The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta - Indonesia

 As I'm writings this post, the UNESCO comittee is chosing this year's new sites. I checked the new inscribed properties, 13 so far, this morning and I've 2 of them. There's still more to come and hopefully, one will be the portuguese candidate. Fingers crossed.

And speaking of new sites, three years ago, Indonesia inscribed the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta on the WHS list. I've all the Indonesian sites now (again). 

 

The central axis of Yogyakarta was established in the 18th century by Sultan Mangkubumi, and has continued from that time as a centre of government and Javanese cultural traditions. The six kilometre north-south axis is positioned to link Mount Merapi and the Indian Ocean, with the Kraton (palace) at its centre, and key cultural monuments lining the axis to the north and south that are connected through rituals. It embodies key beliefs about the cosmos in Javanese culture, including the marking of the cycles of life. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

 

Tugu Jogja, is more than just a landmark. It stands at the center of a symbolic line connecting the majestic Mount Merapi, the Yogyakarta Kraton (Royal Palace), and the mystical South Sea. This monument is a testament to the city's spirit, resilience, and deep-rooted Javanese philosophy, witnessing centuries of history unfold around it. 

Initially, the monument was named Tugu Golong Gilig. Built by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1755, it had a cylindrical pole ("gilig") with a sphere ("golong") on top. It symbolized the unity of the people and the ruler ("Manunggaling Kawula Gusti") and served as a focal point for the Sultan's meditation, aligning the palace with the peak of Mount Merapi. 

The original monument collapsed during a massive earthquake in 1867. The Dutch colonial government rebuilt it in 1889, but with a significant change in design. The new square structure with a golden spire, named De Witte Paal (The White Pole) or Tugu Pal Putih, intentionally disrupted the original philosophical meaning, altering the sacred axis. - in: https://tugujogja.com/

GR-112432

 Almost 20 years of postcrossing and only 3 officials from Greece. I loved that Faye wrote so much on such a limited space. In a few sentences, she told me everything I needed to know about the Heptapyrgion or Yedi Kule, the Castle of Thessaloniki, located in the Old Town.

 

GR-112432, sent by Faye.

The fortress of Heptapyrgion is one of the best well-preserved fortification monuments in Greece, a symbol of the power of the city of Thessaloniki, but also a site with a heavy historical impact due to its use as a prison in recent years.

The fortress has towered over the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, for over 1,000 years. It was first constructed during the Byzantine era (330 AD to 1453 AD), although this most recent version was rebuilt by the Ottomans after they conquered the city in the 1400s.
After the Ottoman invasion, Heptapyrgion remained a prominent point within Thessaloniki’s acropolis. It was under the military’s control, becoming the residence for the city’s military advisor and a garrison for about 300 troops. But by the 19th century, the military’s interest in the fort had dwindled. It was soon converted into a prison.
To the Greeks, Heptapyrgion is haunted by memories of turbulent periods within their recent history. The fortress held political prisoners during troubled times like the fascist dictatorship of 1936, the years of Nazi occupation and the civil war that followed it, and the seven year-long military junta that began in 1967. Those interned there faced harsh conditions. Torture was common, and hundreds of inmates were executed at an infamous spot not far from the fortress. - in: https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr

 

Happy Postcrossing from Finland

 A few weeks ago I won a lottery on IG, hosted by Päivi, and one of the prizes was this card, a new one in my Happy Postcrossing collection.

 

www.papersisters.de

Finland, the country of the lakes, Santa Claus, saunas and if you're lucky, you might see the northern lights. The country is home to a few dear friends and it was in the summer cottage of one of them, that I tried the karelian pie. 

Mulhouse - France

 This is not my 1st card from Mulhouse but I don't know much about the city. Heidi has been to the city to play in a tournament, last June. I don't know if she had enough time to explore the city but she had time to send a few cards.

Mulhouse is a lively Alsatian town with a flourishing industrial and textile past: it boasts a beautiful historical centre and a number of museums second only to Paris.

