Saturday, November 30, 2013

RU-2137725

An official from Volodga, Russia, showing the Dmitry Prilutsky Church. 

RU-2137725, sent by Daria.
The Dmitry Prilutsky Church is situated on the left bank of the Vologda River. The church was built in 1651 by Yaroslavl' masters Boris Nazarov and Pankrat Timofeev. Later a warm church and a belfry were built in 1710. In 1930 the church was closed and used as a store house. Only in 1999 the Dmitry Prilutsky Church was returned to the believers. It is operating nowadays. - in: http://vologda-oblast.ru/en/about_the_region/tourism/tourism_opportunities/vologda/sights/

Friday, November 29, 2013

Karstula - Finland

After the card from nothern and southern Finland, now i've this card from Karstula in the central part of the country. 
The card was sent by Heidi.

Karstula is a village in the Western Finland province, part of of the Central Finland region. 
It was founded in 1867 and it has a population of 4,386. 
A number of historical buildings from the beginning of the 20th century, has been preserved in the village centre, representing the original countryside buildings of the region. 

Thursday, November 28, 2013

FI-1912603 & FI-1933069

Two different churches located in two different finnish provinces, Southern Finland and Lapland. 

 FI-1912603, sent by Leila.
Ylämaa Church was designed by the architect and artist Ilmari Launis, and was inaugurated on the Feast of Pentecost in 1931. In 1975, a baptismal font formed from Ylämaa spectrolite, which is said to be unique in the whole worl, was donated to the church.

Foto: Kalevi Asplund
FI-1933069, sent by Emilia.
Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church dates from 1760 and thus one of the oldest buildings in northern Lapland. 
Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church was built in 1752-1760 to replace the old church which was built in 1646 and   used to be the religious centre of Inari Municipality until the year 1888. The Church is still used during the Midsummer and also for religious ceremonies like weddings.

DE-2607910

This official was sent from Germany but this is the impressive General Post Office building in Dublin, Ireland. 

© by Artcolor
DE-2607910, sent by Florian.
The General Post Office (locally referred to as The GPO) in Dublin is the headquarters of the Irish postal service, An Post. Normal post office services are still available in the building. A historic landmark situated in the centre of O'Connell Street, the GPO is one of Ireland's most famous buildings, and was the last of the great Georgian public buildings erected in the capital.
Construction of the purpose built offices began in August 1814, and was completed in January 1818, at a cost of £50,000.
The building was designed by architect Francis Johnston in Greek revival style. The main section was made using Wicklow granite and the portico of Portland stone.
The statues on the roof, by sculptor John Smyth, are of Hibernia, a classical representation in female form of the island of Ireland, with Fidelity to one side and Mercury to the other.
During the 1916 Easter Rising, the GPO was one of three Dublin landmarks to be destroyed in the fighting. The GPO was rebuilt and reopened in 1929. - in: http://www.tourist-information-dublin.co.uk/the-general-post-office.htm

GB-487644

I don't get officials from UK that often. This one arrived this week, sent by a lithuanian woman married to a pakistani man. 

© J. Salmon Ltd 
GB-487644, sent  by Rasa.
St Mawes is a small town on the Roseland Peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall, England.
An important port in medieval times and now a picturesque harbour with whitewashed houses and a small fishing fleet, it is protected by the most perfectly preserved of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, St. Mawes Castle. The village remains a centre for a range of watersports activities and offers two fine sandy beaches.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape - England

The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape is a World Heritage Site which includes select mining landscapes across Cornwall and West Devon in the south west of the United Kingdom. The site was added to the World Heritage List in 2006. 
Lucy went on a trip to Cornwall last October and offered some cards from there. This was one of my missing sites, so i immediately contacted her in order to get one of those cards. She sent me this one with the Rinsey Mine Engine House, also known as Wheal Prosper. This is a former tin mine engine house, which was built in 1860, though the mine was worked earlier in the century producing an average of 860 tons per year between 1832 and 1849. It ceased production in 1865 but the engine house still stands which provides a dramatic backdrop to the ocean below. - in: http://www.cornishhideaways.co.uk/rinsey_cove.htm

