Kudle Beach - India

Last post of 2017. When it comes to cards, this year was better than 2016 and I hope 2018 will be even better, for me and for all my postcards collector friends. 

Aparna is a new friend and this is the 2nd card I got from her. Kudle Beach is a beach she has recently been to. This is one of the many beaches of Gokarna, small temple town on the western coast of India in the state of Karnataka.

The beach is a paradise for those who love peace and quietude while they travel. A complete recluse, this beach offers the most silent and serene atmosphere to enjoy a sunset, a walk along the shore or simply to sit and observe the never-ceasing tides. Many local people prefer this beach for a morning or evening walk or practising yoga, as the Kudle beach is not invaded by large groups of tourists and as a result, has very little crowd and quite noiseless.

The beach is usually deserted, except for the peak months from November to February, when it is populated by foreign travellers and backpackers. They choose the Kudle beach for the solitude and privacy. The sea is calm and safe enough to have a bath or simply for wetting your feet at the shoreline,but it is always better to be careful. Hiding behind a hillock, this mesmerising beach is a safe haven for sea lovers who want to observe and enjoy the vastness in front rather than be a part of a frolicking crowd. - in: https://www.holidify.com/places/gokarna/kudle-beach-sightseeing-1886.html

Historic City of Ahmadabad - India

India adds new sites to the UNESCO WHS list almost every year and 2017 was no exception. The Historic City of Ahmadabad was the site added this year. The card was sent by Shrish.

When it comes to monuments in Ahmadabad, Bhadra fort is one name that indeed deserves a special mention. Constructed in the year 1411 A.D. during the rule of Marathas, it was established by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. - in: http://www.ahmedabad.org.uk/monuments/bhadra-fort.html

The walled city of Ahmadabad, founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century, on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati river, presents a rich architectural heritage from the sultanate period, notably the Bhadra citadel, the walls and gates of the Fort city and numerous mosques and tombs as well as important Hindu and Jain temples of later periods. The urban fabric is made up of densely-packed traditional houses (pols) in gated traditional streets (puras) with characteristic features such as bird feeders, public wells and religious institutions. The city continued to flourish as the capital of the State of Gujarat for six centuries, up to the present. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1551

Sibenik's Cathedral - Croatia

When I finally decide to visit Croatia again, I want to travel along the Adriatic coast and visit a few towns along the way. Sibenik is one of those towns. One of the main sights in Šibenik is the Cathedral of St. James, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sunny and Mirna sent me these cards. 

Photo by A. Carli

Sibenik's Cathedral of St James is the largest and most beautiful building of the transitional Gothic-Renaissance period in Dalmatia. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Cathedral reflects influences of Northern Italy, Tuscany Dalmatia which combined to solve the considerable technical, structural and artistic challenges in building a vaulted church entirely in stone.  No bricks or timber were used in the church's construction.

The building was begun by local and Venetian builders in 1431 but when, after ten years, their work hadn't progressed very far, the great Dalmatian master-builder, Juraj Dalmatinac (who also designed Pag Town) took over. He devoted most of his life to the cathedral before passing away in 1473. He worked predominantly in the Gothic Flamboyant style but many sculptural works (such as the exterior frieze of 71 sculpted heads) already show Renaissance elements.  He gave the cathedral its basic monumental plan such as the transept, domes, sacristy and baptistery. After his death, the work was taken over by Nikola Firentinac who introduced the elements of the Tuscan Renaissance. The cathedral was finally completed in 1536. - in: https://www.croatiatraveller.com/Heritage_Sites/CathedralSibenik.htm

Zagreb's Cathedral - Croatia

Exactly 11 years ago I was in Zagreb and spent a few nice days there. Can't wait to visit the city again. 

Zagreb was one of Lina's last trips, she sent the 1st card and Nives sent the 2nd 4 years ago.

Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Zagreb landmark. As a matter of fact, it is the most monumental sacral building in Neo-Gothic style southeast of the Alps.

