Rare Old Map of Archbishopric of Trier by Visscher, 1690: Koblenz, Bitburg, Cochem, Mainz, Moselle

Immerse yourself in the intricate details of the 'Archiepiscopatus Trevirensis recentissima delineatio', a fascinating old map of the Archbishopric of Trier, meticulously crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map provides a captivating snapshot of the historical and political landscape of the time, with the Archbishopric of Trier at its center. The region, now a part of modern-day Germany, is depicted in remarkable detail, reflecting Visscher's renowned precision and artistic flair.

The map showcases five notable locations: Koblenz, Bitburg, Cochem, Mainz, and Moselle. Each city is marked with meticulous detail, allowing viewers to appreciate the historical urban layouts and geographical context. Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, is a key feature of the map. Bitburg, with its rich history dating back to Roman times, and Cochem, an important medieval trade and craft town, are also highlighted.

Mainz, a city with a history that spans over two millennia, is another significant location depicted on the map. It was a major center of trade during the Roman Empire and later became an important city in the Holy Roman Empire. The Moselle, a river flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, is also featured prominently, underscoring its historical significance as a vital waterway for trade and transportation.

The map's full name, 'Archiepiscopatus Trevirensis recentissima delineatio', translates to 'The Most Recent Delineation of the Archbishopric of Trier'. This title alludes to the map's focus on the ecclesiastical territory of the Archbishopric of Trier, one of the most powerful and influential bishoprics of the Holy Roman Empire. This map, with its focus on a region of such historical and political significance, is not just a navigational tool, but a window into the past, offering a unique perspective on the world as it was known in 1690.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Archbishopric of Trier:

• Trier: Known as Augusta Treverorum during Roman times, it was a major city of the Roman Empire and is considered Germany's oldest city.
• Koblenz: Known as Confluentes in Roman times, it's situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
• Mainz: Known as Mogontiacum in Roman times, it was a major center of trade during the Roman Empire.
• Bitburg: Known as Beda Vicus during Roman times, it was an important trade and craft town.
• Cochem: An important medieval trade and craft town.
• Bernkastel-Kues: Known for its well-preserved medieval buildings.
• Traben-Trarbach: An important wine-growing town in the Moselle wine region.
• Wittlich: Known for its annual pig and folklore festival, the Säubrennerkirmes.
• Neumagen-Dhron: Known as Noviomagus Treverorum in Roman times, it's the oldest wine village in Germany.
• Prüm: Known for Prüm Abbey, a former Benedictine abbey which held the status of Imperial Abbey in the Holy Roman Empire.
• Daun: Known for its volcanic lakes (maars).
• Manderscheid: Known for its two castles, the Oberburg and Niederburg.
• Gerolstein: Known for its natural mineral water.
• Mayen: Known for its slate mining tradition.
• Andernach: Known as Antunnacum in Roman times, it's one of the oldest towns in Germany.
• Boppard: Known for its well-preserved medieval fortifications.
• Bingen am Rhein: Known as Bingium in Roman times, it's the starting point of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
• Ingelheim am Rhein: Known for the Ingelheim Imperial Palace, built by Charlemagne.
• Bad Kreuznach: Known for its radon inhalation health facility.
• Idar-Oberstein: Known for its gemstone mines.
• Alzey: Known as Alteium in Roman times, it's associated with the Nibelungenlied, a high medieval heroic epic.

Notable Natural Phenomena and Landmarks:

• Moselle River: A major waterway for trade and transportation.
• Rhine River: One of the longest and most important rivers in Europe.
• Eifel National Park: Known for its volcanic geological history.
• Hunsrück: A low mountain range known for its quartzite rocks and beautiful hiking trails.
• Upper Middle Rhine Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural landscape.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

• Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): A devastating conflict in the region that resulted in significant population loss.
• Peace of Westphalia (1648): Ended the Thirty Years' War and brought significant territorial changes.
• French annexation of Metz and Thionville (1659): As part of the Treaty of the Pyrenees, these cities became part of France.

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.