Munden - Mundensis, ad Visurgum flu: Saxoniae Urbis, genuina delineatio. (Hannoversch Münde)

Bird's-eye view of Hannoversch Münden by Braun and Hogenberg.
TRANSLATION OF CARTOUCHE TEXT: A true-to-life drawing of the Lower Saxton town of Hannoversch Münden on the River Werra.

COMMENTARY BY BRAUN (on the verso): "Münden, an ancient town in Saxony, is ideally situated for trade and commerce because it is at the confluence of several famous rivers. [...] Because Münden abounds in water as a result and boasts many ships, so that goods of all kinds that are shipped down the River Weser from Bremen can be brought here even from the heart of Germany and, conversely, sent back there, merchants tend so settle here."

The raised vantage point underscores the location of Münden at the confluence of the Rivers Fulda and Werra, which made the town eminently suited to trade and commerce. Together they form the Weser, whose navigability is confirmed by the large number of barges. The town, which is first mentioned in records in AD 837, had the right to make traders leave goods for storage here and was the most important port for river trade between central Germany and Bremen. In addition, important trade routes converged here, which is shown by the covered bridge over the Werra. The apparel worn by the figures depicted in the foreground is in the royal colors blue, red and gold to emphasize the prosperity of the townspeople. Within the walled town the large 13th-century church of St Giles stands out. From the 15th century, Münden had its own jurisdiction, which the gallows top right symbolizes. The Hannoversch Münden Old Town, which is intact, today is one of the finest extant examples of a medieval town. (Taschen)

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Reference: Van der Krogt 4, 2895; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.316.