Rare Old Map of Duchy of Savoy, France by Visscher, 1690: Geneva, Grenoble, Chambéry, Chamonix, Vanoise National Park

Delve into the world of historical cartography with our exquisite offering, the 'Sabaudia Ducatus: Savoye' map, crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated into English, the map's full name signifies 'Duchy of Savoy', providing an intricate portrayal of the regions and political divisions within this area, which now forms part of modern-day Italy and France. The map is a testament to the Dutch Golden Age's exceptional cartographic skills, with Visscher II continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Claes Janszoon Visscher, one of the era's most esteemed mapmakers.

The 'Sabaudia Ducatus: Savoye' map showcases several significant cities and landmarks, including Geneva, Grenoble, Chambéry, Chamonix, and the Vanoise National Park. Each city is depicted with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the unique features that set them apart. The map's intricate design provides an immersive experience, allowing you to travel back in time and explore these historical cities from a fresh perspective.

Beyond the cities, the map also illustrates the natural beauty and geographical diversity of the Duchy of Savoy. It beautifully depicts the forests, waterways, canals, and mountains that characterize the region. The Vanoise National Park, a prominent natural landmark, is a notable inclusion. The map's pictorial relief representation provides a three-dimensional perspective, offering a deeper understanding of the region's topography.

The 'Sabaudia Ducatus: Savoye' map is not just a cartographic masterpiece, but also a historical document. It features decorative cartouches and the coat of arms, reflecting the political significance of the Duchy of Savoy. The map's hand-colored outline further enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a perfect blend of art and history. This piece is a splendid addition to any collection, offering a glimpse into the past while serving as a conversation starter about the rich history and geography of the Duchy of Savoy.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

In the Duchy of Savoy (now part of modern-day Italy and France):

1. Geneva - Known as Genava during the Roman Empire, it's notable for being a global hub for diplomacy and banking.
2. Grenoble - Known as Gratianopolis in the 4th century, it's famous for its universities and research centers.
3. Chambéry - The historical capital of Savoy, it's known for its beautiful old town and Château de Chambéry.
4. Chamonix - Known for being the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
5. Annecy - Known as the "Venice of the Alps", it's famous for its lake and canals.
6. Turin - Known as Augusta Taurinorum in Roman times, it's famous for being the home of the Shroud of Turin.
7. Nice - Known for its beautiful beaches and the Promenade des Anglais.
8. Aosta - Known as Augusta Praetoria Salassorum during the Roman Empire, it's famous for its Roman ruins.
9. Cuneo - Known for its vineyards and the production of wine.
10. Vercelli - Known as Vercellae in Roman times, it's famous for being one of the oldest urban sites in northern Italy.
11. Novara - Known for the Battle of Novara in 1513 and 1849.
12. Asti - Known for its sparkling wine, Asti Spumante.
13. Alessandria - Known for the Battle of Marengo in 1800.
14. Pinerolo - Known for its cavalry school.
15. Susa - Known as Segusio in Roman times, it's famous for its Roman ruins.
16. Mondovì - Known for its ceramics and the Battle of Mondovì in 1796.
17. Savigliano - Known for its historic architecture.
18. Alba - Known for its white truffles and wine production.
19. Fossano - Known for its beautiful architecture, including the Acaja castle.
20. Saluzzo - Known for its medieval architecture.
21. Bra - Known for the Slow Food movement and cheese production.
22. Ivrea - Known for its historic industrial past and the Battle of Ivrea in 1002.
23. Biella - Known for its wool and textile production.
24. Verbania - Known for its beautiful gardens and villas.
25. Domodossola - Known for its picturesque old town.
26. Bourg-en-Bresse - Known for Bresse chicken and its royal monastery.
27. Belley - Known for its historic cathedral.
28. Gex - Known for being a gateway to the Jura mountains.
29. Nantua - Known for its beautiful lake and the production of Nantua sauce.
30. Lons-le-Saunier - Known for its spa facilities and as the birthplace of Rouget de Lisle, the composer of "La Marseillaise".

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries:

• The Alps - One of the great mountain range systems of Europe, stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east; through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany; to France in the west.
• The Rhône River - One of the major rivers of Europe, rising in Switzerland and running from there through southeastern France.
• The Lake Geneva - A lake shared by Switzerland and France, it's one of the largest lakes in Western Europe.
• The Vanoise National Park - France's first national park, it's a haven for alpine fauna and flora.
• The Boundary with Switzerland - The Duchy of Savoy shared a significant boundary with Switzerland, which is a major historical and political landmark.

Notable historical events (1600-1690):

• The Treaty of Lyon (1601) - France acquired Bresse, Bugey, Valromey, and Gex from Savoy.
• The Duchy of Savoy change of capital (1563) - The capital of the Duchy was moved from Chambéry to Turin.
• The Franco-Spanish War (1635-1659) - Savoy was a strategic location in the war, and the Duchy changed hands several times.

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.