© J. Salmon Ltd
Much of the landscape of Cornwall and West Devon was transformed in the 18th and early 19th centuries as a result of the rapid growth of pioneering copper and tin mining. Its deep underground mines, engine houses, foundries, new towns, smallholdings, ports and harbours, and their ancillary industries together reflect prolific innovation which, in the early 19th century, enabled the region to produce two-thirds of the world’s supply of copper. The substantial remains are a testimony to the contribution Cornwall and West Devon made to the Industrial Revolution in the rest of Britain and to the fundamental influence the area had on the mining world at large. Cornish technology embodied in engines, engine houses and mining equipment was exported around the world. Cornwall and West Devon were the heartland from which mining technology rapidly spread. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1215

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

London - England

London is probably my next international trip!! Eduardo has been there last October, he said he has seen and visited all the places on this card and liked the city very much. I hope i'll like it too. 

© Lambert Souvenirs
London is a popular centre for tourism, one of its prime industries, employing the equivalent of 350,000 full-time workers in 2003, while annual expenditure by tourists is around £15 billion. London attracts over 14 million international visitors per year, making it Europe's most visited city. London attracts 27 million overnight-stay visitors every year. In 2010 the ten most-visited attractions in London were: British Museum; Tate Modern; National Gallery; Natural History Museum; London Eye; Science Museum; Victoria and Albert Museum; Madame Tussauds; National Maritime Museum; Tower of London. - in: wikipedia

Sunday, November 17, 2013

NL-2164037 & NL-1925531

These are two very different cards but they're both from the same castle, the Haar Castle, the biggest in Netherlands, located near Haarzuilens, in the province of Utrecht. 
I've received the 2nd card awhile ago but i'm posting it here again and deleted the older post.

© www.natuurlijkefoto.nl - the online postcard shop
NL-2164037, sent by Mardi.
The origins of De Haar Castle can be found in the Middle Ages. The medieval  house was founded in the 14th century. In the 15th century the castle was destroyed and rebuilt with its still existing pentagonal floor plan. During the 18th and 19th centuries the castle was abandoned and fell to ruin. 
The young owner baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar acquired the ruin by inheritance in the late 19th century. He decided to rebuild and restore his ancestral home with grandeur. Baron Etienne gave the assignment to the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who was well known for the construction and design of Amsterdam Central Station, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and more than 90 churches.

 Photo: John M. Vijbrief
NL-1925531, sent by Marensia.
The enormous project started in 1892. The 15th century walls were restored and integrated in the new design. In less than 20 years the impressive building arose, complete with towers, moats, a drawbridge and more than 150 rooms. The new building was built in Neo-Gothic style which was very popular in the 19th century - inspired by the Middle Ages but with modern luxuries. A central heating system, a lift, a modern kitchen, hot and cold running water in most rooms and electrical lighting provided all the luxury the baron and his guests needed during their stays. - in: http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/english-summary/castle-park/short-history/

Postcrossing Meeting in Gent

Last month a few postcrossers had a meeting in the lovely city of Gent in Belgium. Raquel sent me this card, designed and printed for the occasion. 

On the card there's the Castle of the Counts, the Graslei, Tierenteyn, a mustard shop and cuberdons, a raspberry flovored, cone-shaped regional product made with gum arabic. 

Luxembourg

After Cyprus Tjitske went to Luxembourg with Jetske and Astrid to meet Caroline. 
This card brings me very good memories of my trip to Belgium and Luxembourg two years ago. 

Editions Gropalux 
The card shows the Palace, St. Michel Church & Goethe's Monument, the railway bridge, the Monument of Remembrance and the old town at night. 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

CH-162760

Another swiss castle card but this one was sent as an official. This is Lucens' Castle. 
Lucens is a small town near Lausanne famous for its castle. 

