Ancient map of Gallipoli, 1591

La Fedelis Sima Città Di Gallipoli is a rare and historically significant late sixteenth-century view of the fortified coastal city of Gallipoli, created by the Flemish engraver and publisher Nicolas van Aelst in 1591. Produced during a period of intense political and military activity in the Mediterranean, the engraving documents one of the most important port cities of southern Italy and highlights its strategic role within the Kingdom of Naples.

The title, which translates as “The Most Faithful City of Gallipoli,” reflects the city's historical reputation for loyalty to the ruling authorities and its importance as a defensive stronghold on the Ionian coast. Situated on a small limestone island connected to the mainland by a bridge, Gallipoli occupied a crucial position controlling maritime routes between the Adriatic and eastern Mediterranean. Van Aelst’s engraving carefully depicts the city's unique geography, emphasizing its defensive walls, bastions, towers, and harbor installations.

The panoramic composition provides a detailed representation of the densely built urban center enclosed within impressive fortifications. Churches, palaces, public buildings, and narrow streets are rendered with remarkable precision, illustrating the architectural character of the city during the late Renaissance. The surrounding waters are animated with sailing vessels and merchant ships, underscoring Gallipoli’s importance as a commercial port engaged in regional and international trade.

Particularly significant was the city's role in the export of olive oil, a commodity that contributed greatly to its prosperity. During the sixteenth century, Gallipoli became one of the principal olive oil trading centers in southern Italy, supplying markets throughout Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

Van Aelst’s engraving exemplifies the cartographic and artistic traditions of the late Renaissance, combining topographical observation with elegant engraving techniques. Fine linework, balanced composition, and careful attention to architectural detail transform the view into both a historical document and a work of art.