Rare Old Map of Warsaw, 1870: Vistula River, Old Town, Łazienki Park, Royal Castle, Museums

Dive into the intricate beauty and historical depth of the "Warsaw" map, a masterpiece crafted in 1870 by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK). This map not only captures the essence of Warsaw during a pivotal era of transformation and modernization but also serves as a poignant reminder of the city's architectural heritage, most of which was tragically lost during World War II. The map is centered around the Old Town, the pulsating heart of Warsaw, showcasing its dense network of streets and significant buildings that narrate tales of a bygone era. Notably, it includes the Royal University, an emblem of educational advancement, unmarked yet unmistakably present, reflecting the city's early steps towards modernization.

Warsaw's geographical and strategic significance is elegantly portrayed through the detailed rendering of the Vistula River, which bisects the city. This map highlights key bridges and river crossings that have historically played crucial roles in the city’s defense and development. Surrounding the river, the map meticulously details neighborhoods like Praga, known for its vibrant culture and tragic past marked by the 1831 burning during the Polish-Russian War. The inclusion of major parks such as Łazienki Park and Saski Park offers a glimpse into the recreational lives of Warsaw's past inhabitants, showcasing these green havens as they were before the extensive damages of the 20th century.

The map is a treasure trove of architectural history, particularly poignant for those buildings that stood before the war's devastation. It features detailed profiles of 16 major buildings, including the Church of the Holy Cross, where the heart of Frederic Chopin is interred, and St. Anne's Church, a symbol of resilience, having been restored post-war. These illustrations serve not only as a visual guide but as a solemn reminder of what was lost and what stands as a testament to Warsaw's enduring spirit.

Beyond its aesthetic and historical value, this map is a scholarly artifact that captures Warsaw at the crossroads of autonomy and oppression. It reflects the brief period of self-governance post-Napoleon and preludes the increased Russian influence that would shape much of its 19th-century narrative. The detailed streets and neighborhoods like Nowe Miasto and Stare Miasto are frozen in time, just before the industrial age's full impact and the subsequent scars left by war and Soviet rule.

Lastly, the "Warsaw" map by SDUK is not merely a collector's item but a piece of educational material that offers a unique perspective on urban development, cultural shifts, and historical events that have shaped one of Eastern Europe's most iconic cities. For historians, cartographers, and enthusiasts of European cities, this map is an indispensable resource that provides a detailed and poignant view of Warsaw’s urban landscape and architectural heritage as it stood in the late 19th century, making it a remarkable and valuable addition to any collection.

Streets and roads on this map

• Belwederski Gate
• Brudzinskie Gate
• Chmielna Street
• Czerniakowska Street
• Elektoralna Street
• Freta Street
• Gnojna Street
• Grzybowski Street
• Jerozolimskie Road
• Krakow Road
• Krochmalna Street
• Leszno Street
• Marszalkowska Street
• Miodowa Street
• Mostowa Street
• Nowolipki Street
• Nowy Swiat Street
• Ogrodowa Street
• Otwocka Street
• Pańska Street
• Piwna Street
• Podwale Street
• Powązki Street
• Praga Street
• Przejazd Street
• Senatorska Street
• Solec Street
• Swietojerska Street
• Tlomackie Street
• Ulica Bednarska
• Ulica Bielańska
• Ulica Bonifraterska
• Ulica Brzozowa
• Ulica Chlodna
• Ulica Czackiego
• Ulica Dluga
• Ulica Freta
• Ulica Gdanska
• Ulica Gesia
• Ulica Graniczna
• Ulica Grodzka
• Ulica Grzybowska
• Ulica Hoza
• Ulica Jerozolimskie
• Ulica Karmelicka
• Ulica Kozia
• Ulica Krakowskie Przedmiescie
• Ulica Krochmalna
• Ulica Leszno
• Ulica Leszno-Wola
• Ulica Lipna
• Ulica Marszalkowska
• Ulica Miodowa
• Ulica Mostowa
• Ulica Nalewki
• Ulica Nowolipie
• Ulica Nowy Swiat
• Ulica Obozna
• Ulica Okop
• Ulica Opatrznosci
• Ulica Orla
• Ulica Ostrobramska
• Ulica Pańska
• Ulica Piwna
• Ulica Podwale
• Ulica Przejazd
• Ulica Przemysl
• Ulica Senatorska
• Ulica Sienna
• Ulica Sliska
• Ulica Solec
• Ulica Swietojanska
• Ulica Swietojerska
• Ulica Szpitalna
• Ulica Tlomackie
• Ulica Warecka
• Ulica Wielopole
• Ulica Wolska
• Ulica Wronia
• Ulica Zakroczymska
• Ulica Zielna

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps: Praga, Powązki Cemetery
• Illustrations: Coat of arms of Warsaw
• Neighbourhoods: Wola, Powązki, Czyste, Grzybów, Nowe Miasto, Stare Miasto, Ujazdów, Solec, Praga
• Lakes: Czerniakowskie Lake
• Large parks: Łazienki Park, Ujazdów Park, Saski Park
• Other notable features: Vistula River, Warsaw Citadel, Warsaw Uprising Museum, Holy Cross Church, St. John's Cathedral, Royal Castle, Sigismund's Column, Grand Theatre, National Museum, University of Warsaw, Warsaw Stock Exchange, Brühl Palace, Krasiński Palace, Zamoyski Palace, Ostrogski Palace, Presidential Palace, Łazienki Palace, Belweder Palace, Ujazdów Castle, Warsaw Ghetto, Umschlagplatz, Pawiak Prison, Treblinka extermination camp

Historical and design context

• Published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK) in 1870
• Captures Warsaw during a transformative period post-Napoleon and pre-full Russian control
• Illustrates the early modernization of Warsaw, including the arrival of railways and industrial growth
• Shows Warsaw before the extensive late 19th-century expansion and the destruction of World War II
• Features detailed profiles of significant buildings, many of which were destroyed during World War II

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.

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.