Old Birdseye Map of Bruges by Braun, 1572: Belfry, St. Salvator's Cathedral, Church of Our Lady

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with the "Brugae, Flandricarum Urbium Ornamenta," a remarkable bird's-eye view map that transports the observer to the heart of 16th-century Bruges, Belgium. Crafted with meticulous detail in 1572 by the esteemed German publisher and cartographer Georg Braun, this map is a treasure trove of historical and architectural insights. Braun, renowned for his pivotal role in the creation of the Civitates Orbis Terrarum, collaborated with the Dutch engraver Frans Hogenberg to produce this hand-colored engraving, showcasing a vibrant depiction of Bruges. This piece stands as a testament to the grandeur of one of Europe's most enchanting cities, capturing its streets, churches, and landmarks with unparalleled precision.

The map's historical significance cannot be overstated, offering a window into the urban landscape of Bruges during a period of flourishing cultural and economic activity. Notable landmarks such as the Belfry of Bruges, St. Salvator's Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady are intricately detailed, providing a unique opportunity to study the city's architectural heritage. The inclusion of streets like Academiestraat, Ezelstraat, and Markt adds layers of depth to our understanding of Bruges' historical urban development, making this map not only a piece of art but also a valuable document for researchers and enthusiasts of European history.

Braun's map is distinguished by its design and style, featuring a hand-colored engraving that brings the city's layout to life with a bird's-eye perspective. This artistic approach allows viewers to appreciate the city's structure and major thoroughfares, such as Dijver and Langestraat, in a way that flat maps cannot convey. The detailed depiction of the city, combined with the map's vibrant colors, ensures that each street, canal, and landmark is not just seen but experienced.

Adding to the map's charm are the thoughtful illustrations that accompany it, including a couple standing in the lower right corner, symbolizing perhaps the life and spirit of the city's inhabitants. The decorative cartouche in the upper left corner further enhances the map's aesthetic appeal, making it not only a historical document but also a work of art. These artistic elements, coupled with the map's detailed representation of Bruges, make it a captivating piece for collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, the "Brugae, Flandricarum Urbium Ornamenta" is more than just a map; it is a historical journey into the heart of 16th-century Bruges. Its creation by Georg Braun, a figure of immense importance in the world of cartography, and its detailed portrayal of the city's landmarks and streets, make it an invaluable asset for those interested in the architectural and cultural history of Europe. This map is not merely a representation of Bruges but a celebration of its enduring legacy, making it a must-have for connoisseurs of history and art.

Streets and roads on this map

• Academiestraat
• Augustijnenrei
• Blinde Ezelstraat
• Boeveriestraat
• Breidelstraat
• Carmersstraat
• Cordoeaniersstraat
• Dijver
• Ezelstraat
• Genthof
• Gouden-Handstraat
• Groenerei
• Haakstraat
• Heilige-Geeststraat
• Hertsbergestraat
• Hoogstraat
• Jeruzalemstraat
• Kartuizerinnenstraat
• Kemelstraat
• Korte Vuldersstraat
• Kortewinkel
• Kraanplein
• Langestraat
• Mariastraat
• Markt
• Meestraat
• Naaldenstraat
• Nieuwstraat
• Philipstockstraat
• Predikherenstraat

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Belfry of Bruges
• St. Salvator's Cathedral
• Church of Our Lady
• A couple is standing in the lower right corner.
• Decorative cartouche in the upper left corner.

Historical and design context

• Title: Brugae, Flandricarum Urbium Ornamenta
• Date: 1572
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Georg Braun
• Background: Braun was a German publisher and cartographer known for his work on the Civitates Orbis Terrarum, a collection of city maps published between 1572 and 1618.
• Design and style: The map is a hand-colored engraving, offering a bird's-eye view of Bruges, showcasing the city's streets, churches, and landmarks.
• Historical significance: Provides a detailed view of 16th-century Bruges, valuable for studying the city's history, architecture, and culture.

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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 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.