Rare Old Map of Frankfurt & Suburbs by Joan Blaeu, 1665: Offenbach am Main, Bad Homburg, Neu-Isenburg, Dreieich, Kelsterbach, Main River

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Frankfurt and its surroundings with this captivating map crafted by Joan Blaeu in 1665. Rendered in exquisite detail and impressive craftsmanship, this antique treasure illustrates the geographical and socio-political landscape of the region during the 17th century. With Greater Frankfurt at its center, this map encapsulates a radius of 12km, encapsulating numerous notable settlements. A delightful highlight of this piece is the carefully illustrated coats of arms of Frankfurt's most influential families, providing an intimate glimpse into the city's powerful lineages.

Brimming with historical significance, this cartographic gem also serves as a visual narrative of Frankfurt's developmental journey. It captures the bustling commercial city on the eve of the Age of Enlightenment, reflecting the significant changes the city and its surroundings underwent during the tumultuous 17th century. This map not only offers a unique historical perspective of the region but also serves as an engaging conversational piece for history enthusiasts, map collectors, and everyone in between.

List of Towns, Cities, and Settlements:

1. Frankfurt (Historically Frankfurt am Main): Founded in the 1st century, it's a global hub for commerce, culture, and education. Notably, it hosted the coronation of Roman-German kings and emperors in the 16th and 17th centuries.
2. Offenbach am Main (Historically Offenbach): Founded in the late 10th century, Offenbach became a prominent leather goods manufacturing city in the 17th century.
3. Bad Homburg (Historically Homburg): Established in the 12th century, Bad Homburg was renowned for its medicinal springs and became a popular spa town in the 17th century.
4. Neu-Isenburg (Historically Isenburg): Founded in 1699, it was established as a refuge for Huguenots fleeing France. It was an important center for the production of linen and lace.
5. Dreieich (Historically Dreieichenhain): It was first mentioned in Dreieichenhain castle's founding document in 1136. The castle played a critical role in the region's defense.
6. Langen (Historically Langon): Founded in the 8th century, Langen was the site of a royal court and a bustling market place.
7. Bad Vilbel (Historically Vilbel): First mentioned in 774, it was known for its mineral springs, especially in the 17th century.
8. Kelsterbach (Historically Kelsterbacha): Its origins date back to 830 AD. It was a key trading post located near the Main river.
9. Heusenstamm (Historically Huselstam): Founded in 1211, Heusenstamm was known for its timber trade and farming.
10. Eschborn (Historically Aschenbrunnen): Established in the 8th century, it was known for its vineyards.

Major Landmarks and Features:

• The Main River: A major waterway in Germany, it flows through Frankfurt, providing a stunning natural landscape that's become a tourist attraction.
• Frankfurt Cathedral (Historically St. Bartholomew's Imperial Cathedral): Known for its Gothic architecture, the cathedral witnessed the crowning of several Holy Roman Emperors in the 17th century.
• The Taunus Mountains: Lying just north of Frankfurt, the Taunus Mountains offer scenic beauty and serve as a popular recreational area for locals and tourists alike.
• Frankfurt City Wall (Historically Staufenmauer): Built in the 12th century, portions of this ancient defensive wall are still visible and offer a tangible link to the city's medieval past.

17th Century Historical Events:

• The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648): This devastating conflict impacted the region significantly, leading to population loss and economic disruption.
• Peace of Westphalia (1648): This series of peace treaties ended the Thirty Years' War and brought about a relative calm to the region.
• Coronation of Leopold I (1658): Held in Frankfurt Cathedral, the coronation of Leopold I as Holy Roman Emperor was a significant event in the city's history.
• The Great Plague of 1666: This devastating plague affected Frankfurt and its surrounding areas, leaving a significant impact on its population and socio-economic structure.

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 70in (178cm). 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.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of European city, province and country maps.

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.