Old Map of Bavaria by Ortelius, 1570: Munich, Augsburg, Danube River

"Vindeliciae Sive Utriusque Bavariae Secundum antiquum & recentiorem situm," crafted by the eminent cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1570, is a masterful depiction of Bavaria and its surrounding regions. This exquisite map, derived from the earlier works of Johannes Aventinus, offers a fascinating glimpse into the geographical and political landscape of 16th-century Europe. Ortelius, celebrated for his pioneering atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," has meticulously detailed the topography, showcasing the rivers, mountains, and forests that define this historical region. The map is adorned with elaborate cartouches and artistic embellishments, reflecting the Renaissance era's cartographic elegance.

The map's design is a testament to Ortelius's artistic and scientific prowess. Each element, from the flowing rivers like the Danube and Lech to the stylized mountain ranges, is rendered with precision and care. The decorative elements, including coats of arms and Latin inscriptions, add a layer of historical depth and grandeur. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a piece of art, capturing the essence of the Renaissance's cartographic style.

Ortelius's map is more than just a representation of physical geography; it is a historical document that offers insights into the political boundaries and ancient tribes of the time. The regions of Vindelicia and Noricum, along with references to the Vindelici and Norici tribes, provide a window into the ancient history of Bavaria. The map also highlights the neighboring regions of Germania, Austria, and Rhetia, illustrating the interconnectedness of these historical territories.

The cities and towns depicted on the map, such as Augsburg, Munich, Regensburg, and Ingolstadt, are significant historical centers that have played crucial roles in the development of Bavaria. Each settlement is meticulously placed, reflecting its importance and geographical context. The inclusion of other towns like Kempten, Memmingen, and Landshut further enriches the map's historical narrative, offering a comprehensive view of the region's urban landscape.

Ortelius's map is not just a cartographic achievement but a historical artifact that captures the essence of 16th-century Bavaria. Its detailed representation of natural features, historical references, and artistic design make it a valuable piece for collectors and historians alike. This map is a celebration of Ortelius's legacy and a testament to the rich history and geography of Bavaria.

Cities and towns on this map

• Bavaria:
• Augsburg
• Munich (Monachium)
• Regensburg (Ratisbona)
• Ingolstadt
• Landshut
• Freising
• Passau
• Straubing
• Vindelicia:
• Kempten (Campodunum)
• Füssen (Foetibus)
• Memmingen
• Landsberg
• Donauwörth (Raurica)
• Ulm
• Lindau
• Schongau (Sconga)
• Weilheim
• Mindelheim

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural Features:
• Rivers such as the Danube (Danuvius) and Lech
• Mountain ranges depicted in a stylized manner
• Forests and wooded areas
• Decorative Elements:
• Elaborate cartouches with Latin inscriptions
• Artistic embellishments and coats of arms
• Historical References:
• References to ancient tribes such as the Vindelici and Norici
• Historical regions like Noricum and Rhaetia
• Geographical Features:
• Detailed depiction of the topography including hills and valleys
• Representation of major roads and paths

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Vindeliciae Sive Utriusque Bavariae Secundum antiquum & recentiorem situm, ab Joanne Auetino olim descriptus, Principibusque eiusdem regionis dedicatus, atque Landshuti editus Anno à Christo nato. 1533.
• Scarce example of Ortelius' first map of Bavaria.
• This first state was issued from 1570 to 1572, with an additional 25 copies printed in 1573, before the second map of Bavaria was issued (Van Den Broecke 110).
• The map is drawn from an earlier map of Johannes Aventinus (1477-1534), dated 1533.
• Date of creation: 1570
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Ortelius was a renowned cartographer and geographer, known for creating the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum".
• Topics and themes:
• The map shows detailed political and physical features of Bavaria.
• It includes historical and geographical contexts, reflecting both ancient and contemporary (to 1570) Bavaria.
• Countries and regions shown:
• Bavaria (historical region)
• Vindelicia (ancient region)
• Neighboring regions such as Germania, Austria, and Rhetia.
• Design and style:
• The map features elaborate cartouches and artistic decorations typical of 16th-century cartography.
• It includes detailed topographical features such as mountains, rivers, and forests.
• Historical significance:
• This map is significant for its detailed representation of Bavaria during the 16th century.
• It reflects the cartographic knowledge and artistic style of the Renaissance period.
• The map provides insights into the historical geography and political boundaries of the time.

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.