Old Map of Crete by Blaeu
Price range: £35.55 through £59.95
Old map of Crete by the Blaeu workshop, seventeenth century
Crete stretches across this Dutch atlas map under the title Candia olim Creta. Its mountainous interior is divided into the districts of Canea, Rethimi, Candia and Sitia, with towns and harbours following the long coastline.
Two sailing vessels cross the surrounding seas, while blank heraldic shields flank the ornamental title. Standia, now known as Dia, lies off the north coast. Reproduced on textured fine art paper, the map makes a detailed print for anyone with a connection to Crete or the Greek islands.
A stunning certified FINE ART PRINT on heavy textured art paper — not a poster
- Direct from the publisher — no middlemen
- Printed in-house in Cornwall
- Free UK delivery — international shipping available
- Produced to meet — and often exceed — museum-quality standards
Size
Fine Art Map Reproductions – Museum-Quality Printing
Unlike most online offerings, our maps are produced entirely in-house, not outsourced to print-on-demand or drop-shipping services. This allows complete control over quality while offering better value. Each map begins with a high-resolution original, carefully enhanced and printed to order using archival papers and pigment inks for exceptional clarity, depth, and longevity. Every piece is personally overseen — no map leaves our workshop unless it is of a quality we would be proud to display ourselves.
Authentic Old Map Paper & Accurate Colour Reproduction
Paper choice is essential to the authenticity of our maps. We use specially sourced 190gsm paper made in the UK from pure materials and traditionally pressed with natural woollen felts. This process creates a subtle, randomly textured surface that closely resembles an original antique document. Likewise the use of premium quality ink fully saturates the paper, producing remarkable clarity, depth, and historical character. Colour fastness and sharpness will remain good for in excess of 100 years!
Buy Old Maps Online in the UK Today Trading online since 1999
The Old Map Company of Great Britain offers a vast and carefully curated collection of the very finest expertly reproduced vintage maps. Our range includes works by renowned cartographers such as John Speed and Willem Blaeu, covering Scotland, England, and beyond. Free UK courier delivery is included, with EU, USA, and worldwide shipping available at cost and calculated at checkout. If you need assistance, our team is always happy to help you choose the perfect map.
RECENT REVIEWS
Verified ownerGot there in time and loves it! Cheers David [Gift from US to UK]
Verified ownerThanks Lauren. We received it today - it's gorgeous! Thank you, Ellan
Verified ownerThank you for your prompt service. I have a gallery and framing business in South Wales. I'm so pleased it is printed in the UK
Verified ownerMy Isles of Scilly map arrived safely and I'm delighted with it!
The print arrived safely and we're delighted with it - a lovely reminder of our honeymoon 15 years ago.
Verified ownerI have just received them! I'm sure our clients will be pleased with them and there could be more projects off the back of this one where we can use more. [Interior Designers]
Verified ownerI just received my map of Ireland by Ewart today and, as usual, I am delighted by its quality. The crispness and fineness of detail is excellent and the colour reproduction surpasses my expectations. Please relay my thanks to Steve for another fine effort!
Verified ownerMany thanks, Lauren. Very pleased with the map and the service: would recommend The Old Map Company to anyone interested in Old Maps.
Verified ownerMany thanks, the map arrived safely this morning, and I’m really pleased with it. A stunning reproduction, just as I had hoped. I will keep browsing your website, and may yet be tempted by more of your items! Have a great weekend.
Verified ownerJust arrived, wonderful map! Thanks very much!
Verified ownerThe map – beautiful – arrived safely, very many thanks.
Verified ownerThank you, I have already found the map. It’s wonderfull! Good luck! Rasa
Verified ownerMy apologies for the very late reply. I wanted to reach out to thank you so much for rushing my order. My partner absolutely loved it. I am amazed with the service so that is a five-star from me. I wish you all the best.
Historical Background
The Blaeu workshop’s Candia olim Creta presents Crete under the name used in European atlases during Venetian rule. The Latin title joins Candia with the island’s ancient name, Creta. Blaeu impressions of this design are documented in the seventeenth century, including a 1640 atlas copy held by the National Library of Israel.
Map Details
- Original title: Candia olim Creta
- Mapmaking workshop: Blaeu, Amsterdam
- Period: Seventeenth century; the design is documented in an atlas edition of 1640
- Area shown: Crete and nearby islands in the eastern Mediterranean
- Principal districts: Canea, Rethimi, Candia and Sitia
- Visible details: Pictorial mountains, sailing ships, blank shields and the island of Standia
- Product type: Fine art reproduction of a historic atlas map
Crete’s Venetian Names
The district names provide a useful route into the engraving. Canea corresponds to Chania, Rethimi to Rethymno, and Candia to Heraklion; Sitia remains recognisable at the eastern end of the island. Candia serves both as the name of the principal city and, in the title, as the name of Crete itself.
Rather than drawing modern contour lines, the mapmaker represents relief with rows of small mountain profiles. These run through the interior, separating the coastal settlements and giving the island a strongly mountainous character. Rivers and place names occupy the spaces between them.
Islands and Decorative Details
Standia appears north of the central coast, close to Candia. The mainland map is surrounded by smaller islands and open water, with sailing ships helping to establish its maritime setting. Above the island, two unfilled shields accompany the title cartouche: their empty centres are part of the artwork reproduced here.
The map belongs to the Blaeu family’s Amsterdam atlas tradition. The geography and decoration were engraved together, while colour added to individual impressions distinguished districts and coastlines. The named territories and older spellings make this a view of Crete through seventeenth-century cartography rather than a modern travel map.
See also our old map of Corfu and Mediterranean Islands Map.
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