Bogolyubovo - Russia

Bogolyubovo is one of the Golden Ring cities. "These ancient towns, which also played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church, preserve the memory of the most important and significant events in Russian history. - in: wikipedia

Bogolyubovo can be translated as 'God-loving'. It is famous for its UNESCO-protected monastery and  Intercession Church on the Nerl which is considered a masterpiece of Russian church architecture.

 Despite its small-scale and the simplicity of its structure, the Intercession Church on the Nerl is one of the most famous churches in Russia and is often used to represent the very image of Russia churches.  The church was built during the reign of Grand Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky of Vladimir, although the exact date is not known.  Some historians believe it dates from 1158 and the founding of Bogolyubovo itself while others believe that it was built around 1165 based on information contained in the hagiography of Andrey Bogolyubsky which states that the church was built in memory of Andrey's son Izyaslav Andreevich, who died in 1165.

RU-7676329, sent by Alla. 

In 1992 the church was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal.  Today the church is shared between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve. - in: https://rusmania.com

Glasgow - Scotland

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, situated on the River Clyde.  Transformed from an industrial city to Scotland's cultural center, the city is well known for its stunning architecture, unique neighbourhoods,  excellent museums, art galleries, concert venues, and festivals. 

A city on my list next time I visit Scotland. 

© Copyright Allan Wright Photography

A card sent by Adam with some night views of the city. I can't identify the 1st image but the others are Tolbooth Steeple at Glasgow Cross, Mitchell Library and the Gallery of Modern Art. 

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle - France

My last time in France was in 2013 and it's probably time to go back. There are many regions to discover there but next time I'd like to go to Alsace. In addition to Strasbourg, Colmar and cute towns, I'd also like to visit this castle. UNESCO and castle sites are a must in every trip and cards collection. These were sent by Valérie, João and Joana.

"Perched at a height of almost 800 m, this famous mediaeval fortress looks down majestically across the Alsatian plain. From the top of its towers, the castle offers an unbeatable view across the Vosges, the Rhine, the Black Forest and even across the Alps.

Images & Reportages

No introduction is really needed for the Haut-Koenigsbourg, which is one of France's most widely visited monuments attracting 600,000 visitors per year. The castle occupied a strategic position when it was built back in the 12th century. Its purpose was to protect the wine and wheat routes to the north, and the silver and salt routes running from west to east.

It was reduced to rubble by the Swedes during the 30 War and abandoned. In 1899, Kaiser Wilhelm II decided to have the castle fully rebuilt with the aim of making this a museum and a symbol of Alsace's return to Germany. Although built relatively recently, the castle has remained true to the spirit of mediaeval architecture. Inside the building, the sheer refinement of the rooms is extremely impressive, with their wall paintings, Renaissance furniture and enormous cast iron stoves. A collection of mediaeval weapons is located in the basement including crossbows, swords and armour of all kinds." - in: http://www.tourisme-alsace.com/en/castles-alsace/castles-alsace-haut-koenigsbourg-.html

Roque Nublo - Gran Canaria

Last year UNESCO has declared Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria a World Heritage Site. It is Gran Canaria's first World Heritage Site. 

This is not my 1st card from this Spanish site but is the 1st I'm posting here. It was sent by my penpal Anna-Maria who visited the island last month. 

Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape encompasses a huge central mountainous area on Gran Canaria island, sheltered by the Caldera de Tejeda, and formed of cliffs and ravines, in an area of exceptional biodiversity. The property contains a set of manifestations, which are primarily archaeological, of an extinct insular culture that seems to have evolved in total isolation, from the arrival of the first Berbers from North Africa, probably at the beginning of our era, until the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. - in: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1578/

© EDICIONES A. M. * Fotografia: A. Murillo

Roque Nublo is one of the most representatives icons from the Canary Islands and, of course, from Gran Canaria. It is located in the municipality of Tejeda and it is the second highest place from the island with 1.813 meters high above sea level. Moreover, the Roque Nublo and its surroundings were declared Special Natural Area in 1987. - in: https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en

Ana in Portugal

After many years chatting in the Postcrossing forum and exchanging cards, I finally got to meet Ana!!  We met last month in Porto and had a great time together. Meeting (most) postcrossers feels like meeting new old friends, if that makes any sense. New old friends because even if we meet for the 1st time, it is never strange or unconfortable, it is like meeting someone we know for years. I think I've said it before but I'll say it again, postcards bring people together and this is one of the reasons why Postcrossing is such a great hobby. 

What postcrossers do together? Buy, write and send cards. I've sent myself a card from Portugal with the beautiful D. Luís Bridge. Ana signed it too, of course. After Porto, Ana traveled to Lisbon and this week, I've got a card she sent me from there. 

© Layout & design: Editorial Fisa Escudo de Oro S. A. 

