Rare Old Map of Flanders by Visscher, 1690: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Scarpe-Escaut Park

Step back in time with this meticulously detailed map of Flanders, crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. This map, originally titled 'Flandriae Comitatus: Accuratissima Descriptio edita', or 'The Most Accurate Description of the County of Flanders', offers a rich tapestry of the historical and geographical landscape of what is now a significant part of Belgium.

The map prominently features the city of Brussels, a historical and political powerhouse that has been the de facto capital of the European Union. It also highlights Antwerp, a city known for its long-standing diamond trade and its pivotal role in the world's economy during the Age of Exploration. Ghent, another city of great historical significance, is also showcased, with its medieval architecture and the famous Saint Bavo's Cathedral.

Moving westward, the map presents Bruges, a city often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' due to its intricate network of canals. This UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its well-preserved medieval buildings, adds a touch of romantic allure to the map. The Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, the first cross-border nature park in France and Belgium, is also represented, offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty and biodiversity.

This map provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Flanders as it was in the late 17th century. It serves as a testament to the region's historical importance and the intricate cartographic skills of Nicolaes Visscher II. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of maps, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old-world craftsmanship, this map of Flanders is sure to be a captivating addition to your collection.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Cities and Towns:

1. Brussels: Known as Bruxelles in French and Brussel in Dutch, it's the capital city of Belgium and a significant center for international politics.
2. Antwerp: Historically known as Antwerpen in Dutch, it's famous for its diamond trade and port, one of the largest in the world.
3. Ghent: Known as Gent in Dutch, it's a city of rich history, home to Saint Bavo's Cathedral and Gravensteen castle.
4. Bruges: Known as Brugge in Dutch, it's famous for its medieval architecture and network of canals.
5. Leuven: Known for its historic university, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, founded in 1425.
6. Namur: The capital of Wallonia, it has a significant strategic location at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers.
7. Mechelen: Known for its carillon school, where the art of bell-ringing is taught.
8. Ostend: Known as Oostende in Dutch, it's a significant port and tourist destination on the Belgian coast.
9. Kortrijk: Known for the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, which was a significant event in the Flemish fight for independence.
10. Tournai: One of the oldest cities in Belgium, it's known for its impressive Cathedral of Our Lady.
11. Ypres: Known as Ieper in Dutch, it's famous for its involvement in World War I.
12. Hasselt: Known for its jenever, a strong juniper-flavored liquor.
13. Aalst: Famous for its annual carnival procession.
14. Mons: Known as Bergen in Dutch, it's the capital of Hainaut province.
15. Charleroi: Known for its historical importance in the coal industry.
16. Liège: A significant cultural center in Wallonia, known for its vibrant nightlife.
17. Verviers: Known for its former importance in the wool and textile industry.
18. Sint-Niklaas: Known for having the largest market square in Belgium.
19. Roeselare: Known for its association with the Flemish cycling tradition.
20. Genk: Known for its multicultural demographic, as a result of immigration from the mining industry.
21. Lokeren: Known for its annual Lokerse Feesten music festival.
22. Dendermonde: Known for its decennial procession of the Ros Beiaard, a large horse-drawn figure from local folklore.
23. Beringen: Known for its coal mine, now a museum and tourist destination.
24. Turnhout: Known as the "capital of the playing card" for its historical production of playing cards.
25. Vilvoorde: Known for its central location between Brussels and Antwerp.
26. Herentals: Known as the "city of the three spires" for its three historical churches.
27. Maaseik: Known for its well-preserved medieval buildings.
28. Wavre: Known as Waver in Dutch, it's the capital of Walloon Brabant province.
29. Binche: Known for its traditional carnival, recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
30. Ronse: Known as Renaix in French, it's known for its textile industry and folklore.

Natural Landmarks:

1. Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park: The first cross-border nature park in France and Belgium.
2. The Meuse River: One of the major rivers in Europe, flowing through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
3. The Scheldt River: An important waterway that flows through northern France, western Belgium, and the southwestern part of the Netherlands.
4. The Ardennes: A region of extensive forests, rolling hills, and ridges.
5. The North Sea: A marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a northern border for Belgium.

Historical Events:

1. The Eighty Years' War (1568-1648): A revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against the political and religious hegemony of Philip II of Spain.
2. The Treaty of Münster (1648): Part of the Peace of Westphalia, it recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic.
3. The Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678): Also known as the Dutch War, it was a conflict between France and the Dutch Republic, with England, Sweden, and several German states as France's allies.

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.

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.