View of Vilnius from Georg Braun's atlas "Civitates orbis terrarum"

Georg Braun (1541-1622) was a German theologian, clergyman, cartographer, publisher, and diplomat with a keen interest in the history of cities he visited while travelling extensively in Europe. After encountering the cartographer Frans Hogenberg (c. 1535-1590), Braun conceived the idea of producing an atlas showcasing the world's most renowned cities. The six volumes of the atlas "Civitates orbis terrarum "featured more than 500 plans and panoramic views. While F. Hogenberg drew most plans, Braun handled the collection, publication, and preparation of city descriptions. The first edition of the atlas was published in Cologne between 1572 and 1618, with subsequent reprints in Latin, German, and French.

 

The third volume of the atlas, "Urbium praecipuarum totius mundi," contains the earliest known map of Vilnius. It is believed to depict the city circa 1545, surrounded by defensive walls with gates. The plan delineates landmarks such as the Upper and Lower Castles, the Town Hall, the Bernardine Monastery, and the Church of St. Johns, among others. A map legend in the lower left corner explains the marked objects, while two noblemen and two commoners of Vilnius are depicted side by side.