Ancient map of Bruges, 1570

"Brugae, Flandricarum Urbium Ornamenta" (1570) is a beautifully detailed map of Bruges, Belgium, created by the renowned cartographer Georg Braun and engraved by Frans Hogenberg as part of the monumental work Civitates Orbis Terrarum ("Cities of the World"). This collection, first published in 1572, is one of the most significant atlases of city views and maps from the Renaissance period, providing a detailed glimpse into urban life and architecture during the 16th century.

The map is a bird’s-eye view of Bruges, showcasing the city’s intricate street network, waterways, and architecture. The layout highlights Bruges’ iconic canals, which earned it the nickname "Venice of the North." Key landmarks are depicted in remarkable detail, including:

• The Belfry of Bruges, towering over the market square.
• The Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), with its distinct spire.
• St. Salvator's Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Bruges.

The map also features defensive walls, gates, and moats that surrounded the city during this period. Bruges’ medieval origins are evident in its circular design, with a dense core of streets radiating outward.

True to the style of Braun and Hogenberg, the map is not merely functional but also artistic. Decorative elements include ornate cartouches, heraldic shields, and depictions of figures in period dress, offering a sense of the cultural and social environment of the time. Latin inscriptions further enhance the map's scholarly and aesthetic appeal.

In 1570, Bruges was transitioning from its medieval prominence as a leading trade hub to a quieter existence, as its waterways began to silt up and trade routes shifted. Nevertheless, the city remained an architectural and cultural gem, as this map demonstrates. The depiction captures Bruges at a moment when its historical grandeur was still intact.

"Brugae, Flandricarum Urbium Ornamenta" is a testament to the cartographic artistry of the Renaissance and a valuable record of Bruges' urban and architectural history. Today, it is cherished by historians, collectors, and enthusiasts of cartography and Renaissance art, offering a vivid snapshot of one of Europe’s most picturesque cities during its golden age.

Find more maps of Georg Braun & Frans Hogenberg