Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Lofoten islands - Norway

Ara has recently been to Lofoten Islands in Norway. She says the landscapes are incredibly beautiful. After seeing her pictures on FB and getting this card, I really believe in her words. 

Lofoten is a Norwegian archipelago situated in the Arctic Circle which is the most northerly of the abstract five major circles of latitude. It is characterized by a distinct and dramatic scenery of mountains and peaks, imposing fjords ripping the sea, virgin areas, pristine beaches and sheltered bays. 

Foto: Aune Forlag / Ole P. Rorvi
This territory is considered inhospitable by many and from the earliest times has been occupied only by the bravest men of the sea: first the Vikings and later the cod fishers, especially in the winter when the cod migrates from the Barents Sea to the South and arrives to the Lofoten Islands to spawn.
Despite the harsh winters, due to the hot Gulf current, the archipelago has a much milder climate than other parts of the globe at the same latitude. It is this location that allows you to experience two of the most beautiful experiences that Mother Nature has to offer: the midnight sun and the aurora borealis.

Dublin - Ireland

I've been twice to Dublin and I definitely want to go there again. 
These 2 cards were sent by Heidi and Claudia. 

© Insight Cards * Photography: Peter Zöeller
On the back of the card: Dublin city is spread over de broad valley of the river Liffey, with the Wicklow Hills sheltering it on the south. In addition to its splendid public buildings, Dublin is particularly rich in domestic architecture of the 18th century. It is one of Europe's most beautifully situated capitals with pleasant beaches and mountains only a short journey away. 

© Insight Cards * Photography: Peter Zöeller
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years and today is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Dublin. Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint between 1220 and 1260 Saint Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a rich and compelling cultural experience and is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest Cathedral in the country. - in: http://www.visitdublin.com/see-do/details/st-patrick-s-cathedral#53.339543|-6.271570|16

Duart Castle - Scotland

I love, love this postcard. Highlander cows are so cute and the castle is great, a very Scottish scenary. 
Many thanks for the card Miguel. 

© Allan Wright
Duart Castle, proudly guards the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull.  Brought back from ruin in 1911, the Castle treasures 800 years of history of one of Scotland’s oldest Clans, The Maclean’s and its one of the last surviving privately owned Clan Castles in Scotland. - in: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/duart-castle-p255381
Highland cattle are a Scottish cattle breed. They have long horns and long wavy coats that are coloured black, brindle, red, yellow, white, silver (looks white but with a black nose) or dun, and they are raised primarily for their meat. They originated in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland and were first mentioned in the 6th century AD. 
They are a hardy breed due to their native environment, the Highlands of Scotland. This results in long hair, giving the breed its ability to overwinter. - in: wikipedia

Monday, August 28, 2017

Winchester Cathedral - England

Winchester Cathedral is a beautiful Anglican cathedral in the county of Hampshire, southeast England. The present structure, dating mostly from 1097, it is the longest cathedral in the country.

Atmosphere Publishing Ltd * Photographed by Bob Croxford
GB-912245, sent by Christiane.
The present church, the longest medieval cathedral in Britain, dates from 1079, and was built in the Norman (Romanesque) style. St. Swithun's remains were moved to the new church in 1093. The cathedral was at the heart of a powerful diocese that stretched from the Thames River to the Channel Islands and attracted many pilgrims who came to pray at the tombs of Swithun and other saints.

The influential and wealthy bishops of Winchester further developed and adorned their cathedral throughout the Middle Ages. The east end was expanded in the 13th century. Even more remodeling and expansion took place in the 14th century, including the Gothic nave, west front and choir stalls.
Stephen Gardiner (1531-55) was the last important Roman Catholic bishop of Winchester, during the reign of Queen Mary I. He officiated at her marriage to Philip of Spain, which took place in Winchester Cathedral. - in: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/winchester-cathedral

NL-3858115

When I think about Netherlands castles are not the 1st thing that cross my mind but the truth is that there are a few nice ones in the country. This one, Ammersoyen Castle, is a 14th century Dutch castle in the village of Ammerzoden. The castle can be found in the northern part of the village on the edge of town. 