Bridge projected over the amazing Douro river by a disciple and co-worker of Gustave Eiffel: the Engineer Teófilo Seyring, in the end of the 19th century. 

This is a representative example of the architecture and Iron techniques. 

The D. Luís Bridge, that links Oporto to Vila Nova de Gaia, is composed by two metallic roadways supported by a big iron arch and five pillars. - in: https://www.guiadacidade.pt

Forways, Lda

Lisbon's central park ascends one of the city's hills and provides a wonderful view from the top. It's made up of symmetrical box hedging and a variety of plants, most of them found inside glasshouses from the 1930s (the cool greenhouse and the heated greenhouse), which are filled with exotic species from tropical climates. This is one of the most important green spaces in Lisbon, considered an authentic living museum, with its small lakes and waterfalls, statuary, and hundreds of species of plants. On the opposite side is an attractive tile-covered building dedicated to Carlos Lopes (marathon winner at the Olympics in Los Angeles), which will soon be renovated to host cultural and sporting events. 

Every June the park hosts the city's annual book fair, lasting for several days.

The name is a tribute to the English monarch Edward VII, who visited Lisbon in 1903, five centuries after the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance. 

At the top of the park is a lookout with a huge 20-meter-long Portuguese flag, and a monument to 1974's April 25th Carnations Revolution, inaugurated in 1997. - in: https://www.lisbonlux.com

PT RR - Group 143 * Surprise January '20

The surprise cards of this month from the portuguese RR are already here. This was super fast but never a surprise group was so small, only 4 this month, so I only sent and received three cards. These are the cards sent by Rui, Tiago and Óscar. 

Postais de Setúbal

The Forte de Sao Filipe stands high above Setúbal and is one of the most notable landmarks of the region. 

The fort was built on the orders of Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal), in the  14th century, and was constructed to provide protection to the fishing port from raiding pirates from North Africa. 

 It was classified as a National Monument in 1933. Conservation work was undertaken in the 1940s and in 1962 parts were converted to a hotel, which opened in 1965. 

© GRAFIPOST - Editores e Artes Gráficas, Lda

Although Roman and Moorish fortifications are admitted to the site, it is most likely that Soure Castle was built in the 11th century. It belonged to the orders of the Templars (who had their headquarters here) and of Christ.

The architecture is medieval, Romanesque, with Gothic and Manueline influences. It is a simple and small castle, where the remains of the alcove remain, defined by four towers at the angles, a Suevo-Visigothic door and a Mozarabic window.

© GRAFIPOST - Editores e Artes Gráficas, Lda

Óscar says that the old Main Church of Vila Nova de Famalicão is not that special, but prettier than the new church. I don't know how the new church looks like but for me new churches, most of times, are not interresting, so, I trully believe that Óscar is right and this church from the 17th / 18th century, is prettier than the new one. 

PT RR - Group 142 * Surprise December '19

Last cards of the Portuguese RR in 2019. 

Editions RENE

I'm not sure but this must be the tower of St. Michael's Basilica. If not, Joana may correct me.

The Basilica of St. Michael is a Flamboyant Gothic church in Bordeaux, built between the end of 14th century and the 16th century. The separate bell tower, which is 114 meters tall, was built in the 15th century. - in: wikipedia

© OVET

I have never been to Paris, have no plans to go there soon but when I finally decide to visit the french capital, I want to see Sacré Coeur. I feel like sitting on those stairs and eat an ice cream or maybe a baguette !! The postcard was sent by Paulo.

The Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre, known in French as the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, is one of the most important religious buildings in Paris. Situated on the top of Montmartre, a 427 ft (130 m) hill, it offers an incredible view of the city.

Designed by Paul Abadie, the construction of the church began in 1875 and was completed in 1914. It was consecrated as a basilica five years later, on 16 October, 1919. - in: https://www.introducingparis.com

Nunes Almeida Editores

I've been several times to Lamego but I've never seen this chapel, maybe because it isn't located in city center. I'll ask Ana Rita to show it to me next time I visit the city. 

St. Peter of Balsemão Chapel is claimed to be the oldest church in Portugal. 

Believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Visigoths before the arrival of the Moors, its appearance has been much modified. The church contains the 15th century statue in Ançã stone of Senhora do Ó (the pregnant Virgin Mary) and the 14th century tomb of Bishop Afonso Pires of Oporto. Alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries incorporated the church into the country house of the Viscounts of Balsemão. - in:  http://www.aportugalattraction.com/portugal-attractions/chapel-of-st-peter-of-balsemo.htm

Fotos: Antº Macedo; David de Abreu; Carlos Reveles; Izhar Perlman; Sergi Zelman; Sérgio Duarte; Vera Sanches * © 2017 - Ed. 19 de Abril: 157

Last year Rui sent me this same postcard, well, not exactly the same because the calendar of the year is different. But the images are the same and the initials of the weekdays are still in English. Why?!!