Tejera Negra Beech Forest - Spain

 It wasn't easy, it took me some time but I finally have cards from all the Spanish UNESCO sites. I was only missing one from the beech forests and a few weeks ago I received this one, sent by Jordi, from Tejera Negra, a forest in Castilla-La Mancha.

 

The beech trees of Tejera Negra became established in ancient times when the climate was colder and wetter. These trees now find refuge in shady valleys and on northern slopes, with fog, wind, rain and hardly any sun.

 

The Tejera Negra beech forest is one of the southernmost on the continent. It has been awarded the World Heritage designation by UNESCO in 20017.
This unique forest is delimited by the Lillas and Zarzas rivers. The microclimate and isolation of this location have enabled the preservation of the beech groves that give it its name. There are other protected species here in addition to the beech trees, including yew, holly, birch, oak, hazel and pine. The undergrowth consists of heather, broom and thickets. The most iconic fauna of the Tejera Negra beech forest are daytime birds of prey such as golden eagles, red kites and goshawks. Roe deer, foxes, wild cats, martens, badgers, weasels, wild boar and nocturnal birds of prey, such as tawny owls, long-eared owls and little owls, abound. - in: https://www.spain.info

El Puerto de Santa María - Spain

 This a Spanish card but it was signed and sent during the 17th Portuguese Postcrossing Meeting. Vitória knew that a castle card would make me happy. 

El Puerto de Santa María locally known as El Puerto, is located on the banks of the Guadalete River in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia.

 

The castle was erected as a fortified church by King Alfonso X of Castile. It was built on the site of a mosque of which the wall of the qibla survives.

Already in the Modern Era, with the city in the hands of the nobiliary house of Medinaceli, is when another of the great reforms in the building takes place. Specifically during the dukedom of Luis de la Cerda (1479-1501) works were carried out such as the exterior wall or the sacristy of the church; coinciding with a period of splendor for the city of El Puerto due to the discovery and conquest of the American continent.
The Castle of San Marcos was key to this historical event, possibly housing such important personalities as Alonso de Ojeda, discoverer of the mouth of the Amazon River; Juan de la Cosa, who reflected the silhouette of the New Continent for the first time on a map made in the year 1500 or Christopher Columbus himself. - in: https://castillodesanmarcos.com

Tibães Monastery - Portugal

 I've been to Braga several times but I've never visited this monastery, which is situated a few kms from the city. It will be on my list next time I visit the city.

This card was also sent by Óscar.

Founded at the end of the 11th century, the São Martinho de Tibães Benedictine Monastery was granted a Charter in 1110 by Count D. Henrique and Count D. Teresa, the parents of D. Afonso Henriques, who would become the first king of Portugal.

 

Fotografia: Luís Ferreira Alves

Silence, obedience, poverty, prayer and work were part of the Benedictine Order followed by the monks. The Monastery grew in privileges and power until the 14th century and was chosen after the Council of Trent, in 1567, to be the house of Congregation of São Bento dos Reinos de Portugal. 

It reached its maximum splendour in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was transformed into one of the largest monastic collections of Portuguese Baroque. 

The São Martinho de Tibães Monastery, consisting of the church, convent wings and the outer space enclosed by the cloistered enclosure, closed in 1834, the date that marked the extinction of Religious Orders in Portugal. With practically all the property and the building sold in public auction, in 1986 the Portuguese State began its study and restoration.

Today it is possible to see and feel the spaces and their history, in a “Monument-Museum" and in a Historical Garden that extends over some 40 hectares, right up to the fence. In this space, the Benedictine monks sought subsistence, but also a place for meditation, leisure and experimentation. - in: https://bilheteira.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt

Amarante - Portugal

I feel like visiting Amarante again. I've only been there twice. The first was many, many years ago during the Festas de São Gonçalo and I only remember the fireworks and eating cotton candy; the second was also some time ago and was precisely during the works at the Church of São Gonçalo. Photos and cranes don't mix. I want to go back to take pictures without cranes and scaffolding and I also want to go hiking there.

Fotografia: José Carvalho

PT-818230, sent by Sandra.

The green landscapes that surround the city, the São Gonçalo Bridge that unites the banks of the Tâmega with perfection and history, the Convento de S. Gonçalo imposingly located, are some of the hallmarks of a romantic, charming and welcoming setting that tourists greatly appreciate and photograph. 

The banks of the Tâmega River, in Amarante, are a unique experience. Here you can see the city perfectly reflected in a water mirror that even inspired the creation of the city's brand.  - in: https://amarantetourism.com

© Forways

One of the most iconic landmarks of the city is the Church of São Gonçalo. Built in 1540 at the behest of D. João III, the church was built in the place where it is believed that São Gonçalo was buried. In order for the altar to be above the saint's tomb, the church was built contrary to what is normal – the main entrance is on the side. The interior of the church was made in the Baroque style, and during the French Invasions it was the shelter of these troops, who pillaged and destroyed it. There are still those who say that everything burned, except the church. The effects of the French can also be seen outside, thanks to the marks from cannonballs on the walls.

This card was sent by Óscar in.... 2012!!

17th Postcrossing Meeting - Portugal

 On May 25th the 17th Portuguese Postcrossing Meeting took place in Ílhavo, where participants were able to visit the Vista Alegre Museum. Vista Alegre is a luxury Portuguese porcelain manufacturer, that celebrates 200 years this year. CTT, the Portuguese mail services, issued 4 commemorative stamps to mark this celebration. Miguel used one of those stamps on this postcard.

