Rare Old Monochrome Map of Hungary by Speed, 1626: Buda, Pest, Cluj, Mountains

The "Mape of Hungari," crafted by the renowned cartographer John Speed in 1626, is a captivating glimpse into the political and physical geography of 17th-century Central Europe. This exquisite map is part of Speed's celebrated atlases, "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine" and "A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World," which are hailed as the most significant English language atlases of their time. Speed's work is characterized by its meticulous detail and artistic flair, offering a window into the historical landscape and political boundaries of Hungary and its neighboring regions.

This map vividly illustrates the regions of Hungary, Moravia, Transylvania, and Bohemia, capturing the essence of these areas with remarkable precision. The political boundaries are carefully delineated, providing insight into the geopolitical landscape of the era. The relief is artfully depicted through sketches, highlighting the diverse topography that defines this part of Europe. Speed's attention to detail extends to the intricate illustrations of local figures in traditional attire, adding a cultural dimension to the geographical depiction.

Among the notable features of this map are the depictions of major rivers that weave through the landscape, serving as vital lifelines for the cities and towns that dot the region. Although not explicitly labeled, these waterways are essential to understanding the historical significance of trade and travel routes. The mountains, rendered with artistic finesse, offer a sense of the natural barriers and strategic advantages that shaped historical events in the area.

The cities and towns featured on this map, such as Buda, Pest, Szeged, Debrecen, and Pécs, are testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Hungary. Each settlement is meticulously placed, reflecting the urban landscape of the time. The inclusion of Cluj in Transylvania and Brno in Moravia further enriches the map's scope, providing a comprehensive view of the region's urban centers. These cities, with their storied pasts, continue to thrive in modern times, bridging the gap between history and the present.

John Speed's "Mape of Hungari" is not merely a cartographic masterpiece; it is a historical document that encapsulates the essence of a bygone era. The map's intricate design and detailed illustrations offer a unique perspective on the cultural and political dynamics of 17th-century Europe. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical maps, this piece is a testament to Speed's legacy and the enduring allure of cartography as both an art and a science.

Cities and towns on this map

• Hungary
• Buda
• Pest
• Szeged
• Debrecen

• Pécs

• Transylvania

• Cluj (Kolozsvár)

• Moravia

• Brno (Brünn)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps/illustrations:
• Illustrations of local figures in traditional clothing

• Cityscapes of prominent cities

• Bodies of water:

• Rivers are prominently shown

• Borders:

• Political boundaries of Hungary and surrounding regions

• Mountains:

• Illustrated to indicate relief and topography

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: The Mape of Hungari
• Date of creation: 1626
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Speed, published by Bassett & Chiswell in 1676
• Atlases associated:
• "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine" (1612)
• "A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World" (1627)
• Themes:
• Political and physical geography of Hungary and surrounding regions
• Relief shown by sketches
• Design/Style:
• Detailed engravings typical of the 17th-century cartographic style
• Historical significance:
• Considered one of the most important English language atlases of the 17th century

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.

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.

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.