Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with this stunning map, 'Accuratissima dominii Veneti in Italia, ducatus Parmae, Placentiae Modenae regii et Mantuae episcopatusq. Tridentini tabula quae est Lombardia Inferior.' This translates to 'The Most Accurate Map of the Venetian Dominion in Italy, the Duchies of Parma, Piacenza, Modena, the Kingdom of Mantua, and the Bishopric of Trent, which is Lower Lombardy.' Crafted by the esteemed Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map encapsulates the grandeur and complexity of the Venetian Dominion in what is now modern-day Italy.
The cities of Bologna, Florence, and Venice are beautifully depicted, each with their unique architectural and cultural attributes. Bologna, known for its rich history of academia, is marked by the iconic towers that punctuate its skyline. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is illustrated with its famous cathedral, the Duomo. Venice, the city of canals, is represented with its intricate network of waterways and the iconic St. Mark's Square.
The map also features the Republic of San Marino, one of the world's oldest republics and a beacon of liberty and self-governance during this era. Its depiction on the map underlines its historical significance. Additionally, the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, known for its stunning natural beauty, is also depicted, showcasing the map's attention to both urban and natural landscapes.
Nicolaes Visscher II was a renowned cartographer from the Dutch Golden Age, and this map exemplifies his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to accuracy. It provides a unique perspective on the political and geographical landscape of the Venetian Dominion, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. This map is not just a historical artifact, but a piece of art that captures the essence of a bygone era.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Duchy of Parma
- Parma: Known for its architecture and prosciutto, it was part of the Spanish Empire until 1598.
- Piacenza: A vital military post under Milan during the Renaissance.
- Busseto: The birthplace of composer Giuseppe Verdi, it was a significant agricultural center.
Duchy of Modena
- Modena: Known for its rich musical history and balsamic vinegar.
- Reggio Emilia: Birthplace of the Italian flag and a center of Roman culture.
- Carpi: Known for its large piazza and Renaissance architecture.
Kingdom of Mantua
- Mantua: A cultural and artistic hub, home to the Gonzaga family.
- Bozzolo: Known for its Gonzaga-era buildings.
Bishopric of Trent
- Trento: Known for the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and its Romanesque cathedral.
- Rovereto: Known for its Venetian walls and Italian War history.
Venetian Dominion
- Venice: Famous for its canals and the Piazza San Marco, it was a major maritime power.
- Bologna: Home to the oldest university in the world, it was a center of Renaissance learning.
- Florence: Birthplace of the Renaissance, known for its art and architecture.
- Ferrara: Known for its Renaissance buildings and as the seat of the Este Court.
- Padua: Home to Italy's second oldest university and the Scrovegni Chapel.
- Verona: Known for its Roman amphitheater and as the setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
- Ravenna: Known for its Byzantine and Christian monuments.
- Udine: Known for its Venetian-style piazza and Tiepolo's frescoes.
- Treviso: Known for its canals and frescoed churches.
- Vicenza: Known for the Palladian villas and Teatro Olimpico.
- San Marino: One of the world's oldest republics, known for its medieval architecture.
- Rimini: Known for its Roman relics and Renaissance architecture.
- Pesaro: Known for its Renaissance architecture and as the birthplace of composer Rossini.
- Ancona: Known for its Roman ruins and the Cathedral of San Ciriaco.
- Perugia: Known for its Etruscan arch and as the site of the Perugia-Assisi march.
- Assisi: Known as the birthplace of St. Francis and for the Basilica of San Francesco.
- Siena: Known for its medieval cityscape and the Palio horse race.
- Pisa: Known for the Leaning Tower and its maritime republic history.
- Lucca: Known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls.
- Prato: Known for its textile industry and the Castle of the Emperor.
Notable Natural Phenomena
- River Po: Italy's longest river, known for its fertile basin.
- River Adige: The second-longest river in Italy, known for its Alpine course.
- River Tiber: The third-longest river in Italy, associated with the history of Rome.
- Parco Alto Garda Bresciano: A park known for its biodiversity and archaeological sites.
- Apennine Mountains: The backbone of Italy, known for its hiking trails.
Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)
- Council of Trent (1545-1563): A major event in the Counter-Reformation, held in Trento.
- War of the Mantuan Succession (1628-1631): A conflict over the succession of the Duke of Mantua.
- Treaty of Bologna (1659): Ended the Franco-Spanish War, marking the decline of Habsburg Spain.
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.
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.
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.
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