Old Map of Duchy of Limburg & County of Valkenburg by Visscher, 1690: Liège, Aachen, Maastricht, Verviers, Heerlen

Discover the rich history and intricate geography of the Duchy of Limburg and County of Valkenburg with this stunning map crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The full name of the map, 'Limburgi Ducatus et Comitatus Valckenburgi nova descriptio', translates to 'New Description of the Duchy of Limburg and the County of Valkenburg', indicating the areas of focus on this historical piece.

The map prominently features five significant locations: Liège, Aachen, Maastricht, Verviers, and Heerlen. Each city is a treasure trove of history and culture. Liège, a vibrant city in Belgium, was a significant medieval principality. Aachen, in modern-day Germany, was the place where German kings were crowned and is known for its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maastricht, a city in the Netherlands, is known for its Roman history and vibrant cultural scene. Verviers, another Belgian city, was once a significant textile town. Lastly, Heerlen, a city in the Netherlands, was known for its Roman baths, the Thermae, one of the most notable Roman sites north of the Alps.

The map also captures the political divisions of the time, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. The Duchy of Limburg and the County of Valkenburg were important regions in the 17th century, and this map provides a detailed view of their borders and subdivisions. This map is not just a geographical representation, but also a historical document that reflects the political landscape of the era.

Nicolaes Visscher II, the creator of this map, comes from a lineage of renowned Dutch cartographers. His grandfather, Claes Janszoon Visscher, was one of the finest mapmakers from the Dutch Golden Age. Nicolaes Visscher II carried forward this legacy, creating maps that were not only accurate but also aesthetically pleasing. This map of the Duchy of Limburg and County of Valkenburg is a testament to his skill and craftsmanship.

This map offers a unique blend of art, history, and geography, making it a perfect addition to any collection. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or someone who appreciates fine art, this map of the Duchy of Limburg and County of Valkenburg is sure to captivate and inspire.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Limburg

1. Liège: Known as Leodium in Latin, Liège was a significant medieval principality. It's now a vibrant city in Belgium.
2. Verviers: Once a significant textile town in Belgium, known historically as Vervia.
3. Huy: A Belgian city known for its fortress, historically known as Hoei.
4. Visé: Known as Wezet in Dutch, it's a Walloon city located on the river Meuse.
5. Herstal: Known as Heristal, or Herstelle in the old Limburgish language, it's a city in the Walloon region of Belgium.
6. Seraing: Known as Sarins in Walloon, it's an industrial city in Belgium.
7. Oupeye: A municipality of Belgium, known as Oepia in Walloon.
8. Blegny: Known for its coal mines, it's a Walloon municipality in Belgium.
9. Fléron: A Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège.
10. Chaudfontaine: Known for its hot springs, it's a Belgian town located in the province of Liège.
11. Esneux: A Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège.
12. Amay: Known historically as Amaye, it's a Belgian municipality located in the Walloon region.
13. Waremme: Known as Borgworm in Dutch, it's a city and municipality located in the province of Liège.
14. Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse: Known as Sint-Joris in Dutch, it's a municipality of Belgium.
15. Awans: A Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège.

County of Valkenburg

1. Maastricht: Known for its Roman history and vibrant cultural scene, it's a city in the Netherlands.
2. Heerlen: Known for its Roman baths, the Thermae, one of the most notable Roman sites north of the Alps.
3. Valkenburg: Known for its castle, it's a city in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands.
4. Geleen: Known as Gelaen in Limburgish, it's a city in the southern part of the province of Limburg in the Netherlands.
5. Sittard: One of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, it's located in the southern province of Limburg.
6. Kerkrade: Known for its historical architecture, it's a town and a municipality in the southeast of Limburg.
7. Landgraaf: Known for its annual Pinkpop Festival, it's a municipality in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands.
8. Brunssum: Known for its nature areas, it's a municipality and a town in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands.
9. Gulpen: Known as Gullepe in Limburgish, it's a town in the southern part of the Netherlands.
10. Wittem: Known for its castle, it's a town in the Dutch province of Limburg.
11. Eijsden: Known for its castle, it's a town in the southernmost part of the Netherlands.
12. Margraten: Known for its war cemetery, it's a village in the Dutch province of Limburg.
13. Meerssen: Known for its Basilica, it's a place in the Dutch province of Limburg.
14. Schin op Geul: Known for its scenic beauty, it's a village in the Dutch province of Limburg.
15. Voerendaal: Known for its historic houses and castles, it's a municipality and a town in the southeastern Netherlands.

Notable Boundaries and Natural Phenomena

1. River Meuse: A major European river, rising in France and flowing through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea.
2. High Fens: A high moorland area, it's the largest nature reserve in Belgium.
3. Ardennes: A region of extensive forests, rolling hills and ridges in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.
4. Hoge Kempen National Park: The first National Park in Flanders, Belgium, it's known for its pine forests and large heathlands.
5. Caves of Remouchamps: A tourist attraction in Belgium, known for its 600 m long underground river.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

1. Battle of Maastricht (1673): During the Franco-Dutch War, the city of Maastricht was besieged by the French under the command of Louis XIV.
2. Treaty of Nijmegen (1678): This series of treaties ended various interconnected wars among France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, Brandenburg, Sweden, Denmark, the Prince-Bishopric of Münster, and the Holy Roman Empire.
3. Rampjaar (1672): Known as the "Disaster Year", the Dutch Republic was simultaneously attacked by England, France, and the Bishoprics of Münster and Cologne.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.