This antique map, created in 1665, is titled ‘Tyrolis Comitatvs’, which translates to ‘County of Tyrol’. It depicts the region of Tyrol, which is located in the heart of the Alps and borders both Austria and Germany.
Italy in the early 17th century was a collection of independent city-states and territories, with no unified government or central authority. The period was marked by political and religious turmoil, with ongoing conflicts between various factions and the influence of the Catholic Church. Despite this instability, Italy was renowned for its art, architecture, and culture, with many of the great works of the Renaissance created during this time. The region of Tyrol, depicted in this map, was a strategic crossroads for trade and commerce, and featured several important towns and cities such as Bolzano – Bozen, Meran – Merano, and Lana.