Territorium Abbatiae Heresfeldensis

The territory of Hersfeld Abbey during the Early Modern Era.

This attractive antique map presents a large area around the modern-day German resort town of Bad Hersfeld, situated near the forks of the Rivers Fulda and Haune. At the time of publication, the town was known as the site of a medieval abbey that rose to prominence in the Holy Roman Empire during the 11th century.

The image captures the extent of the abbey’s authority throughout the region. Pictorial elements like hills and forests generalize the landscape, with the Vogelsberg Mountains prominently shown. Several mills are shown operating on the area’s several swift-running rivers. Toponyms identify a fascinating variety of geographic features, rural villages, estates, and other landmarks across the countryside. Of interest are the Ausin Iuden Stross and the Iuden Kopf – both possibly referencing local Jewish populations. Today, the ruins of Hersfeld Abbey are the venue for a popular medieval drama festival.