CH-162760, sent by Sandro.
Starting in the Middle Ages and until 1536 it was a residence of the Bishop of Lausanne and served to control the Bishop's land in the Broye valley. During the 12th Century, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. In 1476, it was destroyed by the Swiss Confederation. In 1536 the valley and the surrounding territory were conquered by Bern. It became the seat of a Bernese bailiwick at the same time. In 1542, the vogt of Moudon moved into the castle. It was enlarged between 1579–86 and served as an arsenal and fortress on the border to Fribourg. In 1798, the Bernese were forced out and the Canton of Léman was formed. Shortly thereafter, the castle became the property of Canton, who sold it 1801 to private individuals. In 1925, it was converted into a Swiss Reformed institute for girls. Between 1965-70, it was the seat of the Conan Doyle Foundation, and is now in private hands. - in: wikipedia

Sierre - Switzerland

Sierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, just a few kms from where Óscar and his family lives. 
He sent me this card showing the Château de Villa, nowadays a restaurant, wine bar, wine museum, and “ Sensorama” with wine-tasting programs.

© Photoglob Zürich/Vevey
The first stone of this beautiful architectural ensemble was lain in the 16th century by a patrician family of the country. The octagonal tower of the building and the east wing are the oldest parts of the castle. The western part of the building and its magnificent entrance gate were built during the 17th century, when the manor became the main residence of the owners. They embellished over generations the interior of the château, which became, in the middle of the 20th century, part of the collective heritage of the city. In the front yard of the castle, you will find a bronze statue by sculptor Jacques Bartender, entitled "The horse and the Showgirl", made in 1984.
Originally occupied by the family Platea since the 15th century, the Château was sold to the family Preux in 1497. The death of Mrs. Catherine Meyer, the last descendant of the branch Preux, in 1923, marks the beginning of a difficult period for the château. The house was bought in 1939 by Ms. De Panchaud Bottens, eager to create a museum of Swiss costumes. Unfortunately she was  victim of a fraud and she found herself deprived of his fortune and was declared bankrupt in 1943. After the 1946's earthquake, the remains were mortgaged. Thanks to several articles published in a local newspaper, the Château was saved by Sierra's citizens.
In 1951 was created a foundation to ensure the conservation of the Chateau.

Kufstein - Austria

Another cards sent by Sarah. This one is from Austria but not the one i'm still looking for. 
The card shows Kufstein Fortress, in Tyrol. 

TKV
The Fortress (Festung) is built on a rock the height of which amounts to 90 m. Sometimes erroneously called Schloss Garoldseck, the fortress was mentioned as Castrum Caofstein in a document for the first time in 1205. It was enlarged several times. The most important tower, the round and impressive Kaiserturm, was built from 1518-22. Several times in its history, the fortress was used as a prison. Today it is famous for its large organ (Heldenorgel). - in: wikipedia 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Burano - Italy

A few weeks ago I swapped 6 cards with Sarah from Austria. I've received her envelope with the 6 cards but, don't ask me how,  I lost one of them, the one I wanted the most, a card from the last UNESCO site I was missing from Austria. The card is probably here in my room but I can't find it!! I really don't know what happen but I hope I can find it sooner or later. 

That cards is missing but the others are on the pile to be shown here. This one is from Burano in Italy. 

Copyright 2006 by Mazzega Art & Design s. r. l. - Venezia * Foto: archivo Mazzega Art & Design
Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy; like Venice itself, it could more correctly be called an archipelago of four islands linked by bridges. It is situated near Torcello at the northern end of the Lagoon, and is known for its lacework and brightly coloured homes.
Burano is known for its small, brightly painted houses, popular with artists. The colours of the houses follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development; if someone wishes to paint their home, one must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colours permitted for that lot. - in: wikipedia

Bielefeld 2013

Last month the german city of Bielefeld hosted for the 4th time an international Postcrossing Meeting. I don't know how many postcrossers were there but after counting the signatures on these cards, they're were probably more than 30!!

