Rare Old Map of Duchy of Bavaria by Visscher, 1690: Regensburg, Ingolstadt, Munich, Augsburg, Zugspitze

Delve into the rich history of the Duchy of Bavaria with this meticulously crafted map by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned cartographer from the Dutch Golden Age. Created in 1690, this map, known as 'Bavaria Ducatus' or 'Duchy of Bavaria' in English, provides an in-depth look at the political divisions and regional intricacies of this historic German territory.

The map showcases several significant cities, each with their own historical significance. Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a political center of the Holy Roman Empire and shows the city's layout during its period of greatest influence. Ingolstadt, another city depicted, is known as the birthplace of the Illuminati and was a pivotal location in the Thirty Years' War.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is also beautifully represented. Known for its centuries-old buildings and numerous museums, Munich is a city that beautifully marries the old with the new. Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, is also detailed, highlighting its importance as a Free Imperial City in the Holy Roman Empire.

Lastly, the map features Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. This significant landmark symbolizes the natural beauty and geographical diversity within the Duchy of Bavaria. This map is not just a representation of geographical locations; it's a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the historical and political landscape of the Duchy of Bavaria during the late 17th century.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Bavaria

• Munich - Known as München in German, it's the capital and most populous city in Bavaria. It was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158.
• Regensburg - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was an important political center of the Holy Roman Empire.
• Augsburg - Known as Augusta Vindelicorum in Roman times, it's one of Germany's oldest cities and was a Free Imperial City in the Holy Roman Empire.
• Ingolstadt - Known as the birthplace of the Illuminati and a pivotal location in the Thirty Years' War.
• Würzburg - Known for its baroque and rococo architecture, it was a powerful prince-bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire.
• Fürth - A significant center of Jewish history and culture in Bavaria.
• Erlangen - Founded in 1002, it's known for its well-preserved baroque architecture.
• Bayreuth - Famous for its annual Bayreuth Festival, celebrating the works of composer Richard Wagner.
• Bamberg - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
• Landshut - Known for its gothic architecture and the Landshut Wedding historical pageant.
• Aschaffenburg - Known as Pompejanum, it's a replica of a Roman town house discovered in Pompeii.
• Straubing - Known for its annual Gäubodenvolksfest, the second largest traditional folk festival in Bavaria.
• Amberg - Known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
• Coburg - Known for its fortresses and castles, including the Veste Coburg.
• Ansbach - Known for its baroque architecture and the Margrave's Palace.
• Schweinfurt - Known for its industry, particularly ball bearing production during World War II.
• Passau - Known as the "City of Three Rivers" due to its location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.
• Freising - Known for its historic cathedral and the world's oldest continuously operating brewery.
• Kempten - Known as Cambodunum in Roman times, it's one of the oldest cities in Germany.
• Deggendorf - Known for its traditional Bavarian culture and architecture.
• Weiden - Known for its porcelain industry and the International Ceramics Museum.
• Hof - Known for its textiles and film festivals.
• Rosenheim - Known for its wood industry and the Rosenheim Culture and Congress Centre.
• Neumarkt - Known for its historic town center and the annual court and citizens festival.
• Schwabach - Known for its gold beating craft and the Gold Box in the town museum.
• Kaufbeuren - Known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
• Memmingen - Known for its well-preserved medieval city walls and gates.
• Weilheim - Known for its traditional Bavarian culture and the annual Weilheim Festival.
• Neuburg - Known for its renaissance castle and the annual birdland jazz festival.
• Schwandorf - Known for its historic old town and the annual Dult festival.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• Zugspitze - The highest peak in Germany, a popular destination for mountaineering and skiing.
• Danube River - Europe's second longest river, it flows through several countries and cities including Regensburg.
• Lake Constance - Known as Bodensee in German, it's the third largest lake in Central Europe.
• Franconian Forest - Known as Frankenwald, it's a popular destination for hiking and nature trips.
• Main River - A significant river in Germany, it flows through several cities including Würzburg and Bamberg.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) - A devastating conflict that significantly affected the Duchy of Bavaria.
• The Peace of Westphalia (1648) - Ended the Thirty Years' War, it had significant impact on the political landscape of the region.
• The Great Turkish War (1683-1699) - Although not directly in Bavaria, its effects were felt throughout the Holy Roman Empire.

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.