NL-3858115, sent by Marja.
Ammersoyen Castle was built around the year 1300 and is one of Holland’s best-known moated castles. It was constructed according to a new design introduced by Count Floris V, which includes the towers standing apart from the central building, making it easier to defend the castle. Ammersoyen holds centuries of history – in more ways than one. When the castle was restored during the last century, innumerable artefacts were found in its famous moat, including objects made from ceramics, glass, silver and bronze. Part of the finds are now exhibited in the castle, offering a priceless insight into more than 600 years of history. - inhttp://www.holland.com/global/tourism/holland-stories/castles-and-country-houses-1/ammersoyen-castle.htm

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Peschiera del Garda - Italy

Peschiera del Garda is on the UNESCO WHS list since last month as one of the 6 Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar. This property consists of 6 components of defence works, 3 in Italy, 2 in Croatia and 1 in Montenegro. 
This card was sent by Dustin from Germany.

Peschiera del Garda is a town in the province of Verona, in Veneto, Italy. When Lombardy-Venetia was under Austrian rule, Peschiera was the northwest anchor of the four fortified towns constituting the Quadrilatero. The fortress is on an island in the river Mincio at its outlet from Lake Garda. - in: wikipedia

Rivetta Souvenirs
Peschiera del Garda was once the site of an ancient lake-dwelling settlement. The fortress played a prominent part in most military campaigns conducted in northern Italy after 1400. In the middle of the 16th century the fortress and town passed into the hands of the Venetians, who ordered reconstruction of the fortress according to projects by Guidobaldo da Urbino and Sanmicheli. Napoleon added two new fortresses there. At the beginning of the 19th century the Austrians redesigned and expanded the fort. With Mantua, Verona, and Legnano, it became one of the strongholds of the Quadruple Alliance. After the end of the Third War of Independence (1866), Peschiera del Garda became part of the Kingdom of Italy. During the First Italian War of Independence, it was taken by the Piedmontese from the Austrians, after a gallant defence by General Rath lasting six weeks, on May 30, 1848. - in: https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/5117/peschiera-fortress/

AT-339221

My next trip is already booked. In December I'll travel to Vienna and I'll have the opportunity to see this church. 3 months to go!!

AT-339221, sent by Cassandra.
Like many other cities, Vienna also has a church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, who is called Heiliger Franz von Assisi in the German language. The church is one of the most beautiful churches in Vienna and from a distance it looks more like a fairytale castle. Alternative name for the church is Kaiser-Jubiläums-Kirche (Emperor’s Anniversary Church), as it was built on the occasion of Emperor Franz Josef I.’s 50th anniversary on the Austro-Hungarian throne (the anniversary was in 1898, the church was built between the years 1898 and 1910). The architect was Victor Luntz. - in: http://www.wienvienna.com/vienna-st-francis-of-assisi-church-picture/

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Lascaux - France

In August of 2010 I've received my 1st card from Lascaux. Exactly 7 years after that 1st card sent by Patrick, I've received another card sent by Damien.

  Photographe © Editions René
Lascaux is famous for its Palaeolithic cave paintings, found in a complex of caves in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, because of their exceptional quality, size, sophistication and antiquity. Estimated to be up to 20,000 years old, the paintings consist primarily of large animals, once native to the region. Lascaux is located in the Vézère Valley where many other decorated caves have been found since the beginning of the 20th century.

Lascaux is a complex cave with several areas (Hall of the Bulls, Passage gallery) It was discovered on 12 September 1940 and given statutory historic monument protection in december of the same year. In 1979, several decorated caves of the Vézère Valley - including the Lascaux cave - were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. - in: http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/lascaux/

Monpazier - France

Damien always sends me nice cards and I especially like this one. 
Monpazier is a village in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwest France. The village is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("The most beautiful villages of France") association. 

