I had the opportunity to create this illustrated Kingdom of Granada map, a historical map of a territory that is key to understanding the cultural and political evolution of the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Beyond pure geography, the piece tries to capture the historical perceptions of identity that coexisted in these lands for centuries.
One of the most striking elements is the popular saying at the top of the map:
“Almería es de Levante y no de Andalucía” (“Almería belongs to the Levant, not to Andalusia”).
The phrase reflects an old Andalusian perception in which some territories of the former Kingdom of Granada were seen as foreign to “traditional Andalusia”.
Kingdom of Granada map
A brief history of the Kingdom of Granada
The Kingdom of Granada was the last Muslim state on the Iberian Peninsula, ruled by the Nasrid dynasty until 1492, when it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs. After the conquest it kept its name as one of the kingdoms of the Crown of Castile until the provincial division of Spain in 1833. Its territory covered roughly today’s provinces of Granada, Málaga and Almería, which explains why the question of identity in this Kingdom of Granada map is so interesting.
An identity divide shown on the map
The illustration proposes a visual distribution of identities within the Kingdom of Granada:
- Green area: part of the Andalusian identity, where cities such as Málaga, Ronda or Granada were historically seen as an essential part of “las Andalucías”.
- Ochre area: the so-called Puerta de Levante (Gateway to the Levant), culturally linked to the Kingdom of Murcia and less associated with Andalusian tradition.
The contrast is underlined by the legend of the map: this is where the expression “marchar a las Andalucías” (“to go to the Andalusias”) was born, showing how, from outside, this territory was perceived as the true gateway into Andalusia.
A Kingdom of Granada map with an old-world feel
I set out to recreate the atmosphere of period cartography, with a style that combines geographic rigour with the maritime look of old maps:
- A compass rose and ships that evoke trade routes.
- Inks, relief and mountains drawn with rustic strokes, as in Renaissance maps.
- Aged colours and a parchment texture to reinforce the feeling of a historical document.
A bridge between history and art
Beyond its informative function, the map aims to be a piece of artistic outreach: an invitation to look at the history of Granada and Andalusia not only through politics or geography, but through the cultural perceptions that have shaped what we understand today as Andalusian identity.
Commission a custom historical map
If you would like a custom illustrated map, whether for a history project, a book, a cultural exhibition or simply as a unique decorative piece, I would be happy to help you shape it. I develop every map from scratch, researching the historical or geographic sources needed and applying a graphic style that combines rigour and creativity.
The idea is that it is not just an informative resource, but a work with real artistic character, able to convey emotion and spark the curiosity of whoever looks at it. Whether you are looking for period cartography, a themed map for a story or a more modern design, I can create an illustration that reflects your vision.
You can learn more in my guide What is an illustrated map, see more examples on my map illustration page, or get in touch to talk about your idea with no obligation.
