Antique map of Basque provinces in Spain and France, 1863

The 1863 Map of the Seven Basque Provinces is a detailed and historically significant representation of the Basque Country, a culturally distinct region spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. Published by Edward Stanford, a prominent British cartographer, this map offers insights into the geography, administrative divisions, and cultural identity of the Basque provinces during the mid-19th century.

The map depicts the Seven Basque Provinces, known in Basque as "Zazpiak Bat" ("The Seven Are One"), a concept emphasizing the unity of the Basque people. These provinces include:

In Spain: Álava, Biscay (Bizkaia), Gipuzkoa, and Navarre (Nafarroa)

In France: Labourd (Lapurdi), Lower Navarre (Nafarroa Beherea), and Soule (Zuberoa)

The map carefully delineates the provincial boundaries, major cities, towns, and geographic features such as rivers, mountains, and coastal areas along the Bay of Biscay.

Typical of Stanford's cartographic style, the map is highly detailed and precise. Topographical features are rendered with hachures to indicate elevation, and rivers and coastlines are clearly marked. Cities like Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, and Bayonne are prominently labeled, alongside smaller towns and villages, reflecting the region’s urban and rural character. Roads, trade routes, and borders between Spain and France are also clearly shown.

In 1863, the Basque region was a culturally and politically complex area. The Basques maintained a distinct language (Euskara), traditions, and a sense of identity, even as they were divided between Spain and France. The map captures this unique regional identity while reflecting the administrative divisions imposed by the two nations. This period also coincided with industrialization in parts of the Basque region, particularly around Bilbao, which would later become a major industrial and cultural hub.

The 1863  Map of the Seven Basque Provinces remains a valuable resource for understanding the historical geography of the Basque Country. It is appreciated by historians, cartographers, and collectors for its accuracy and as a testament to the enduring cultural and political significance of the Basque people.

Find more maps of Edward Stanford