Photo Edition "France Regard"
This beautiful village is a bastide. Bastides are fortified new towns built in medieval Languedoc, Gascony and Aquitaine during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries...
Some of the first bastides were built under Raymond VII of Toulouse to replace villages destroyed in the Albigensian Crusade. He encouraged the construction of others to colonize the wilderness, especially of southwest France. Almost 700 bastides were built between 1222 and 1372.
The bastides were so successful against their opponents in the Hundred Years War that the English adopted them for themselves, first in France and later in Wales. - in: wikipedia
Monpazier dates back to 1285. It was founded and built by King Edward I of England, who was also Duke of Gascony. It was home to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard II of England for a time.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Hermione - France

Hermione is not only the name of an Harry Potter's character, is also the name of a french frigate. 
The card was sent by Damien.

Avec l'aimable autorisation de Francis Latreille
The Hermione is a 32-gun Concorde-class frigate fitted for 12-pounder guns, completed in Rochefort by the Asselin organisation in 2014. She is a reproduction of the 1779 Hermione, which achieved fame by ferrying General Lafayette to the United States in 1780 to allow him to rejoin the American side in the American Revolutionary War. - in: wikipedia

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Begur - Spain

Gemma is my Spanish penpal and she lives in Barcelona. Fortunately today she was not even in the city, but she's obviously sad with this hideous attack, we all are ☹
Today, as in June when he sent me this postcard, she's in Costa Brava, far from the chaos and terror that hit Barcelona.

Triangle Postcards * Foto: © Jordi Puig
Begur is a town in the province of Girona, Catalonia. Sa Tuna, one of it's beaches, is considered one of the most prestigious in Costa Brava.

Ourense - Spain

A few months ago Vanesa moved to another town and she sent me this card to let me know about her new address. 

Ourense is a city in northwestern Spain, the capital of the province of the same name in Galicia.

SÚNAMIS cards
The card shows views of the Plaza Mayor with its arcaded shops and the Town Hall; a night view of the cathedral and Puente del Milenio, a bridge inaugurated in 2001. 

Paredes da Beira - Portugal

This the private chapel of the Lemos and Azevedos family residence in Paredes da Beira. 

The chapel is a remarkable example of eighteenth-century architecture. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, the small temple (aka the Holy Martyrs) is an impressive monument of ornamental and decorative art of the second half of the eighteenth century. The facade, picturesque and scenic, combines fantasy and decorative opulence with the plasticity of the ornaments and trim (Rococo & joanina) of the final end of the Baroque. 

Monday, August 14, 2017

GF Viseu

I know many postcrossers collect GF cards but this one you won't find it in postallove site. It was designed by Sofia's nephew, (I think). 

Some facts abot Viseu:
- Viseu, the capital city of Viseu's district, was voted the best city to live;
- The city has an area of 507.10 km2;
- Over 128 of its 99 274 inhabitants are postcrossers;
- The municipality is crossed by three rivers, Dão, Paiva and Vouga;
- If you like to shop, in Viseu you'll find the 3rd largest shopping center in Portugal;
- The city is often called the "City of roundabouts". Why? There are 197 in the city;
- São Mateus fair, held every year in Viseu, is the oldest fair in the Iberian Peninsula. 

Zé's postcards

These two cards were sent by Zé and the pictures were taken by him. They look great on cards!
Last year some portuguese postcrossers decided to turn some of our photos into postcards. We asked a professional printing company if it was possible and the response was positive. I also had some of my pictures turned into to cards. Although the result was not as good as I expected, it was funny to see my photos on postcards.
A few weeks ago we made another order and this time things went better.

Foto: José Guedes
Augusta Street in Lisbon seen from the top of the Triumphal Arch.
Lisbon's liveliest pedestrian street is paved with the traditional cobblestone designs and links the city's two main squares (Praça do Comércio and Rossio). It's a shopping street where international brands coexist with age-old shops, many of them with wonderful decades-old signs. - in: http://www.lisbonlux.com/lisbon/rua-augusta.html

 Foto: José Guedes
A lovely mailbox in Bogas de Baixo village. 

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Évoramonte Castle - Portugal

Last June after my trip to Denmark, I came home to change clothes and hit the road again. I've spent a few days in the portuguese region of Alentejo. The little village of Évoramonte was one of the places I wanted to visit the most. Many, may years ago I read a book - "Uma Aventura em Évoramonte" - portuguese for "An Adventure in Évoramonte", which is one of the many books of a teenage book collection written by portuguese ladies. I loved that collection and have been dreaming about that village and it's castle since then. I'm really happy that I finally found the time to visit this lovely village. 

