Rare Old Monochrome Map of the Canton of Zurich by Murer, 1566: Winterthur, Lake Zurich, Mountains

The "Eigentliche Verzeichnuss der Stätten, Graffschafften vnd Herrschafften, welche in der Statt Zürich Gebiet vnd Landscafft gehörig seind," created by the renowned cartographer Jodocus Murer in 1566, is a captivating window into the past. This exquisite bird's eye view pictorial map meticulously delineates the canton of Zurich, offering a monochrome masterpiece that is as much an artistic triumph as it is a historical document. Murer's work, framed by a decorative border featuring detailed windheads and skulls, exudes the Renaissance spirit, combining intricate artistry with precise geographical representation.

Jodocus Murer, a distinguished draughtsman from Zurich, imbued this map with his expertise and passion for cartography. His name and coat of arms, adorned with a pair of dividers, are prominently displayed at the bottom right, signifying his pride and dedication. The map is a testament to Murer's skill, showcasing the architectural details of towns and villages, including the iconic twin-towered Grossmünster church in Zurich. The map's orientation to the northeast, as indicated by the compass rose in Lake Zurich, adds a unique dimension to its presentation, guiding viewers through the canton with historical accuracy.

The map's decorative elements are not merely ornamental but serve to enrich its narrative. The windheads and skulls in the border, each with distinct expressions ranging from youthful exuberance to fierce determination, add a layer of mythological and artistic depth. The shields with Zurich's coat of arms at the top, along with the dedication to Bishop Otto von Friezinger, provide historical context and honor the region's heritage. The cartouches, with their detailed histories of the canton, offer insights into Zurich's past, making this map a valuable educational resource as well as a visual delight.

Geographically, the map is a treasure trove of information, depicting the canton of Zurich with remarkable detail. The hilly and mountainous terrain is rendered with precision, highlighting the natural beauty and topographical diversity of the region. Major rivers and lakes, most notably Lake Zurich, are prominently featured, illustrating the vital waterways that have shaped the canton’s development. Administrative boundaries are clearly marked with dotted lines, providing a glimpse into the political landscape of the 16th century. The map's comprehensive portrayal of cities, settlements, and countryside underscores its significance as a historical document.

This map is not just a representation of geography but a chronicle of Zurich's rich cultural and historical tapestry. From the bustling city of Zurich, with its fortified walls and numerous buildings, to the smaller towns and villages marked by distinctive churches and coats of arms, the map captures the essence of the canton. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jodocus Murer and his contribution to the field of cartography. Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of history, a luxurious artifact that celebrates the confluence of art, history, and geography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Zurich
• Winterthur
• Uster
• Dübendorf
• Dietikon
• Wetzikon
• Horgen
• Bülach
• Adliswil
• Thalwil
• Regensdorf
• Wallisellen
• Rüti
• Schlieren
• Opfikon
• Kloten
• Meilen
• Affoltern am Albis
• Volketswil
• Männedorf
• Wädenswil
• Hinwil
• Rümlang
• Zollikon

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Compass rose in Lake Zurich
• Decorative border with windheads and skulls
• Two shields with Zurich's coat of arms
• Coat of arms and name of Jodocus Murer with a pair of dividers
• Cartouche with dedication to Bishop Otto von Friezinger
• History of the canton of Zurich in the lower left cartouche
• History cartouche with strapwork border in the lower right
• Detailed depiction of hilly and mountainous terrain
• Representation of lakes and rivers, including Lake Zurich
• City walls and buildings of Zurich, including the Grossmünster church

Historical and design context

• Created in 1566 by Jodocus Murer
• Bird's eye view pictorial map in monochrome
• Oriented northeast, as indicated by the compass rose in Lake Zurich
• Decorative border featuring detailed windheads and skulls
• Two shields with Zurich's coat of arms framing the title at the top
• Several cartouches providing historical context and dedications
• Detailed depiction of the canton of Zurich, including cities, settlements, and countryside
• Administrative boundaries marked with dotted lines
• Reflects the cartographic style and techniques of the Renaissance period
• Valuable historical document for understanding the geography and administrative divisions of Zurich in the 16th 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 100in (250cm). 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.

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.