Step into the past with the meticulously detailed 'Ducato overo Territorio Di Milano' or 'Duchy or Territory of Milan', a map crafted by the skilled hands of Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map offers a fascinating glimpse into the Duchy of Milan, a significant region in what is now modern Italy. Visscher, belonging to a lineage of celebrated Dutch cartographers, presents a vivid portrayal of the region's political divisions and geographical features, transporting viewers back to the late 17th century.

This extraordinary piece of history captures the essence of several key cities, including Como, Bergamo, Pavia, Piacenza, and the green expanse of Parco Agricolo Sud Milano. Each city is depicted with remarkable precision, revealing the unique characteristics that made them integral parts of the Duchy. The map's hand-colored outlines further enhance the intricate details, providing a vibrant snapshot of the era.

Beyond the urban landscapes, the map beautifully illustrates the natural environment of the Duchy. Forests, waterways, canals, and mountains are all depicted with a keen eye for detail. The relief shown pictorially adds depth and dimension, creating a sense of the topographical diversity that characterizes the region. Notable landmarks punctuate the landscape, offering points of interest that hint at the rich history and culture of the Duchy.

The map also features decorative cartouches, a hallmark of Visscher's work, adding an artistic flair to the historical and geographical information. These embellishments, coupled with the map's meticulous detail and historical significance, make the 'Ducato overo Territorio Di Milano' a must-have for any collector or enthusiast of cartography. This map is not just a representation of a geographical area, but a testament to the craftsmanship and scientific knowledge of the Dutch Golden Age, making it a truly luxurious addition to any collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Milan

• Milan (Milano): Known as Mediolanum in ancient times, it was the capital of the Duchy of Milan. A significant center of trade and commerce in the 17th century.
• Como: Known for its Gothic Como Cathedral, ancient city walls, and scenic location at the southern tip of Lake Como.
• Bergamo: Divided into two centers, the Alta (upper) city and the Bassa (lower) city, with rich history dating back to the Venetian period.
• Pavia: Known as Ticinum in Roman times, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Lombards.
• Piacenza: Known as Placentia in Roman times, it was a key military site in the 17th century.
• Lodi: Founded in 1158, it was a significant cultural and trading center.
• Cremona: Known for its musical history, including the manufacture of Stradivarius violins.
• Mantua (Mantova): Known as Mantua in English, it was one of the main artistic, cultural, and musical hubs of Northern Italy during the Renaissance.
• Brescia: Known as Brixia in Roman times, it was a key administrative center of the Duchy.
• Parma: Known for its architecture, music, art, and food - particularly Parmesan cheese and Parma ham.
• Modena: Known as Mutina in Roman times, it was a center of art and culture.
• Reggio Emilia: Known for its rich and varied cuisine, and historic sites.
• Novara: Known for the Battle of Novara in 1513, between the Swiss Confederation and the Duchy of Milan.
• Alessandria: Founded in 1168, it was a significant military and commercial hub.
• Asti: Known for its wines, particularly Asti Spumante, and its Palio horse race.
• Vercelli: Known as Vercellae in Roman times, it was a key center of rice production.
• Casale Monferrato: Known for its art, architecture, and gastronomy.
• Vigevano: Known for its beautiful Renaissance "Piazza Ducale" in the center of the town.
• Sondrio: Known for its vineyards and wine production.
• Lecco: Known for its beautiful location on the eastern branch of Lake Como.
• Monza: Known for its Romanesque-Gothic style Duomo and the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a historic race track.
• Busto Arsizio: Known for its textile industries.
• Sesto San Giovanni: Known for its industrial heritage.
• Legnano: Known for the Battle of Legnano in 1176, where the Lombard League defeated Emperor Frederick I.
• Rho: Known for hosting the Expo 2015.
• Cinisello Balsamo: Known for its rich history dating back to the Roman period.
• Gallarate: Known for its textile and manufacturing industries.
• Paderno Dugnano: Known for its industrial heritage.
• Cologno Monzese: Known for being a significant center of television production.
• Lissone: Known for its furniture industry.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Lake Como: Known for its deep-blue waters and surrounding mountains, it's a top tourist destination.
• Lake Maggiore: Known for its picturesque islands and surrounding landscapes.
• Lake Garda: The largest lake in Italy, known for its clear waters and surrounding medieval structures.
• River Po: The longest river in Italy, significant for commerce and agriculture.
• Parco Agricolo Sud Milano: A large agricultural park south of Milan, offering a green oasis near the city.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The War of the Mantuan Succession (1628-1631): A part of the broader Thirty Years' War, it had significant impacts on the Duchy of Milan.
• The Plague of 1630: This devastating plague killed a large portion of the population in Milan and Lombardy.
• The Treaty of Westphalia (1648): Ended the Thirty Years' War and had significant geopolitical implications for the Duchy of Milan.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

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

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

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

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 order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.