The Évoramonte castle is one of the rare Portuguese castles that combines unique characteristics: the unique architectural ensemble, beautiful setting and also historical importance - it was here that the generals met on 26th May 1834, to put an end to the only but bloody portuguese civil war. 

Design: Luís Chimeno / Foto: Manuel Ribeiro
The castle is perched on a hill with more than 400 meters of altitude in the westernmost part of the Serra d'Ossa.
At the time of the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the town was conquered by Moors by the Portuguese forces commanded by the legendary Geraldo Sem Pavor, around 1160, when the construction of the castle began. Its defenses were rebuilt by D. Afonso III (1248-1279), the king who granted the village its  first charter (1248), renewed in 1271. These settlement attempts, however, do not seem to have been successful, as his successor, D. Dinis (1279-1325), ordered the fortification of the village (1306). The remaining walls and gates date from that period.  
With the accession of King João I to the throne, the Castle of Evoramonte and its dominions passed to the possession of the Constable D. Nuno Alvares Pereira, later coming to integrate the domains of the House of Bragança.

At the beginning of the Modern Age, D. Manuel I (1495-1521) granted a new charter to the village (1516), initiating a new constructive stage. 
The tower of the old castle was destroyed by the earthquake of 1531. The next year, under the direction of the mayor, D. Teodósio de Bragança, the tower was rebuilt in the form of a Palace of Italian Renaissance inspiration, designed by the architects Diogo and Francisco de Arruda.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Holidays in Algarve - Portugal

Algarve is a popular touristic destination both for portuguese and foreigns. The region is best known for it's amazing beaches but there are also some cute and historical towns and villages worth to visit.  
In June and July Vera and Ninocas spent a few days in this portuguese region.

© Edição Vistal * Foto ©, Art & Concept: Gustav A. Wittich
A view of Tavira's rooftops from the castle. 
I've been to Tavira last April, seen this view and bought this card シ 

© Michael Howard Photography * www.mikehowardphoto.com
Views of Moncarrapacho, Albufeira, Alte, Estói and Querença. Alte was the only one of these villages that I visited. 

Saturday, August 5, 2017

São João Baptista Fortress - Terceira Island

 This year the Europa stamps have a wonderful theme, castles. One of the portuguese stamps depicts São João Baptista Fortress in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira island, Azores. Lurdes, who lives on the island, sent a few cards of the fortress with the matching stamp. 

This military monument of big dimensions is located on the Brasil Mount, an ancient extinct volcano that forms a small peninsula on the south coast of the town, and two lovely bays (Angra and Fanal). The Fortress would have been part of a set of fortifications built for the protection of the rich Angra do Heroísmo coast. 

Built over the Spanish occupancy of the territory (1580-1640) the forts were built in order to protect the coast from the aggressive Pirate attacks and also for the Spanish troops barracks. 
Angra do Heroísmo was by then a very important town for the international trading, as it was situated in a strategic point in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and provided a very good port. 
The construction of the Fortress began in 1593, and here were lodged the Spanish troops for eleven months when the Portuguese Restoration happened. 

© Grafipost - Editores e Artes Gráficas, Lda
Already in the 20th century, during the Dictatorship period, the Fortress was used as a Political Prison.
The São João Baptista Fortress has a defensive wall area of about 4 km long, surrounding the Brasil Mount, housing in its interior the São João Baptista Church, the Santa Catarina Chapel and the Governor Palace , and is even considered to be the biggest fortress built by Spain in the world. - in: https://www.guiadacidade.pt/en/poi-fortaleza-de-sao-joao-baptista-18599

Elderlies

Two lovely cards for my elderlies collection. 

I've said that Paula also sent me a card from the Cascais meeting, here it is. 

www.sofoto.pt
Inês sent me this card as a prize for a guessing game. I actually already had it, well, same pictures but a different frame though.