Old Map of Pomerania by Visscher, 1690: Słupsk, Szczecin, Piła, Koszalin, Drawsko Area

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with this meticulously detailed map of Pomerania, crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Known as 'Pomeraniae ducatus tabulam' in Latin, the map translates to 'Map of the Duchy of Pomerania', encompassing the area of present-day Poland and Germany. The map offers a fascinating insight into the geographical and political divisions of the time, showcasing the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography.

Notable cities of Słupsk, Szczecin, Piła, and Koszalin are beautifully depicted, each with their unique characteristics and historical significance. Słupsk, an important center of trade in the 17th century, and Szczecin, a vital port city on the Oder River, are particularly striking. The smaller towns of Piła and Koszalin, though less prominent, provide a detailed look at the region's broader landscape and settlement patterns.

The map also features the Drawsko Protected Landscape Area, a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. This area, known for its pristine lakes and forests, adds a layer of environmental context to the human history depicted on the map. It serves as a reminder of the enduring interplay between nature and civilization, a theme that resonates throughout the cartographic representation.

In addition to the cities and natural landscapes, the map also reveals the political boundaries of the Duchy of Pomerania. The division of the region into smaller administrative units, each with its distinct coat of arms, is a compelling feature that underscores the political complexity of the era. The map, thus, not only provides a geographical overview but also serves as a historical document, reflecting the socio-political dynamics of the late 17th century.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Cities and Towns in the Duchy of Pomerania:

1. Szczecin (Stettin): Known as the 'Paris of the North', it was a major port city and the capital of the Duchy of Pomerania.
2. Słupsk (Stolp): An important center of trade and commerce during the 17th century.
3. Koszalin (Köslin): Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical architecture.
4. Piła (Schneidemühl): A significant railway junction in the region.
5. Gdańsk (Danzig): One of the richest and largest cities of Poland and the main seaport.
6. Gdynia (Gdingen): Known for its shipbuilding industry.
7. Goleniów (Gollnow): An important center of the timber industry.
8. Kamień Pomorski (Cammin): Known for its Gothic-style architecture.
9. Swarzędz (Schwersenz): Famous for its furniture industry.
10. Świnoujście (Swinemünde): Known for its spa and health resorts.
11. Kołobrzeg (Kolberg): Famous for its salt trade and as a health resort.
12. Gryfino (Greifenhagen): Known for its grain trade.
13. Stargard (Stargard in Pommern): Famous for its textile industry.
14. Wałcz (Deutsch Krone): Known for its leather industry.
15. Choszczno (Arnswalde): Famous for its brewing industry.
16. Gryfice (Greifenberg): Known for its linen industry.
17. Nowogard (Naugard): Famous for its woolen cloth production.
18. Świdwin (Schivelbein): Known for its pottery production.
19. Połczyn-Zdrój (Bad Polzin): Famous for its health resorts.
20. Międzyzdroje (Misdroy): Known for its beautiful beaches.
21. Darłowo (Rügenwalde): Famous for its herring trade.
22. Ustka (Stolpmünde): Known for its amber trade.
23. Lębork (Lauenburg): Famous for its brewing industry.
24. Bytów (Bütow): Known for its weaving industry.
25. Człuchów (Schlochau): Famous for its grain trade.
26. Sławno (Schlawe): Known for its cloth production.
27. Białogard (Belgard): Famous for its leather industry.
28. Drawsko Pomorskie (Dramburg): Known for its pottery production.
29. Barlinek (Berlinchen): Famous for its cloth production.
30. Myślibórz (Soldin): Known for its brewing industry.

Notable Natural Phenomena and Landmarks:

1. Drawsko Protected Landscape Area: Known for its pristine lakes and forests.
2. Wolin National Park: Home to the largest herd of European bison in Poland.
3. Oder River: One of the major rivers in Central Europe.
4. Lower Oder Valley National Park: Known for its floodplain landscape.
5. Jasmund National Park: Famous for the largest chalk cliffs of Germany.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

1. Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): This devastating war significantly affected the region, leading to changes in political boundaries and population shifts.
2. The Treaty of Stettin (1653): This treaty confirmed the partition of the Duchy of Pomerania between Brandenburg-Prussia and Sweden.
3. The Scanian War (1675–1679): This conflict led to further territorial changes in the region.

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.

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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.