Rare Old Map of Papal States & Duchy of Tuscany, Italy by Visscher, 1690: Rome, Florence, Pescara, Bologna, Pisa

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past with our meticulously detailed map, 'Status Ecclesiasticus et Magnus Ducatus Thoscanae'. Translated from Latin, the title refers to the 'Ecclesiastical State and Grand Duchy of Tuscany', which is the primary focus of this cartographic masterpiece. Crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map showcases the political and geographical divisions of the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, regions now part of modern-day Italy. Visscher, a notable figure from the Dutch Golden Age, was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, renowned for his exquisite mapmaking skills.

The map offers a comprehensive view of the key cities of Rome, Florence, Pescara, Bologna, and Pisa. Each city is meticulously represented, offering a glimpse into the historical urban landscapes of the era. The map is not merely a geographical guide, but a historical document that narrates the tale of these cities and their significant roles in shaping the political and cultural fabric of Italy.

In addition to the cities, the map showcases various landmarks, including forests, waterways, canals, mountains, and other notable features. The map's decorative title cartouche, coat of arms, and compass rose add an artistic flair, making it a visual delight. The relief is shown pictorially, adding depth and dimension to the map, bringing the landscapes to life.

The map is hand-colored and engraved, emphasizing the administrative boundaries of the regions. It provides an insight into the political divisions of the time, offering a historical perspective on the governance and jurisdiction of these regions. This map is not just a piece of art, but a testament to the cartographic excellence of the Dutch Golden Age, and a historical document that offers a glimpse into the past. It is a must-have for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, promising to be a conversation starter and a centerpiece in any setting.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Ecclesiastical State (Papal States):

1. Rome - Known as the Eternal City, it was the capital of the Papal States. Also known as Roma in Italian.
2. Bologna - Known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. Also known as Bononia in Latin.
3. Ferrara - A significant cultural and economic center during the Renaissance. Also known as Ferrariae in Latin.
4. Ravenna - Famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Also known as Ravennae in Latin.
5. Perugia - Known for its Etruscan arch and other historical monuments. Also known as Perusia in Latin.
6. Ancona - An important sea port on the Adriatic Sea. Also known as Ancon in Latin.
7. Urbino - A walled city in the Marche, it was a center of the Italian Renaissance. Also known as Urbinum Mataurense in Latin.
8. Spoleto - Known for its Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture. Also known as Spoletium in Latin.
9. Ascoli Piceno - Known for its travertine buildings and beautiful squares. Also known as Asculum in Latin.
10. Fano - An ancient town and comune of the province of Pesaro and Urbino. Also known as Fanum Fortunae in Latin.
11. Pesaro - Known for its rich musical tradition. Also known as Pisaurum in Latin.
12. Cesena - Known for its rich history and culture. Also known as Caesena in Latin.
13. Rimini - A popular tourist destination for its rich history and beaches. Also known as Ariminum in Latin.
14. Forlì - Known for its rich history and culture. Also known as Forum Livii in Latin.
15. Faenza - Known for its ceramics production, Faenza majolica. Also known as Faventia in Latin.

Grand Duchy of Tuscany:

1. Florence - The capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, known for its Renaissance art and architecture. Also known as Firenze in Italian.
2. Pisa - Known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Also known as Pisae in Latin.
3. Siena - Known for its medieval cityscape. Also known as Sena Julia in Latin.
4. Lucca - Known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls. Also known as Luca in Latin.
5. Arezzo - Known for its significant contributions to the culture and history of Italy. Also known as Arretium in Latin.
6. Pistoia - Known for its rich history and culture. Also known as Pistoria in Latin.
7. Livorno - An important seaport in Italy. Also known as Labro in Latin.
8. Grosseto - Known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. Also known as Grossetium in Latin.
9. Prato - Known for its textile industry. Also known as Pratum in Latin.
10. Pescia - Known for its rich history and culture. Also known as Piscia in Latin.
11. San Gimignano - Known for its medieval architecture. Also known as Silvia in Latin.
12. Volterra - Known for its Etruscan history and alabaster production. Also known as Volaterrae in Latin.
13. Cortona - Known for its Etruscan history and architecture. Also known as Corito in Latin.
14. Massa Marittima - Known for its rich history and culture. Also known as Massa Veternensis in Latin.
15. Follonica - Known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. Also known as Follonica in Latin.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

1. The Apennine Mountains - A mountain range stretching from north to south along Italy's eastern coast.
2. The Arno River - A major river in the region, known for its significance in the development of many cities.
3. The Tiber River - The third-longest river in Italy, it passes through Rome.
4. The Tyrrhenian Sea - Part of the Mediterranean Sea off the western coast of Italy.
5. The Adriatic Sea - Located on the eastern coast of Italy.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

1. The completion of St. Peter's Basilica - In 1626, the construction of the largest Christian church was completed in Rome.
2. The War of Castro - From 1641 to 1649, a series of conflicts in the Papal States led by Pope Urban VIII.
3. The Great Plague of Florence - A devastating outbreak of Bubonic Plague that struck the city of Florence from 1630 to 1633.

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.