Messine

Attractive view of the Sicilian city of Messina, then under Spanish control.

This detailed view of the city of Messina was published in Paris by Nicholas van der Aa in 1705. It shows the important Sicilian port and surrounding countryside as a bird’s eye view, with the Mediterranean Sea and several sailing ships in the foreground. Important landmarks such as the lighthouse, royal chateaus and gates are illustrated in profile and individually labeled.

A heavy emphasis is also given to the extensive fortifications of the city, with the ‘new citadel’ dominating the harbor. This was constructed by the Spanish as a result of a successful rebellion about thirty years prior to publication which saw the city enjoy a brief period of independence before being returned to Spain in 1678. The Spanish Hapsburgs would maintain control of the island until it was given to the House of Savoy under the Peace of Utrecht in 1713.