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Fine example of this rare plan of Geneva, illustrating its existing and planned fortifications, which appeared in a work showing the fortifications of important European Cities during the War of Spanish Succession.

This intricately engraved 17th-century plan of Geneva by Carel Allard provides a detailed depiction of the city's fortifications and urban layout during a period of military and strategic importance. The map, oriented with northwest at the top, showcases the city’s bastions, gates, and surrounding natural and man-made features. It highlights Geneva’s defensive system, which includes star-shaped bastions and ramparts, reflecting contemporary advancements in military engineering.

Key landmarks include the Pont des Menusiers and Pont de l'Ile, critical crossings over the Rhône River, as well as St. Gervais, one of the city’s prominent quarters. The map also delineates projected expansions of the city’s defenses, marked as "Project," demonstrating the ongoing efforts to strengthen Geneva’s fortifications in the face of external threats. To the north, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and the Port de la Tartelet are depicted, underscoring the city’s integration with its surrounding environment.

The decorative elements include a crest in the upper-left corner and a cartouche containing historical and geographical information about Geneva, written in French. This text provides a concise history of Geneva from its ancient Roman origins through its role as a center of the Reformation in the 16th century.  

The text translates as follows:

GENEVA, the venerable capital of the Republic of the same name, situated on the Rhône at the borders of Savoy. It was destroyed by the Alemanni  [ Germanic Tribe ] in 271 and rebuilt by Emperor Aurelian, etc. It was once the last city of the Roman Empire and subsequently passed to the King of Burgundy, then to the Kings of France. Charlemagne passed through it in 773 on his way against Didier, King of the Lombards. It returned in 888 to the Kings of Burgundy and came under German rule in 1032. Emperor Charles IV founded its university in 1368. It experienced numerous struggles starting in 1530, with the Savoyards seizing it in 1535. The Reformers expelled their Catholic adversaries, and the people carried out their Reformation. In 1602, they repelled assaults by enemy troops through their courage.