourishes, makes it a valuable artifact for anyone interested in the history and development of one of Europe's most iconic cities. This map is a testament to Teixeira's cartographic genius and a lasting tribute to Madrid's enduring legacy.

Streets and roads on this map

• Calle de Alcalá
• Calle de Atocha
• Calle de la Magdalena
• Calle de la Montera
• Calle de la Princesa
• Calle de las Huertas
• Calle de Segovia
• Calle del Carmen
• Calle del Clavel
• Calle del Prado
• Calle Mayor
• Carrera de San Jerónimo
• Plaza Mayor

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Decorative cartouches
• Coat of arms
• Landmarks:
• Major churches
• Convents
• Hospitals
• Religious schools
• Large parks:
• Several large gardens and green spaces are visible
• Other notable features:
• Detailed representation of buildings with architectural elements
• Ponds and fountains

Historical and design context

• Originally published in 1656 by Pedro Teixeira Albernaz, a Portuguese cartographer.
• Pedro Teixeira was born in Lisbon in 1595 and worked in Madrid until his death in 1662.
• He was commissioned by Philip IV of Spain to create this map.
• The map represents 18 churches, 55 convents, and 14 hospitals and religious schools.
• It is dedicated to "Philippo IV, Regi Catholico."
• The map shows streets, houses, major buildings, parishes, convents, hospitals, with details such as the number of floors, doors, windows, facades, roofs, and internal distribution of buildings.
• Relief is shown pictorially.
• Includes an index of parishes, convents, hospitals, fountains, ponds, etc., with numerical keys to the map.
• The map is highly detailed with pictorial relief.
• The map includes artistic elements such as coats of arms and decorative cartouches.
• The map is a significant historical document providing a detailed view of Madrid in the mid-17th century.
• It reflects the urban planning and architectural styles of the period.
• It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical layout and important structures of Madrid during the reign of Philip IV.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 40in (100cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

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.

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 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.