 

postcrossing logo is a registered trademark

Founded in 1824, the Vista Alegre Porcelain Factory was the first industrial unit dedicated to producing porcelain in Portugal. The persistence of its founder, José Ferreira Pinto Basto, was instrumental to the launch and success of this daring enterprise. A landowner, audacious merchant and distinguished figure in Portuguese society at the time, José Ferreira Pinto Basto wisely adopted the liberal ideas of the 19th century, having become “the first example of free initiative” in Portugal.
Over its long history, the Vista Alegre brand, which has always been intimately associated with Portuguese history and culture, has achieved unparalleled recognition and visibility. Public recognition, perceived quality and the company’s investment in innovation and design have turned Vista Alegre into one of the very few Portuguese luxury brands to achieve iconic status on a worldwide level. - in: https://casaalegre.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * April 24

A pause on the UNESCO sites to post April's cards of the Monthly Fav. RR. I'm only posting 3 cards but I actually received 4. Marei sent me a card of the Wies Church in Germany that she had already sent in November 22.

 

Michelle says that Postcrossing brings everyone from arould the world together and it's like sending a smile though the mailbox. I coudn't agree more.

www.postcardsmarket.com

 

I really like these FOTW cards but not all the information written on them is correct, as Beatrice pointed out. On this card is said that Singapore gained independence from the British Empire on August 9 of 1965 but it was actually from Malaysia. 

Singapore has an area of 719.1 km², a population of 5.610.000 and its capital is Singapore.
Unique:
* Sarong Kebaya - Uniform for all flight stweardess of Singapore Airlines;  
* Singlish - Singapore has a colloquial form of English, known as Singlish. Words such as "kiasu", "sabo" and "shick", are added to the Oxford English Dictionary;  
Famous:  
* Changi Airport - The airport has won over 500 awars since 1981, including 28 "Best Airport" awars in just 2015 alone;
* The Merlion - A mythical creature with a lion's head and the body of a fish;
History:

* Established - In 1299 as the Kingdom of Singapura (according to the Malay Annals).

 Hotokegaura is a natural rock formation on the west coast of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Facing the Tsugaru Straits, it has been carved out by the rough waves and harsh weather conditions associated with the body of water. The site consists of a series of green and white volcanic tuff spanning some two kilometers and includes bluffs up to 90 meters in height.
Surrounded by green trees and the deep blue sea, the scene brings to mind a gathering of the Rakan, the Buddha’s disciples. Many of the gigantic rocks have been named for aspects of Buddhism and the formation as a whole has come to be called Hotokegaura, or “Buddha inlet.” - in: https://www.nippon.com

Card sent by Tomoko. 

Lakes of Ounianga - Chad

Not so long ago I've received my very 1st card from Chad, which was from a UNESCO site. Last month I've received a second one, also from a WHS and also sent by Svenja. 

Lakes of Ounianga and Ennedi Massif are the only UNESCO sites of this African country.

Getty Images / Michael Runkel

The Lakes of Ounianga are found in the heart of the Sahara Desert, in an area of northern Chad that receives no more than 2mm of rain annually. They depend on an underground supply of ‘fossil’ water that fell on the area in ancient times when the Saharan climate was much wetter than it is today.  The lakes are situated in a shallow basin below sandstone cliffs and hills, from where the ancient water flows.  Remarkably, this unique hydrological system is able to sustain the largest permanent freshwater lakes to be found in such an arid desert environment anywhere in the world.

There are 18 lakes altogether, in two groups about 40 km apart.  They vary greatly in chemical composition, some being so salty that they can only support the most basic forms of life, while others are fresh enough to provide habitat for aquatic plants, fish and a diversity of other species. - in: https://www.africanworldheritagesites.org

Hampi - India

 These are also cards from a UNESCO site but I already deleted it from my missing list a few years ago. Both these cards were sent from Germany and they're from India. I got my 1st card from Hampi thanks to Claus and the 2nd card arrived a few days ago as an official. 

  Hampi in Karnataka is a historical and religious site noted for its ancient ruins and temples. The place used to be the capital of the Vijayanagara dynasty, that ruled the south India during 14th to 16th century AD.

 

Spread over an area more than 25 square kilometers (10 square miles), Hampi ruins is packed with giant temples, palaces, market streets, aquatic structures , fortifications and an abundance of other ancient monuments.

Photo: V. B. Anand

DE-14223014, sent by Reiner.

Vittala temple complex is dedicated to Vittala, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu is an architectural highlight of Hampi.
This temple campus contains many halls and shrines. The halls are noted for its extraordinary pillars with the animated carvings on it. A set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars,’ resonates when tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved out of stone stands in front of the main temple. - in: https://hampi.in

Dubravka - Croatia

 This card from Croatia was one of the 4 much desired cards from UNESCO missing sites that I mentioned in the previous post and now I also have all the UNESCO sites from Croatia. 

The card was sent by Nikola.

 

The site of St. Barbara is located in the village of Dubravka, in the northeast part of the Konavle region, where Croatia shares borders with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the area of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, there are 115 sites with stećci, out of which 24 are found in Konavle. The most famous among them is the site of St. Barbara in Dubravka, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016, together with 27 other sites in Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. 

 

Apart from the graveyard with stećci, the site includes the church of sv. Barbara built in 1889 at the site of an older church.
The necropolis has 104 stećak tombstones. Two types of stećci dominate: chests and slabs. Ornaments include motifs of stylized vines, rosettes and crosses, bow and arrow, arm and hand. No inscriptions were recorded.
The site has been developing almost continually since prehistoric times. It is a complex archaeological site with several development stages. - in: https://www.stecciwh.org