Ancient map of Lisbon, 1636

Matthäus Merian created several maps of Lisbon (Lisboa) and its surroundings during his lifetime, including a map of the city that was included in his work "Topographia Germaniae." This map, which was first published in 1642, shows the layout of the city, its walls and fortifications, and many of its important buildings and landmarks.

The map is oriented with north to the left and includes a key at the bottom left that identifies 30 of the city's most important buildings and landmarks. The text on the map is in Latin, and it includes a brief description of the city and its history.

One of the interesting features of the map is the inclusion of the Tagus River, which runs along the bottom of the map. The river is depicted with several small ships and boats, reflecting Lisbon's importance as a port city during the 17th century.

Overall, Merian's map of Lisbon provides a detailed and accurate depiction of the city as it appeared in the mid-17th century, and is an important historical document that offers valuable insights into Lisbon's past.

Matthäus Merian (1593-1650) was a Swiss engraver, publisher, and bookseller who worked primarily in Frankfurt and Basel. He was a member of a prominent family of engravers and publishers, and is best known for his engravings of maps and city views.

Merian was born in Basel, Switzerland, and began his career as an apprentice to his father, the engraver and publisher Matthäus Merian the Elder. After his father's death, he worked for a time in Paris before settling in Frankfurt, where he established his own publishing house.

Merian was a prolific engraver and published a wide range of works, including maps, city views, and illustrations for books. He was particularly known for his engravings of cities, which he produced in collaboration with other artists and engravers. His city views were highly detailed and accurate, and were widely admired for their beauty and historical importance.

Merian also produced a number of important works on natural history, including the "Topographia Germaniae," a series of volumes on the geography, history, and culture of Germany, and the "Theatrum Europaeum," a chronicle of European history from the 16th to the 17th century.

Merian's work had a significant influence on the development of cartography and city views, and his engravings remain highly prized by collectors today.

Find more maps of Matthäus Merian