FI-3279389

Hepoköngäs waterfall in Finland. 

Hepoköngäs is probably the most famous free waterfall in Finland today, at least as a tourist attraction. Not only is it the number one nature sight in Puolanka, it is also mentioned in practically every tourist guide in the Kainuu region.

Kuva: Markku Yli-Tepsa

FI-3279389, sent by Tiia.

As a nature sight, Hepoköngäs is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Finland, but it is not the highest, contrary to some information sources. The fall has, however, earned its place as one of the best sights in Kainuu, as it is a refreshing and beautiful place in the middle of Kainuu's coniferous forests. The water flows like a foaming ribbon down the cliff and into a lake, making the entire lake heave. It is easy to get to admire the fall both from the top and from the lake shore, from where you can see the entire fall. - in: https://www.suomenvesiputoukset.fi/waterfalls/browse-waterfalls-of-finland/hepokoengaes-en-gb/

Llanrwst - Wales

Last week my penpal Gemma went on holidays to Wales. I wish I could go on holidays too!! Postcards from my friends' holidays always increased my desire to travel again. By the way, I might need company to travel in October, any candidates??

I've been considering a few travel options but Wales is not one of them. However this beautiful scenery in Llanrwst is quite charming and appealing. 

Built as a residential dwelling in 1480, Tu Hwnt i’r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) is actually considerably older than the Inigo Jones bridge it stands beside. Some years later the building was used as the Courthouse for the surrounding area. From here the most serious offenders could have been taken to Tan y Craig in Llanrwst where they could be hanged outside the old gaol!

Picture Copyright © 10-99-11-11

Over the centuries Tu Hwnt i’r Bont has fallen into disrepair several times and been rebuilt and restored through the generosity of the townsfolk. During the last century, Tu Hwnt i’r Bont was acquired by the National Trust who have since leased the building for over 50 years.

The decision made by the original leaseholder, over half a century ago, to turn Tu Hwnt i’r Bont into a traditional Welsh Tea Rooms has proved to be a success. To this day the recipe for the scones remains true and continues to be a well kept secret!

For visitors to North Wales generally (and the Conwy Valley, Betws-y-Coed in particular), Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is itself, in this idyllic setting, an obvious ‘must see’ tourist attraction; offering as it does, a truly authentic and hugely enjoyable ‘taste’ of North Wales and its culture. - in: https://www.tuhwntirbont.co.uk/

Derby Silk Mill - England

UK's has 31 sites inscribed in the UNESCO WHS list and I'm only missing 2 of those 31 sites. A few days ago Julia sent me this card with the Old Silk Mill in Derby. 

The Derwent Valley Mills are the birthplace of the factory system. It was for this reason that they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.

It was in the Derwent Valley that – thanks to pioneering work by Richard Arkwright, Jedediah Strutt, the Lombe brothers and others – the essential ingredients of factory production were successfully combined. Water Power was applied and successfully used for the first time on a relatively large scale. Not only was silk throwing and cotton spinning revolutionised with dramatic consequences for the British economy, the Arkwright model system also informed and inspired developments in other countries and industries. 

© Millstone Cards

The first stages of the fully mechanised factory were set in motion when the Lombe brothers set up a silk mill in Derby in the early 1720s, based on examples seen in Italy.

The silk throwing machines in this building were based on machines studied by John Lombe in Italy – the designs of these were copied and smuggled to England in an early example of industrial espionage. 

The layout of the mills, with a large number of people in two buildings doing a number of processes, was the prototype for the modern factory and was a model for the later textile mills built for Arkwright and partners 50 years later. - in: http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/derby/visit-the-silk-mill/

The Silk Mill is the southern gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. 

Hertogenbosch's Cathedral - Netherlands

(Sint-Janskathedraal) of 's-Hertogenbosch is the height of gothic architecture in North Brabant, Netherlands

. It has an extensive and richly decorated interior, and serves as the cathedral for the bishopric 's-Hertogenbosch.

The cathedral has a total length of 115 and a width of 62 metres. Its tower reaches 73 metres high.

NL-4160749, sent by Annelies.

In 1985, it received the honorary title of basilica from pope John Paul II.

Its construction is thought to have started in 1220 and was finished in 1340. Around 1340, building began to extend the church, from which its current gothic style came." - in: wikipedia

Linderhof Palace - Germany

Ludwig II of Bavaria architectural and artistic legacy includes many of Bavaria's most important tourist attractions. Ironically, the very castles which were said to be causing the king’s financial ruin have today become extremely profitable tourist attractions for the Bavarian state. 

