Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle - Ukraine

I've swapped 37 cards with Andrzej, I think, and the country I picked more cards from, was Ukraine!! Castles and churches, the country has some beautiful ones worth to visit. I know I'd love to visit Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle. 

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is a former Ruthenian-Lithuanian castle and a later three-part Polish fortress located in the historic city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, in the historic region of Podolia in the western part of the country.

Historical accounts date the Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle to the early 14th century, although recent archaeological evidence has proved human existence in the area back to the 12th or 13th century. Initially built to protect the bridge connecting the city with the mainland, the castle sits on top of a peninsula carved out by the winding Smotrych River, forming a natural defense system for Kamianets-Podilskyi's historic Old Town neighborhood.

Oleg Zharii

Its location on a strategic transport crossroad in Podolia and made the castle a prime target for foreign invaders, who rebuilt the castle to suit their own needs, adding to its multicultural architectural diversity. Specifically, the complex consists of the Old Town fortified by King Casimir IV, the Old Castle rebuilt by Kings Sigismund I and Stephen Báthory, and the New Castle founded by Kings Sigismund III and Władysław IV. However, in spite of the many architectural and engineering changes to the original structure, the castle still forms a coherent architectural design, being one of the few medieval constructions in Ukraine that is relatively well preserved.

Along with the Old Town neighborhood, the castle is listed as part of the National Historical-Architectural Sanctuary "Kam'ianets" and the National Environmental Park "Podilski Tovtry". The complex is a candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site, nominated in 1989 by the Ukrainian representatives, and also one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.

Today, the Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is the most recognized landmark of the city, serving as an important regional and national tourist attraction. - in: wikipedia

Corvin Castle - Romania

I've been thinking about a trip to Romania, there are many places there that I'd like to visit. This castle is definitely one of them. Look how beautiful it is!! 

Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle is a Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara, Romania. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and one of the Seven Wonders of Romania. I can see why.

The most spectacular Gothic-style castle in Romania, Corvin was built by the Anjou family on the site of a former Roman camp. The castle served as a fortress until the mid-14th century when it became the residence of Transylvania's voivode, Iancu de Hunedoara (Ioannes Corvinus in Latin, Hunyadi in Hungarian).

Iancu upgraded the fortress transforming it into a stunning Transylvania castle.

The castle's courtyard features a 100-ft. well dug into stone, in the 15th Century.

Legend says that the well was dug by three Turkish prisoners who were promised freedom when job was done.

It took them 15 years and 28 days to reach water. - in: http://romaniatourism.com/castles-fortresses-romania-corvin-castle-hunedoara.html

Herzegovina - Bosnia & Herzegovina

Too make it shorter, we often call Bosnia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In fact Bosnia is a geographical and historical region of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Herzegovina is another region. This postcard is from Herzegovina, in the south of the country.

All these monuments and places can be visited in Herzegovina. 

In Radimlja we can find stećci, monumental medieval tombstones that lie scattered across Bosnia and Herzegovina and also in the border parts of Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. Last July, some of this tombs were classified as World Heritage.

Počitelj is a small historical town located below the high cliffs above Neretva river, dominated by the medieval defense fortress.

In the pictures below, the Mostar bridge is immediately recognizable. I'll go there one day.

Hutovo Blato is a nature and bird reserve.

On the last picture there's Međugorje Sanctuary. Only a few days ago, reading a book by José Rodrigues dos Santos, a portuguese reporter and author, I've learned of the existence of this sanctuary. Međugorje is a famous place of pilgrimage because of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to 6 children in 1981. 

Budapest's Great Synagogue - Hungary

I really, really want to visit Budapest, I just need someone to go with me. Any candidates? 

There are many interresting attractions in Budapest, one of them is the Great Synagogue in Dohány Street (also known as Dohány Street Synagogue). This is the largest Synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. 

Foto: Simon László

It was built between 1854 and 1859 in Moorish Revival or Neo-Moorish style, in the wake of Romanticism. Originally, there was a residential block next to the synagogue. In fact, Theodor Herzl, founder of the Zionist movement, was born in one of the houses located there. This site is now part of the complex and home to the Jewish Museum.

