Finely coloured town plan of Rome, from the landmark Braun & Hogenberg atlas of cities throughout the world entitled “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” first published in 1572. This detailed plan, initially appearing in 1572, shows mid-16th century Rome as viewed from the south-west, surrounded by its defensive walls with the Tiber running through it. A key at the bottom has an extensive listing of important sites including the city gates, identified with letters, along with other landmarks such as temples, bridges, palaces and various roman ruins, numerically coded. Among the well-known sites are the Pantheon, Coliseum, Vatican Papal Palace, Castel Sant’Angelo, Trajan’s Column and the Theatre of Marcellus. A description of Rome appears verso in Latin. This uncommon first state of the map, which does not have the privilege notation above the bottom right key, is a strong, dark impression in excellent condition. 33.5 cm x 48.5 cm