 

Mulhouse in Alsace is often associated with the image of a grey industrial city due to its manufacturing and commercial importance. Instead, the city offers its visitors a beautiful historical centre full of old frescoed buildings, a series of magnificent museums, a street art itinerary and a lively and expressive cultural scene that sets it apart from other Alsatian cities. In addition, Mulhouse can be considered the ideal starting point for exploring the region: many even choose it as a base for visiting Alsace, thanks to its proximity to the main attractions in the area, its wide choice of cheap accommodation and its proximity to the airport. - in: https://www.franceguide.info

Poitiers - France

Poitiers is the capital of the Vienne department and also of the Poitou-Charentes region, in west-central France.  The centre of town is picturesque and its streets include predominant historical architecture, especially religious architecture and especially from the Romanesque period. 

In the heart of the cobbled streets of the city, is a true gem of Romanesque art: Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church.

 

Photo: Sénalf

Poitiers was a quick stop during a road trip all the way from the Netherlands to Portugal. Óscar only had time to have a coffee in front of this beautiful.

 Mentioned as early as the 10th centuryNotre-Dame-la-Grande was completely rebuilt in the 11th century and then consecrated in 1086 by the future Pope Urban II.
At the beginning of the 12th century, the building was enlarged and the famous facade carved takes shape. Since then, the church has survived the centuries, resisted conflicts and urban transformations, and has been beautified thanks to successive restorations. - in: https://www.visitpoitiers.fr

 

Cliché: Pierre Morisan

On this card sent by Damien is possible to see a detail of the west facade of the church.

When you approach the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the striking facade instantly catches your eye.
Carved in the XIIrd century, the facade reads like a picture book: The frieze above the arches of the portals illustrates the story of the Bible from the original sin with Adam and Eve, until the birth of Jesus. - in: https://www.tourisme-vienne.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * April '26

I was still missing one card to have the 4 cards of  the MFS April, and it finally arrived in June.

 

 Tanya always sends me churches. I've quite a few church cards from Belarus in my favs but I've never seen this one before.

The catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist is located in the village of Mscibava. It stands as a prominent architectural landmark in the village, which boasts a rich, centuries-old local history dating back to the Middle Ages.

www.papersisters.de

Ni Hao! Happy Postcrossing from China, even thought Karissa sent the card from USA. That's really not important, this is a new HP in my collection. 

About 1,4 billion people call the Peoples Republic of China home. The combination of a long history and traditions and a very modern presence makes it an exciting place to discover. The Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and iconic Giant Panda are just some ambassadors. Chinese New Year celebrations continue for days and are held all over the world. 2026 marks the Year of the Horse.

I believe that my very 1st card of China was a card of this lake, Erhai. Xinyi said it is a UNESCO site but it actually is part of the Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, which in turn is on the UNESCO Tentative list.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Plateau,’Erhai Lake is the second largest lake in Yunnan Province and the seventh biggest freshwater lake in China, by area and water storage. Formed in a rift depression, Erhai Lake has been known since ancient times as the "flawless jade among mountains" due to the color and clarity of its waters.
Stretching 42 kilometres from north to south and 3.9 kilometres from east to west, it covers an area of more than 250 square kilometres, with the deepest point reaching 21.5 metres.
In Dali, locals regard Erhai Lake as their ‘mother lake.’ Hence why it is so important in the region and an unmissable tourism spot. - in: https://www.visityunnanchina.com

 

I'm more likely to find myself on a beach taking sunset photos than lying on the sand sunbathing. 

If beaches are your weakness then Malaysia should sit right at the top of your vacation wish list. Malaysia’s east coast is a great destination for getting a dose of reliable, relaxing sun, sand and sea. This corner of the country, separated from the frenetic trading ports of the south and west by dense jungle, has its own distinct culture, rooted in traditional fishing and farming. Just under an hour by plane from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu is a bustling modern town with several laid back beach resorts dotted along the nearby coast, including one of our absolute favourites: Tanjung Jara. Even though this coast has its fair share of mass tourism, it's a great place to come if you want some simple, slower-paced beach bliss. - in: https://www.selectiveasia.com

This card was sent by Beatrice.

US-12403362

 Tybee Island Light is Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, and was one of the first public structures in the state.

 

Photo by: Ben Padgett

US-12403362, sent by Geoff.

Ordered by General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony, in 1736, the Tybee Lighthouse has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America’s most intact having all of its historic support buildings on its five-acre site. Rebuilt several times the current light station displays its 1916 day mark with 178 stairs and a First Order Fresnel lens. - in: https://www.tybeeisland.com