During the inter-war years, anti-Semitism grew quickly in Hungary. A series of anti-Jewish policies were passed, and fascist groups like the Arrow Cross Party started to attract more followers. Hungary became an ally of Germany and the Arrow Cross Party damaged the Synagogue in 1939. During World War II, the Great Synagogue served as a stable and as a radio communication center for the Germans. Today, the compound serves as the main center for the Jewish community.

The buildings and the courtyards of the Synagogue include the Jewish Museum, the Heroes' Temple, the Jewish Cemetery and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. - in: http://visitbudapest.travel/guide/budapest-attractions/great-synagogue/

Levoča - Slovakia

Here it comes another card from Slovakia, this one sent by Andrzej. The historic town of Levoča together with the Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments, is an UNESCO site since 2009. 

The historic town Levoča, situated in the east of the Spiš region, is a true cultural and historic jewel among the Slovak towns as it possesses a great number of architectural monuments linked with the glorious past of the town.

The Spiš town of Levoča (population 14,500) situated in the east of Slovakia below the mountain range Levočské vrchy, because of its rich history, is one of the most visited by tourist in the country.

Foto © Ladislav Jirousek

The dominant part of the old Levoča is the large rectangular square, with the Roman-Catholic St. James church from the 14th century, which is one of the most important sacral buildings in Slovakia. 

The church neighbours with the arcaded building of the former Town Hall which was built after the fire in 1550 and is one of the finest buildings of secular Renaissance architecture in Slovakia. - in: http://slovakia.travel/en/levoca

Bratislava - Slovakia

I was in Bratislava in September 2014, Ara was there last month. The city may not dazzle like the neighboring countries capitals but it is still worth the visit.

Bratislava is easily accessible. The city is safe, friendly, hassle-free and it’s all there. History, architecture, tradition, culture, art, drinks, food and nightlife.

The city walls and the wonderful St. Michael’s Gate remind visitors that town fortifications were essential in the 1300s. The architecture ranges from gothic to Renaissance, baroque, rococo to neo-classic and empire. The coronation route of Hungarian Kings is marked out in plaques with gilded crowns hammered into the cobblestones. Visitors seeking the inside story need only take the tour through the Old Town Hall, including its climb to the top of the bell tower and the castle, which  Maria Theresa used as her favourite residence.

Several parts of the city were changed during socialism and for those curious about what happened during the 40-year communist era, Bratislava offers a chance to get beyond the generalisations. There is abundant evidence of the boldness of the communism experiment, the remarkable housing project at Petržalka, the concrete bunkers dotting the border between Austria and Slovakia, the striking UFO bridge, the memorials to the fallen soldiers who liberated Bratislava from the Nazis, as well as the memorial to those who lost their lives attempting to flee across the Iron Curtain in Devín where another castle is located. While the castle is largely unreconstructed, there are some historical exhibits to help the visitors appreciate its story. - in: https://www.visitbratislava.com/about/come/

Prague's Old Town Square

Happy 2017. May the new year bring us many postcards and forget about new stamp prices and mail services strikes.

I have already said that I have only sent and received 59 official postcards but the number is much more higher adding all the other postcards. I sent 392 and received 419 postcards. Will these numbers increase in 2017? Lets wait and see.

During 2016 Vitoria sent me some postcards, the last one came from Prague. Today I'm posting her postcard together with another one that a friend brought me from there a few years ago.

Foto: Milan Kincl

The Old Town Square is one of two main squares in Prague (Wenceslas Square is the other, just 5 minutes walk away).

With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, this is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe.

The Old Town Square dates from the 12th century and started life as the central marketplace for Prague. Over the centuries buildings of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market, each bringing with them stories of wealthy merchants and political intrigue.

The most notable sights on the square are the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and St. Nicholas Church.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the Old Town Square, sit back and soak up the atmosphere over a coffee or a cool beer at one of the pavement cafés lining the square. Or climb the Old Town Hall Tower for a stunning view over the square. - in: https://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=594