Rare Old Map of Slovenia by Blaeu, 1640: Adriatic Sea, Gulf of Venice, Ljubljana, Trieste, Karst Plateau

Embark on a journey through time with the exquisite "Karstia, Carniola, Histria et Windorum Marchia," a masterpiece crafted by the illustrious Willem Blaeu in 1640. As a beacon of the Golden Age of Dutch cartography, Willem Janszoon Blaeu's work epitomizes the zenith of mapmaking artistry and precision. Blaeu, a figure synonymous with innovation, was a pioneer in employing copper plates for map printing, a technique that revolutionized the field by allowing for unprecedented detail and clarity. This map, with its meticulous depiction of the regions of Carniola, Istria, and Windisch Mark, serves not only as a navigational tool but as a portal to the rich historical and cultural landscape of what is today Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of Austria and Italy.

The map "Karstia, Carniola, Histria et Windorum Marchia" offers more than a mere geographical representation; it is a historical document that captures the essence of a region embroiled in the throes of the Thirty Years' War and the religious upheavals of the 17th century. The delineation of borders, cities, and natural landmarks amidst the backdrop of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Republic of Venice tells a tale of political power struggles, trade dynamics, and cultural exchanges. It showcases notable locations such as the Adriatic Sea, the Gulf of Venice, and the strategic Istrian Peninsula, alongside the Karst Plateau, known for its unique limestone topography and significant in the Habsburg's territorial ambitions.

Willem Blaeu's cartographic prowess is vividly displayed in the intricate detailing of cities and towns, from the bustling economic centers of Milan and Venice to the cultural hubs of Ljubljana and Trieste. Each city is a testament to the region's vibrant trade routes, seaports, and commercial activities that defined the era. The map also serves as a testament to the religious and cultural milieu of the time, marked by the clash between Protestantism and Catholicism, which shaped the social and political fabric of the region.

In the heart of this map lies Carniola, a crown land under the Habsburg Monarchy, depicted with an accuracy that reflects Blaeu's commitment to detail and his reliance on the works of Gerard Mercator. This area, alongside Istria and the March of the Windic, is portrayed amidst a landscape of mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes, highlighting the natural beauty and strategic importance of these regions. The map not only charts the physical terrain but also encapsulates the shifting religious and political allegiances of the time, offering insights into the Habsburgs' efforts to consolidate power and the impact of the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation.

Owning "Karstia, Carniola, Histria et Windorum Marchia" is more than an acquisition of a rare artifact; it is an immersion into the rich tapestry of 17th-century Europe, a period of intense transformation and intrigue. Willem Blaeu's creation is not merely a map but a historical document that bridges the past and present, inviting the beholder to explore the complex interplay of geography, politics, and culture that has shaped the modern world. This map is an indispensable treasure for connoisseurs of history, cartography, and art alike, offering a window into the intricate geopolitical and cultural dynamics of an era that laid the foundations of contemporary Europe.

Cities and towns on this map

• Ljubljana (Ljubljana), Slovenia
• Trieste (Trieste), Italy
• Klagenfurt (Klagenfurt), Austria
• Villach (Villach), Austria
• Udine (Udine), Italy

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Adriatic Sea
• Gulf of Venice
• Gulf of Trieste
• Karst Plateau
• March of the Windic
• Habsburg Monarchy
• Republic of Venice
• Istrian Peninsula
• Carniola
• Slovenia
• Croatia
• Italy
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Protestantism
• Catholicism
• Thirty Years' War
• Religious strife
• Political power dynamics
• Trade routes
• Seaports
• Commercial hubs
• Cultural centers
• Economic centers
• Mountain ranges
• Rivers
• Lakes
• Borders

Historical and design context

• The map was made in 1640 by Willem Blaeu, a Dutch mapmaker, publisher, and cartographer.
• Blaeu was one of the most important mapmakers of the 17th century, known for his accuracy and detail.
• He was the first to use copper plates for printing maps, which allowed for greater detail and precision.
• The map shows the region of Carniola, located in present-day Slovenia, and also covers Istria and Windisch Mark, located in present-day Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria.
• It is a political and physical map, showing borders, major cities and towns, as well as major rivers and mountains.
• The map is a valuable historical document, providing a detailed snapshot of the region during a time of significant political and religious changes.

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

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.