Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - June' 20

June's MFS cards are from Russia, Sweden and Germany.

Tanya from Belarus sent me this card of the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery in Russia. 

The five-domed Church of John the Baptist's Nativity (1693–1699) was commissioned by the Stroganovs and built over one of the gates. 

Also from Russia and also a UNESCO site, Anna sent this card of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, the main temple of the city. It was erected during the reign Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1158. 

For a long time the temple was the main church of Vladimir principality and was best suited for majestic crowning ceremonies of the princes as both the exterior and interior were richly decorated in gold.

Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir is also known for its icon of Vladimir Mother of God. In 1408, the icon was moved to Moscow; now it is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery.

The cathedral serves as a burial place for Vladimir’s princes.

In 1927, the Communists closed the Cathedral for religious services. However, in 1944, the services were resumed as part of Stalin’s effort to enlist the Orthodox Church’s support for the war against the Nazis. - in: https://www.russiaeguide.com

© Jeppe Wikström

Sunrise over the Royal Palace in Stockholm, sent by Iris.

Stockholm's Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden.

This combination of royal residence, workplace and culture-historical monument open year round to visitors makes the Royal Palace of Stockholm unique amongst Europe's royal residences.

The palace is built in baroque style by the architect Nicodemus Tessin and is formed as a Roman palace. The palace has more than 600 rooms divided between eleven floors with a state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard.

The palace contains many interesting things to see. In addition to the Royal Apartments there are three museums steeped in regal history: the Treasury with the regalia, the Tre Kronor Museum that portrays the palaces medieval history and Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities. - in: https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english

© concept by Postcardsmarket.com

Germany has an area of 357.168 km², a population of 81.459.000 and its capital is Berlin.

Unique:

* Goseck Circle - The oldest sun observatory currently known in Europe, 7000 years ago:

* Half-Timbered Houses - 2.5 million, the highest number of any country worldwide;

Famous:

* The German Autobahn - The oldest motorway network in the world and the only one with no speed limit;

* Punctuality - germans are extremely punctual and even a few minutes delay can offend;

History;

* the Mauer Mandible - Shows that ancient humans were present in Germany 6000.000 years ago;

* Reunification - The fall of Berlin Wall, 3 October 1990, began in the evening of 9 November 1989.

New Flag of the World sent by Katja.