Linderhof Palace was the only one Ludwig lived to see completed and the one in which he stayed more than anywhere else.

The 1st of these card was sent by Irene, who contacted me via the official PC site and the other two are officials. 

 © Fotoverlag HUBER

 Linderhof Palace occupies the original site of the Königshäuschen hunting lodge which belonged to Ludwig's father, King Maximilian II. In 1874, Ludwig had the Königshäuschen pulled down and moved to its current location. A vestibule and staircase were added to the royal villa, followed by a hall of mirrors and two tapestry chambers. 

 © Fotoverlag HUBER

DE-4694029, sent by Uschi.

Like all other state rooms in the palace, it is decorated in the style of the second rococo era. The original wooden exterior was clad with solid stone, which enabled the building to take on the representative character of French palaces and become the focal point of the estate. 

Copyright Foto Studio Verlag Kienberger

DE-7366631, sent by Sandra.

Linderhof Palace Park is a stunning example of historicist-era landscape gardening. Immediately outside the palace are baroque partitions such as garden and water parterres as well as terraces and cascades arranged in the Italianate Renaissance style. Every year on 24 August fires are lit on the hills surrounding nearby Oberammergau to celebrate the birthday of Bavaria's favourite king. - in: http://www.germany.travel/en/leisure-and-recreation/palaces-parks-gardens/linderhof-palace.html

Holsten Gate, Lübeck - Germany

Holsten Gate is one of the relics of Lübeck's medieval city fortifications and one of two remaining city gates. Known for its two-round towers and arched entrance, it is regarded today as a symbol of the city. Together with the old city centre (Altstadt) of Lübeck it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

The 1st card was sent by Sabine and the 2nd is an official sent by Franzi.

Holsten Gate is one of the most famous sights in Lübeck. When visiting the City of the 7 Spires take a moment to admire its symbol standing at the entrance to the old town.

Beside the Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady in Munich, the Holsten Gate in Lübeck is the most famous German building in the world.

In medieval times, Lübeck was considered to be an important city and owes its thanks to the success of the Lübeck merchants. Holsten Gate became the proud symbol of Lübeck as a free imperial city. 

The city gate was built between 1464 and 1478 along the lines of Dutch models. Its purpose served both as a form of defence and as a form of prestige. Above the round-arched gateway entrance of the twin-towered construction, the inscription CONCORDIA DOMI FORIS PAX (unity at home, peace abroad) can clearly be seen in golden letters. 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

DE-7361938, sent by Franzi. 

Nearly every visitor is astonished by its odd leaning angle and its sunken south tower. But, during the 15th century people weren't quite as knowledgeable on "foundation work" as they are today.  As only the towers are standing on a "gridiron" with the heavy middle tract resting upon them, the towers unevenly subsided into the marshy ground.  In 1863, the Gate looked an appalling sight. With a majority of just one single vote, the city parliament decided to restore the gate and began extensive restoration efforts. It wasn't until 70 years later that the subsidence could be stopped. Most recent renovations were carried out between 2004 and 2006. Here, the slate roof, terracotta frieze and parts of the brickwork were replaced. 

Be sure to take a look inside the monument, too: There are many interesting facts to learn inside the Holsten Gate Museum, for example, »The Power of Trade«. Historic ship models, suits of armour, weapons, legal instruments and merchandise give a brief glimpse into the time of the Hanseatic League. - in: http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/discover/sights/holsten-gate.html

Murça's Roman Road and Bridge - Portugal

I believe this is my 1st and only card from Murça, a town in northern Portugal. Inês sent it as a prize for winning one of her lotteries. 

There are numerous vestiges left by the presence of Roman civilization in the present Portuguese territory, of which the county of Murça was no exception.

The Roman Bridge, on the Tinhela River, was the only way of connection in the county in Roman times, through which may have  passed some legions of Roman troops, people who dominated the Iberian Peninsula after defeating the Lusitanians .

Even nowadays, about two decades ago, people from the towns of Vale de Cunho, Pópulo and Cadaval, used the road and bridge to go on foot to the county seat, namely to go to the fair or to pick olives. 

This bridge, still maintains today some stretches of Roman sidewalk, that in brief stretches, is still original. It is believed that this Roman road made the connection to Chaves, Braga and other regions of Iberia.