Misena Hermundurorum Urbs. [Meissen]

A bird's-eye view of Meissen by Braun and Hogenberg, with key to locations. CARTOUCHE: Misena, city of Hermunduri.
COMMENTARY BY BRAUN: "This city is surrounded by very many rivers, to the east flows the Elbe, to the south the Triebisch, to the west are the mountains, to the north the Meisse, after which the city is said to be named. The city is well-situated in its surroundings, the navigable rivers, the mountains and the healthy air.
Around the city there is a good land to grow grain, fertile vineyards on the hillsides and without doubt the mountains are not without ore, for one mile away, up the Elbe, is Scharfenberg, where silver and lead ore are mined."
The plate of Meissen is a skilful combination of side view and bird's-eye view, looking across the Elbe from the northeast. Meissen grew up around the castle, built by Emperor Henry I around AD 929, and was granted a municipal charter at the end of the 12th century.
From 1471 onwards, the castle complex (21) was reconstructed as the residence of the Saxon electors on the northeast corner of the Domberg (Cathedral Hill). Meissen cathedral is a Gothic hall church begun c. 1270; in 1413 a bolt of lightning destroyed its west towers (18), which were replaced only in the 20th century.
The engraving is made after a woodcut of Münster's 'Cosmographia', 1572.

Reference: Van der Krogt 4, 2684; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.182.