Old Map of Palatinate of Bavaria by Visscher, 1690: Nuremberg, Ingolstadt, Regensburg, Erlangen, Český les Area

Discover the historic grandeur of the Palatinate of Bavaria through this meticulously detailed map by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned cartographer from the Dutch Golden Age. Crafted in 1690, this map, titled 'Palatinatus Bavariae', offers a fascinating snapshot of the region's political and geographical landscape during a pivotal period in European history.

The map prominently features the cities of Nuremberg, Ingolstadt, Regensburg, and Erlangen, each a significant location in its own right. Nuremberg, a city of imperial importance, is vividly depicted, reflecting its status as a crucial center of trade and culture. Ingolstadt, a fortress city on the banks of the Danube River, is also meticulously detailed, underscoring its strategic importance. Regensburg, a key city of the Holy Roman Empire, and Erlangen, a hub of education and innovation, are also highlighted, adding to the map's rich tapestry of Bavarian history.

In addition to these urban centers, the map also showcases the Český les Protected Landscape Area. This expansive natural reserve, stretching across the border into the modern-day Czech Republic, is a testament to the region's diverse ecology and the enduring importance of environmental preservation.

The map's title, 'Palatinatus Bavariae', translates to 'Palatinate of Bavaria' in English. This title refers to a region within the larger area of modern-day Germany, a realm that was politically significant during the time of the map's creation. This map provides an in-depth exploration of this area, revealing the intricate political divisions and regional boundaries that shaped the Palatinate of Bavaria in the late 17th century. Dive into the past with this remarkable piece of cartographic history and experience the Palatinate of Bavaria as it was nearly three centuries ago.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Cities and Towns

In the Palatinate of Bavaria

1. Nuremberg: Known as Nürnberg in German, it was a significant cultural and trade center during the Middle Ages. It was also an important city in the Holy Roman Empire.
2. Ingolstadt: A fortress city on the banks of the Danube River, it was a strategic location in the region.
3. Regensburg: Known as Ratisbon in older English, it was a key city of the Holy Roman Empire.
4. Erlangen: Established in the Middle Ages, it became a hub of education and innovation by the 17th century.
5. Augsburg: Known as Augusta in Roman times, it was a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire.
6. Würzburg: An important city in Franconia, it was known for its architectural and cultural significance.
7. Bayreuth: Known for its rich cultural history, it was a significant center of the arts.
8. Ansbach: Known as Onolzbach until 1835, it was the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg-Ansbach.
9. Bamberg: A town that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its authentic medieval appearance.
10. Amberg: An important mining town during the Middle Ages.
11. Schweinfurt: Known for its industry and manufacturing.
12. Fürth: Known for its vibrant Jewish community during the Middle Ages.
13. Hof: A significant city in Upper Franconia, it was known for its textile industry.
14. Weiden in der Oberpfalz: Known for its glass and porcelain manufacturing.
15. Coburg: Known for its fortresses, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg.
16. Aschaffenburg: Known as Pompejanum, it was a significant city in the Electorate of Mainz.
17. Landshut: Known for its Trausnitz Castle, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
18. Straubing: Known for its annual Gäubodenvolksfest, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
19. Passau: Known as the "City of Three Rivers", it was a significant ecclesiastical city of the Holy Roman Empire.
20. Rosenheim: Known for its wood industry, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
21. Freising: Known for its breweries, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
22. Deggendorf: Known for its geographical location on the Danube river, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
23. Neuburg an der Donau: Known for its Renaissance castle, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
24. Schwandorf: Known for its iron industry, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
25. Kelheim: Known for its Liberation Hall, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
26. Kempten: Known as Cambodunum in Roman times, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
27. Kaufbeuren: Known for its textile industry, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
28. Memmingen: Known for its medieval architecture, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
29. Lindau: Known for its location on Lake Constance, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.
30. Sonthofen: Known for its location in the Oberallgäu, it was a significant city in the Duchy of Bavaria.

Notable Natural Phenomena

1. Danube River: One of the longest rivers in Europe, it passes through several countries and many historic cities.
2. Rhine River: Another significant river in Europe, it forms a natural border with the neighboring regions.
3. Main River: A significant tributary of the Rhine, it passes through many historic cities.
4. Český les Protected Landscape Area: A natural reserve that stretches across the border into the modern-day Czech Republic.

Notable Historical Events

1. The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): A major conflict that involved many of the powers of Europe, it had a significant impact on the region.
2. The Peace of Westphalia (1648): The series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War, it had a profound influence on the political landscape of Europe.
3. The Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678): A significant conflict that involved France, the Dutch Republic, and their respective allies, it affected the political and military balance in the region.

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

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.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.