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
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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.
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Regensburg - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was an important political center of the Holy Roman Empire.
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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.
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Ingolstadt - Known as the birthplace of the Illuminati and a pivotal location in the Thirty Years' War.
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Würzburg - Known for its baroque and rococo architecture, it was a powerful prince-bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire.
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Fürth - A significant center of Jewish history and culture in Bavaria.
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Erlangen - Founded in 1002, it's known for its well-preserved baroque architecture.
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Bayreuth - Famous for its annual Bayreuth Festival, celebrating the works of composer Richard Wagner.
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Bamberg - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
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Landshut - Known for its gothic architecture and the Landshut Wedding historical pageant.
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Aschaffenburg - Known as Pompejanum, it's a replica of a Roman town house discovered in Pompeii.
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Straubing - Known for its annual Gäubodenvolksfest, the second largest traditional folk festival in Bavaria.
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Amberg - Known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
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Coburg - Known for its fortresses and castles, including the Veste Coburg.
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Ansbach - Known for its baroque architecture and the Margrave's Palace.
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Schweinfurt - Known for its industry, particularly ball bearing production during World War II.
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Passau - Known as the "City of Three Rivers" due to its location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.
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Freising - Known for its historic cathedral and the world's oldest continuously operating brewery.
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Kempten - Known as Cambodunum in Roman times, it's one of the oldest cities in Germany.
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Deggendorf - Known for its traditional Bavarian culture and architecture.
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Weiden - Known for its porcelain industry and the International Ceramics Museum.
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Hof - Known for its textiles and film festivals.
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Rosenheim - Known for its wood industry and the Rosenheim Culture and Congress Centre.
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Neumarkt - Known for its historic town center and the annual court and citizens festival.
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Schwabach - Known for its gold beating craft and the Gold Box in the town museum.
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Kaufbeuren - Known for its well-preserved medieval old town.
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Memmingen - Known for its well-preserved medieval city walls and gates.
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Weilheim - Known for its traditional Bavarian culture and the annual Weilheim Festival.
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Neuburg - Known for its renaissance castle and the annual birdland jazz festival.
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Schwandorf - Known for its historic old town and the annual Dult festival.
Notable Natural Phenomena
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Zugspitze - The highest peak in Germany, a popular destination for mountaineering and skiing.
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Danube River - Europe's second longest river, it flows through several countries and cities including Regensburg.
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Lake Constance - Known as Bodensee in German, it's the third largest lake in Central Europe.
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Franconian Forest - Known as Frankenwald, it's a popular destination for hiking and nature trips.
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Main River - A significant river in Germany, it flows through several cities including Würzburg and Bamberg.
Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)
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Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) - A devastating conflict that significantly affected the Duchy of Bavaria.
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The Peace of Westphalia (1648) - Ended the Thirty Years' War, it had significant impact on the political landscape of the region.
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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.