Rare Old Colour Map of the Canton of Zurich by Murer, 1566: Winterthur, Lake Zurich, Mountains

The "Eigentliche Verzeichnuss der Stätten, Graffschafften vnd Herrschafften, welche in der Statt Zürich Gebiet vnd Landscafft gehörig seind" is a masterful creation by the renowned cartographer Jodocus Murer, dating back to 1566. This exquisite map provides a bird's eye view of the canton of Zurich, capturing the essence of the region with remarkable detail and artistry. Murer's dedication to his craft is evident in the intricate depiction of cities, settlements, and the diverse landscape, offering a glimpse into the 16th-century geography and administrative divisions of Zurich.

The map is oriented northeast, a unique feature that adds to its historical charm. The decorative border is adorned with windheads and fierce skulls, each meticulously detailed, adding a touch of Renaissance artistry to the map. The compass rose in Lake Zurich and the shields bearing Zurich's coat of arms further enhance the map's visual appeal. At the bottom right, the coat of arms and name of Jodocus Murer, along with a pair of dividers, proudly mark the mapmaker's identity and craftsmanship.

Jodocus Murer's map is not just a geographical representation but a historical document that narrates the story of Zurich. The cartouches on the map provide valuable historical context, including a dedication to Bishop Otto von Friezinger and a detailed history of the canton of Zurich. The map delineates administrative boundaries with dotted lines, showcasing the political landscape of the time. The hilly and mountainous terrain, along with the many lakes and rivers, are vividly illustrated, offering a comprehensive view of the region's natural features.

The cities and towns are depicted with distinguishing architectural details, often featuring prominent churches and coats of arms. Zurich, the largest settlement, is prominently displayed with its city walls and the iconic twin-towered Grossmünster church. The map also highlights the wealth of detail in smaller towns and villages, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Zurich's historical and cultural heritage. This meticulous attention to detail makes the map an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike.

The historical significance of Murer's map extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It serves as a testament to the cartographic techniques and artistic sensibilities of the Renaissance period. The map's ability to convey both the geographical and cultural landscape of Zurich in the 16th century makes it a treasured artifact. Whether you are a collector, historian, or simply an admirer of fine cartography, this map offers a captivating journey through time, revealing the intricate beauty and historical depth of the canton of Zurich.

Cities and towns on this map

• Zurich
• Winterthur
• Uster
• Dübendorf
• Dietikon
• Wetzikon
• Horgen
• Bülach
• Adliswil
• Thalwil
• Regensdorf
• Wallisellen
• Rüti
• Schlieren
• Opfikon
• Kloten
• Meilen
• Affoltern am Albis
• Volketswil
• Männedorf
• Wädenswil
• Hinwil
• Rümlang
• Zollikon

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Compass rose in Lake Zurich
• Decorative border with windheads and skulls
• Two shields with Zurich's coat of arms
• Coat of arms and name of Jodocus Murer with a pair of dividers
• Cartouche with dedication to Bishop Otto von Friezinger
• History of the canton of Zurich in the lower left cartouche
• History cartouche with strapwork border in the lower right
• Detailed depiction of hilly and mountainous terrain
• Representation of lakes and rivers, including Lake Zurich
• City walls and buildings of Zurich, including the Grossmünster church

Historical and design context

• Created in 1566 by Jodocus Murer (1530-1580)
• The map is a bird's eye view pictorial map, printed in monochrome and oriented northeast
• The map is decorated with a border featuring detailed windheads and skulls
• The map provides a wealth of historical detail about the canton of Zurich in the 16th century
• It reflects the cartographic style and techniques of the Renaissance period
• The map is a valuable historical document for understanding the geography and administrative divisions of Zurich in the 16th century
• The cartouches on the map provide valuable historical context, including a dedication to Bishop Otto von Friezinger and a detailed history of the canton of Zurich
• The map delineates administrative boundaries with dotted lines, showcasing the political landscape of the time
• Architectural details of towns and villages, including churches and coats of arms, are meticulously illustrated

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.