Old Map of the Danube River: Visscher, 1690: Mouth to Source, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Bucharest, Zagreb

This exquisite map, 'Danubius Fluvius Europae Maximus, a Fontibus Ad Ostia : Cum omnibus Fluminibus, ab utroque latere, in illum defluentibus', was meticulously crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Translated from Latin, the title means 'The Danube, the Greatest River of Europe, from the Sources to the Mouths: With all the Rivers, on both sides, flowing into it'. This map is a testament to Visscher's cartographic skill and a reflection of the era's keen interest in geography and exploration.

The focus of this map is the Danube River, Europe's second longest river, stretching from its source to its mouth. The river winds its way through various regions, serving as a crucial waterway for trade and transport. The map captures the river's journey through diverse landscapes and across political borders, revealing a fascinating snapshot of Europe during the late 17th century.

Significant cities along the Danube River are beautifully illustrated, including Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Bucharest, and Zagreb. Each city is depicted with a remarkable level of detail, showcasing Visscher's ability to combine artistic elements with geographical accuracy. These cities, some of which were important centers of power during the period, provide a historical context to the map and a glimpse into the political dynamics of the time.

In addition to the cities, the map also features various landmarks and geographical features. The intricate network of rivers flowing into the Danube is carefully charted, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the region. The map offers a comprehensive view of the Danube's catchment area, providing insight into the natural phenomena that shaped the continent's development.

This map is more than just a geographical representation; it's a historical document that tells the story of Europe during a period of significant change and exploration. Its rich details and precise cartography make it a valuable addition to any collection, offering viewers a chance to journey back in time and explore the landscapes, cities, and waterways of 17th-century Europe.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Holy Roman Empire

• Vienna: Known as Wien in German, it was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and is notable for its cultural and political significance.
• Prague: Known as Praha, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and is notable for its architectural beauty and historical importance.
• Regensburg: An important trading center and the location of the Perpetual Diet of Regensburg.
• Nuremberg: Known as Nürnberg, it was a significant cultural, economic, and scientific hub.

Kingdom of Hungary

• Budapest: It was two separate cities, Buda and Pest, until 1873. Known for its strategic location and thermal baths.
• Esztergom: The capital of Hungary until the mid-13th century, known for its cathedral, the Esztergom Basilica.

Ottoman Empire

• Belgrade: Known as Beograd, it was a significant military outpost and the gate to central Europe.
• Bucharest: Known as București, it was a flourishing city, later to become the capital of Romania.

Notable boundaries with neighbouring nations, rivers, national parks, canyons or other natural phenomena:

• The Danube River, Europe's second longest river, a major waterway for trade.
• The Black Forest, a mountainous region in southwest Germany, known for its dense woodlands.
• The Carpathian Mountains, a range of mountains across Central and Eastern Europe.
• The Dinaric Alps, a mountain range in Southern and Southeastern Europe.
• The Bosphorus Strait, a natural strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

Notable historical events in this region between 1600 and 1690:

• The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), a major conflict that devastated Europe, particularly the Holy Roman Empire.
• The Great Turkish War (1683-1699), where the Holy League pushed back the Ottoman Empire's expansion into Europe.
• The Battle of Vienna in 1683, where the Ottoman Empire's siege of Vienna was broken by the Holy Roman Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

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: 18x8in (46x22cm), 24x11in (61x29cm), 36x17in (91x44cm), 45x21in (114x54cm), 50x24in (127x60cm), 60x29in (152x73cm) and 70x33in (178x85cm), 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 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.