This map is a highly detailed and decorative bird's-eye view of Rome, carefully copied after the landmark work of Giovanni Battista Falda from 1670. Created by the Dutch cartographer Joannes de Ram, this late 17th-century map combines artistic embellishment with an extensive catalog of Rome’s architectural and cultural landmarks.
The map features two ornate cartouches, each richly decorated with religious iconography and allegorical figures. Surrounding the main depiction of Rome, detailed indexes provide a comprehensive key to the city’s notable sites. These include numbered references for churches (1-266), grave tombs (267-331), and palaces (332-464), allowing viewers to locate these landmarks within the intricate city layout.
In the foreground, the publisher’s address, “ex Officina Joannes de Ram,” is prominently inscribed, signifying de Ram’s Amsterdam workshop as the origin of this map. The use of a bird's-eye perspective enables a detailed portrayal of Rome's dense urban fabric, from its winding streets and piazzas to its grand public buildings and lush gardens. The Tiber River is depicted as it flows through the city, creating a natural boundary that adds dimension and realism to the view.
By drawing on Falda’s detailed work, de Ram captures the essence of Rome during a period of significant architectural and cultural flourishing, presenting a city that is as much a testament to its ancient past as it is to its baroque transformation.