 Copyright by Gerhard Heisler
Because of the larger number os postcrossers in the meeting, Anja always use bigger cards ir order to get space for all the signatures. This time she sent me this card showing Ludwigskirche, a Protestant baroque style church. It is the symbol of the city and is considered to be one of the most important Protestant churches in Germany.
Construction was begun in 1762. After the death of William Henry in 1768, work on it was stopped due to lack of funds. The church was finally completed in 1775 by his son, Louis, and it was also named after him. 
During the Second World War, Ludwigskirche was almost completely destroyed. After a bombing on October 5, 1944, only the surrounding walls remained. Rebuilding began in 1949, however it has still not been completed. The main reason for this long delay was the fierce dispute, which lasted from the 1950s into the 1970s, about whether the baroque interior, which had been completely lost, should also be reconstructed according to the original plans. At first, it had been agreed to restore the exterior, with a modern interior, but this plan was finally abandoned. After the reconstruction of the "Fürstenstuhl" (i.e., the princely seating in the gallery across from the organ) in 2009, the interior is more or less complete, but some of the balustrade figures on the outside are still lacking. - in: wikipedia

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG
I'm not sure who sent this card but after analyzing the handwriting, i think it might be Kati. By the way, i need to ask her.
Bielefeld is the economic and cultural heart of Eastern Westphalia and, with almost 330.000 inhabitants, one of Germany’s twenty largest cities. 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Suurhusen - Germany

Suurhusen is a a village in the East Frisian region of northwestern Germany, famous for it's leaning tower. 
The Leaning Tower of Suurhusen is a late medieval steeple, the most leaning tower that is unintentionally tilted, beating the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa by 1.22 degrees.

Foto: Ernst Müller * Verlag: Regio-Karten, Aurich
The Brick Gothic church in Suurhusen is reminiscent of the old fortress churches. Originally, it was 32 metres long and 9.35 metres wide. In 1450 the church was shortened by about a quarter and the tower was built in the space. This tower currently leans at an angle of 5.1939 degrees – compared to 3.97 degrees for the Pisa tower after its stabilization.
According to local historian Tjabbo van Lessen, the church was built in the Middle Ages in marshy land on foundations of oak tree trunks which were preserved by groundwater. When the land was drained in the 19th century the wood rotted, causing the tower to tilt. The steeple was closed to the public in 1975 for safety reasons, and re-opened 10 years later after being made safe. - in: wikipedia
The card was sent by Sarah.

DE-2474302 & DE-2506282

Officials from Germany. I've already a 3rd official but it isn't scanned yet. 

DE-2474302, sent by Renate.
It took me awhile to discover the names of these lighthouses. There's no information about them on the card and the sender didn't give a clue. But thanks to google i managed to identify all of them. 
For left to right: List Ost on the Sylt island; Cuxhaven lighthouse, one of the three lighthouses in Borkum and Bremerhaven lighthouse. 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG
DE-2506282, sent by Antje.
The mighty Schloss Burg in Solingen is one of the largest restored castles in western Germany. This imposing castle reigns 110 metres high over the Wupper, and was the centre of power for the Counts of Berg for more than 300 years. It was this ruling dynasty which gave Bergisches Land its name.
Burg castle is also home to the ‘Bergische Museum Schloss Burg’ (‘Burg Castle Bergisch Museum’) which offers an insight into the history and culture of the Middle Ages, life in the castle and everyday Bergisches Land culture. Medieval games tournaments are regularly held in the shadow of the keep, filling the castle courtyard with the sounds of knights in battle. - in: http://www.nrw-tourism.com/1/nrw/travel-destinations/die-bergischen-drei/culture-in-die-bergischen-drei/artikel/schloss-burg-in-solingen/

Monday, November 4, 2013

FR-316301 & NL-2061401

Officials from France and Netherlands, both with great french churches. 

© M. G. Editions
FR-316301, sent by Agnès.
These are some of the churches in the Saône-et-Loire department, in the Burgundy region, central France. 
The churches are located in: Mâcon; Autun; Louhans; Chalon sur Saône; Paray-le-Monial; Mont St. Vincent; Cluny; Anzy-le-Duc; Semur-en-Brionnais; Tournus; Digoin; Charnay-lès-Mâcon and Chapaize. 

