Coloured town plan of Edinburgh from the landmark Braun & Hogenberg atlas of cities throughout the world entitled “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” first published in 1572. The plan, initially appearing in 1581, presents a detailed bird’s eye view of 16th century Edinburgh showing its protective walls, Edinburgh Castle (“Castrum pullarum”), churches and local residents in period clothing. Holyrood Abbey, which would be transformed into the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is located to the east of the map, just past the city gates. A description of the city appears verso in Latin. The map has some repairs to the bottom margin not affecting the image and two pinholes near the title cartouche; otherwise a finely coloured example with wide margins in very good condition. 34 cm x 45 cm