Rare Old Map of Holy Roman Empire by Nicolaes Visscher II, 1690: Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna

This exquisitely detailed map, titled 'S. Imperium Romano-Germanicum: oder Teutschland mit seinen angrantzenden Konigreichen und Provincien', is a testament to the cartographic skills of Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned mapmaker from the Dutch Golden Age. The title, translated into English, reads 'The Holy Roman Empire: or Germany with its adjoining Kingdoms and Provinces', and it encapsulates the vast expanse of Central Europe that the map covers.

This map, made in 1690, presents a rich and detailed picture of the political divisions and regions of the Holy Roman Empire. It is a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a snapshot of the geographical and political landscape of Central Europe at the end of the 17th century. The map prominently features five significant cities: Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Vienna.

The map's depiction of Paris, the capital of France, shows it as a bustling metropolis, even in the 17th century. Berlin, the capital of Brandenburg-Prussia, is represented as an emerging power in the region. Brussels, the heart of the Spanish Netherlands, is portrayed with its iconic cityscape. Amsterdam, the commercial hub of the Dutch Republic, is depicted in all its glory. Vienna, the capital of the Habsburg Monarchy, is shown as a significant center of power.

In addition to these cities, the map also presents a variety of landmarks and natural phenomena that provide a deeper understanding of the region's geography and topography. The map's borders are meticulously drawn, reflecting the political divisions of the time. The mountains and other natural features are depicted with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating Visscher's attention to detail. This map is not just a cartographic representation, but a historical artifact that offers a unique perspective on the world as it was known in the 17th century.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

The Holy Roman Empire

• Vienna - Known as 'Wien' in German, it was the capital of the Habsburg Monarchy and a major center of arts and culture.
• Berlin - Then the capital of Brandenburg-Prussia, it was known as 'Berolina' in Latin.
• Cologne - Known as 'Köln', it was one of the largest cities in the Holy Roman Empire, famous for its cathedral.
• Frankfurt - An important city for trade and commerce, known for its annual fairs.
• Munich - Known as 'München', it was the capital of Bavaria.
• Nuremberg - Known as 'Nürnberg', it was a significant cultural and scientific hub.
• Hamburg - A major port city in northern Germany.
• Dresden - Known for its beautiful architecture and art treasures.
• Bremen - An important member of the Hanseatic League.
• Leipzig - A major cultural center, known for its music and publishing houses.

France

• Paris - The capital of France, known for its cultural and historical significance.
• Marseille - A major port city on the Mediterranean coast.
• Lyon - Known for its historical and architectural landmarks.
• Toulouse - A city on the banks of the River Garonne.
• Nantes - A port city on the Loire River.
• Strasbourg - A city known for its Gothic architecture and as the seat of several European institutions.

The Spanish Netherlands

• Brussels - The heart of the Spanish Netherlands, known for its iconic cityscape.
• Antwerp - Known as 'Antwerpen', it was a major trade and cultural hub.
• Ghent - Known as 'Gent', it was one of the richest and largest cities in Europe during the Middle Ages.
• Bruges - Known as 'Brugge', it was an important center of the Flemish cloth industry.

The Dutch Republic

• Amsterdam - The commercial hub of the Dutch Republic, known for its artistic heritage.
• Rotterdam - Known for its strategic location and harbor, Europe's busiest.
• The Hague - Known as 'Den Haag', it was the seat of the Dutch government and parliament.
• Utrecht - Known for its central position and for Utrecht University, the largest in the Netherlands.
• Groningen - Known for its old city center and university.

Other notable features:

• The Rhine River - A major European river that flows through several countries.
• The Danube River - Europe's second-longest river, flowing through multiple central and eastern European countries.
• The Alps - The highest and most extensive mountain range in Europe.
• The Black Forest - A mountainous region in southwest Germany, known for its dense, evergreen forests and picturesque villages.
• The Ardennes - A region of extensive forests, rolling hills and ridges in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.

Historical events:

• The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) - A major conflict that devastated Europe, particularly the Holy Roman Empire.
• The Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678) - A conflict between the French kingdom and the Dutch Republic, with the latter supported by Spain, the Emperor and Brandenburg.
• The Glorious Revolution (1688) - A major political shift in England, which had profound effects across Europe.

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.

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 print and frame maps in 22 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 standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

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.

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

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

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 4,000 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.