Old Birdseye Map of Lisbon by Braun, 1596: Castelo de São Jorge, Catedral Se, Baixa, Bairro Alto, Tagus River

"Olissippo quae nunc Lisboa, civitas amplissima Lusitaniae, ad Tagum, totius Orientis, et multarum Insularum Aphricaeque et Mericae emporium nobilissimum," a masterful creation by Georg Braun in 1596, offers a mesmerizing bird's-eye view of Lisbon. This map, a gem from the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum," captures the essence of Lisbon before the devastating 1755 earthquake. It vividly portrays the city's grandeur, with its bustling streets and intricate architecture, reflecting its pivotal role as a trade center connecting Europe with the Orient, Africa, and the Americas. The detailed engraving not only serves as a historical testament but also as a visual delight for any map enthusiast.

Lisbon, depicted here, was a beacon of maritime exploration and trade during the Age of Discovery. The map highlights the city's significant neighborhoods, such as the Lower Town (Baixa) and the Upper Town (Bairro Alto), showcasing their unique layouts and architectural splendor. The intricate street patterns and the detailed depiction of buildings provide a fascinating glimpse into the urban planning and daily life of 16th-century Lisbon. This map is a window into the past, preserving the city's historical and cultural heritage in exquisite detail.

Among the notable landmarks, the Castelo de São Jorge stands prominently, marked as number 1 on the map. This fortress, once a Moorish stronghold, was reconquered by Alfonso I in 1147 and has since been a symbol of Lisbon's resilience and strategic importance. Another significant landmark is the Catedral Se Patriarcal, marked as number 79, renowned for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. These landmarks, along with the detailed portrayal of the Tagus River and the bustling maritime activity, underscore Lisbon's historical significance and its role as a gateway to the world.

The map's artistic and historical value is further enhanced by its detailed illustrations, including the ships navigating the Tagus River, which emphasize Lisbon's maritime prowess. The coats of arms and the compass rose add to the map's aesthetic appeal and historical context. This blend of artistry and cartographic precision makes this map not only a valuable historical document but also a captivating piece of art.

Georg Braun, the mastermind behind this map, was a prominent cartographer and publisher known for his meticulous work on the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum." His maps are celebrated for their accuracy, detail, and artistic quality. This particular map of Lisbon is a testament to his skill and dedication, offering a rich, immersive experience of one of Europe's most historically significant cities. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history, a tangible connection to the vibrant past of Lisbon.

Streets and roads on this map

• Rua Nova dos Mercadores
• Rua do Arsenal
• Rua dos Bacalhoeiros
• Rua da Prata
• Rua Augusta
• Rua da Madalena
• Rua de São Julião
• Rua dos Fanqueiros
• Rua dos Douradores
• Rua dos Correeiros
• Rua dos Sapateiros
• Rua da Betesga
• Rua do Ouro
• Rua da Conceição
• Rua do Comércio
• Rua de Santa Justa
• Rua de São Nicolau
• Rua do Carmo
• Rua Garrett
• Rua do Crucifixo
• Rua Nova do Almada
• Rua da Vitória
• Rua do Alecrim
• Rua das Flores
• Rua do Salitre
• Rua da Esperança
• Rua de São Paulo
• Rua dos Remolares
• Rua de São Bento
• Rua da Rosa

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Castelo de São Jorge (1): A historically significant fortress, previously a Moorish stronghold.
• Catedral Se Patriarcal (79): Known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
• Lower Town (Baixa): Depicted in the map's detailed portrayal of Lisbon's urban landscape.
• Upper Town (Bairro Alto): Another significant area shown in the map.
• Ships in the Tagus River: Illustrates the maritime activity and importance of Lisbon as a trade center.
• Coats of arms: Two coats of arms are depicted in the top corners of the map.
• Compass rose: Located near the top center, indicating directions.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Olissippo quae nunc Lisboa, civitas amplissima Lusitaniae, ad Tagum, totius Orientis, et multarum Insularum Aphricaeque et Mericae emporium nobilissimum.
• Creation date: 1596
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Georg Braun
• Context about the mapmaker: Georg Braun was a notable cartographer and publisher, known for his work on the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum," a comprehensive atlas of city maps and views.
• Themes shown on the map:
• Cityscape and architecture: The map provides a bird's-eye view of Lisbon's architecture and urban landscape before the 1755 earthquake.
• Maritime exploration and trade: Highlights Lisbon's role as a major trade center connecting the Orient, various islands, Africa, and America.
• Historical landmarks: Includes significant landmarks such as Castelo de São Jorge and Catedral Se Patriarcal.
• Countries and regions shown:
• Lisbon, Portugal: The map focuses on the city of Lisbon, depicting its layout and key features.
• Design/Style:
• Bird's-eye view: Combines side and bird's-eye views to capture the essence of Lisbon.
• Detailed engraving: Rich in detail, illustrating the city's topography and urban landscape.
• Historical significance:
• Pre-1755 earthquake Lisbon: Provides a valuable glimpse into the city's architecture and layout before the catastrophic earthquake.
• Maritime importance: Reflects Lisbon's significance in global commerce and navigation during the era of exploration and cultural exchange.

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.

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.

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 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.