NL-2061401, sent by Anne.
The card was sent from the Netherlands but it shows one of the most famous cathedrals in France, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 
One of the most notable monuments in Paris (and in all of Europe for that matter) is the Notre Dame Cathedral. This Catholic treasure is over 800 years old. It is located on a small island called the Ile de la Cite in the middle of river Seine. The building of the cathedral was completed over the course of 200 years; it was started in 1163 during the reign of King Louis VII and was completed in 1345.
As is the case with most notable historical monuments, The Notre dame Cathedral Paris has its own share of both the glorious and the tragic historical moments that will forever remain indelible in the mind of people everywhere. Among them is the crowning of Henry VI of England right inside the cathedral in 1431. The Cathedral was at one time in a stage of total disrepair and close to the point of being demolished, but was later saved by Napoleon who himself was crowned Emperor in 1804 inside the Cathedral.
After restoring the Cathedral back to its formal beauty and in the midst of World War II, it was rumoured that the German soldiers might destroy the newly installed stained glass. It was therefore removed and only reinstalled again after the war had ended. - in: 
http://www.notredamecathedralparis.com/history

Saint Cirq Lapopie - France

Last september i went on holidays to France and explored the Midi-Pyrénées region, in south of the country. I've been to many beautiful places but this little village was one of my favorites. A visit to Saint Cirq Lapopie is like a trip to the Middle Ages, there are not modern construtions and everything looks like it was centuries ago. Just loved the place. If i ever win the lottery, i'll buy an house here. 

S. A. S. APA-POUX - ALBI 

The medieval town of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, with thirteen listed historic buildings, is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a cliff three hundred feet above the river Lot, St. Cirq Lapopie is one of the most important sites in the Lot Valley.
Chief town of one of three viscounties of Quercy, Saint-Cirq Lapopie was divided among several feudal dynasties in the Middle Ages whose dominant families were the Lapopies, the Gourdons and the Cardaillacs. As a result, several castles and fortified houses were built, each ever stronger, dominating the feudal village.
Below the fortress, the village of St Cirq, enclosed by fortified gates, includes many beautiful old houses whose facades of stone or wood were built between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. They are characterised by their steep-sloped, flat tile roofs.
In the streets, open arcades of shops preserve the memory of craft activities that created the wealth of St. Cirq. Skinners in the rue de la Pelissaria, coppersmiths in rue Peyrolerie and especially wood turners or roubinetaïres, with workshops producing button moulds, bowls, cups and cooper's taps.
At the foot of Lapopie, mills, dams, ports, locks and a towpath evoke the glorious age of river commerce. - in: http://www.saint-cirqlapopie.co.uk/heritage/listed-mediaeval-village

Friday, November 1, 2013

Islantilla - Spain

Last August Sofia and her family went on holidays to Islantilla, in Spain. Mafalda, her daughter, is also a postcrosser and they sent me this card from there. I've never heard about this place before. 

© Ediciones A. M. -  Fotografía. A. Murillo
Islantilla is a beach and golf resort which has been created in partnership between the council of Lepe and Isla Cristina in the region of Huelva, Costa de la Luz in southwestern Spain. The partnership was made in 1991 with the goal of being one of the leading resorts in the province of Huelva. Located between the beach Urbasur West and La Antilla. The name Islantilla is a combination of Isla Cristina La Antilla. In 2010 there were 1261 inhabitants in winter, but in summer the population reaches upto 100,000. - in: http://www.homesandfincas.com/costa-de-la-luz-area-information/islantilla.html

Grilled sardines

Vitória also wanted to help me with my old people collection and sent me this card. Grilled sardines are one of the most tradional foods in Portugal but i must confess, i don't like them that much. 

Foto: Hector Christiaen © 2008 - Edições 19 de Abril: 58 *   
I'm not fond of sardines but i like this card.
Sardines and a tram, yes, this is a card from Lisbon.