Old Rare Map of Croatia & Slovenia by Münster, 1552: Drava River, Adriatic Coast, Zadar, Ottoman Borders, Mountains

Step into the intricate world of 16th-century cartography with Sebastian Münster’s remarkable “Descriptio Totius Illyridis,” a map that elegantly captures the lands now known as Croatia and Slovenia. Created in 1552, this work stands as a testament to Münster’s extraordinary skill and vision, offering a south-oriented perspective that immediately draws the viewer into the heart of the Balkans. The map’s Latin title reflects the scholarly traditions of its time, and its detailed depiction of the Drava River and the Adriatic coastline invites both admiration and exploration.

Sebastian Münster, one of the Renaissance’s most influential geographers, was renowned for his magnum opus, the “Cosmographia.” His maps were more than navigational tools—they were windows into the shifting political and cultural landscapes of Europe. In this map, Münster brings to life the region historically known as Illyria, a crossroads of empires and cultures. His meticulous approach is evident in the way he delineates physical features and human settlements, offering a rare glimpse into the geopolitics of the 16th-century Balkans.

A striking feature of this map is its symbolic representation of Ottoman influence. Towns in the upper left are topped with crescent symbols, a subtle yet powerful indication of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into southeastern Europe. This detail not only marks territorial control but also serves as a visual reminder of the era’s turbulent history. Münster’s careful annotation of these borders transforms the map into a historical document, chronicling the ebb and flow of empires along the frontier between Christian Europe and the Ottoman world.

The natural geography of the region is rendered with an artist’s touch. The Drava River, labeled as the “Saw,” sweeps across the lower portion of the map, anchoring the landscape and guiding the eye toward the storied Adriatic coast. Stylized mountain ranges rise in dramatic relief, reflecting the rugged terrain that has long defined the character of the Balkans. These topographical features are not merely decorative; they are integral to understanding the strategic and cultural significance of the region’s cities and towns.

Among the settlements depicted, Zadar (labeled “Sara”) stands out, its coastal location hinting at centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange. While the map’s antique script and stylized symbols make it challenging to identify every settlement with modern precision, the presence of such towns speaks to the enduring legacy of these places. Münster’s map, with its blend of artistry and scholarship, offers collectors and historians alike a captivating journey through the landscapes and histories of Croatia and Slovenia during one of Europe’s most dynamic eras.

Cities and towns on this map

• Croatia:
• Zadar (Sara)
• Ottoman-controlled towns are marked by crescent symbols, but specific modern-day city identification is not confidently possible from the provided image.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Drava (Saw) River clearly labeled and prominently depicted
• Adriatic Sea coastline clearly visible
• Stylized mountain ranges depicted throughout the map
• Crescent symbols marking towns under Ottoman control, indicating historical borders and areas of Ottoman influence
• Decorative elements and symbolic crescent symbols indicating Ottoman-held towns

Historical and design context

• Created in 1552 by Sebastian Münster, a prominent German cartographer and cosmographer
• Original title: Descriptio Totius Illyridis XVI No Tab (Croatia & Slovenia)
• The map is oriented with south at the top, a common practice in early cartography before the standardization of north-oriented maps
• Primarily depicts the regions of Croatia and Slovenia, historically referred to as Illyria
• Produced during a period of Ottoman expansion into Europe, as indicated by crescent symbols marking towns under Ottoman control
• Emphasizes physical geography, rivers, mountains, and settlements, reflecting the cartographic style of the 16th century
• Typical of Münster’s maps, it features detailed illustrations of topographical features, stylized mountains, rivers, and symbolic representations of settlements
• Provides valuable insight into the geopolitical situation in the Balkans during the 16th century, particularly the extent of Ottoman influence 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 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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.