The cathedral is typically Gothic, as is its sacristy, which is of great architectural value. Its spires can be seen from many locations in the city. 

Tisak MORE

Construction on the cathedral started in 1093, but the building was destroyed by the Tatars in 1242. At the end of the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded Bosnia and Croatia, triggering the construction of fortification walls around the cathedral, some of which are still intact. In the 17th century, a fortified renaissance watchtower was erected on the south side, and was used as a military observation point, because of the Ottoman threat.

www.atlasax.net

The cathedral was severely damaged in the 1880 Zagreb earthquake. The main nave collapsed and the tower was damaged beyond repair. The restoration of the cathedral in the Neo-Gothic style was led by Hermann Bollé, bringing the cathedral to its present form. As part of that restoration, two spires 108 m (354 ft) high were raised on the western side, both of which are now in the process of being restored as part of an extensive general restoration of the cathedral.

The cathedral is depicted on the reverse of the Croatian 1000 kuna banknote issued in 1993.

When facing the portal, the building is 46 meters wide and 108 meters high. - in: wikipedia

SK-123808

In 11 years of Postcrossing this is only my 3rd official card from Slovakia. 

Foto: Blazej Babik

SK-123808, sent by Peter.

Images on the card: High Tatras, a mountain range along the border of  Slovakia and Poland; Bratislava with the castle; St. Elizabeth Cathedral in Kosice and St. Emmeram's Church in Nitra's castle. 

Favs from Ukraine

New castles, palaces, forts and fortresses are always welcome in my collection. Mukachevo Castle and Khotyn Fortress are both located in Ukraine and the cards were sent by Olena and Julija. 

Mukachevo castle is a valuable military-architectural monument of Ukraine. The castle was erected at the crossroads of ancient trade and military routes that led from Poddunaysky land to Kievan Rus, and from salt mines of Semigradiye to the Czech Republic, Moravia and Poland.

The purpose of building the castle was to protect and control the trade routes. The exact date of construction is unknown.

Improvement and reconstruction of the castle dates back to the reign of Podolsky Prince Fyodor Koryatovich. During the years of his reign in Mukachevo (1396-1414), he managed to turn a small castle into a strong fortification, and made it his residence.

After the death of Fyodor Koryatovich, the castle belonged to numerous owners.

In 1633, the castle was bought by Transylvanian Prince Dierd I Rakoczi. With the help of two French engineers, reconstruction of the old castle began. A lot of improvements were added during all 78 years of the dynasty of Rakoczi.

For centuries, the walls of the castle were under sieges of numerous conquerors. But only a few of them could capture it. The fortress survived several sieges. One of them and the most memorable lasted almost two and a half years - from the summer of 1685 until the winter of 1688.

In July 24, 1711, after the defeat of Ferenc II Rakoczi, the castle again passed into the treasury of the Austrian Emperor. In the 18th century, the castle lost its military significance and, in 1789, it was turned into a prison for political prisoners.

In May 2, 1848, insurgent people seized the castle and freed the prisoners. In 1897, the prison was abolished. The castle was abandoned for a long time. In 1922-1926, it was partially renovated and was used as military barracks.

In Soviet times, Mukachevo castle became a museum.

Today, it is one of the main sights in Zakarpattia region of Ukraine. - in: http://ukrainetrek.com/mukachevo-city/castle_palanok

The Khotyn Fortress is a fortification complex located on the right bank of the Dniester River in Khotyn, Chernivtsi Oblast (province) of western Ukraine. It is situated on a territory of the historical northern Bessarabia region which was split in 1940 between Ukraine and Moldova. The fortress is also located in a close proximity to another famous defensive structure, the Old Kam'yanets Castle of Kamianets-Podilskyi.

Construction on the current Khotyn fortress was started in 1325, while major improvements were made in the 1380s and in the 1460s.

The fortress is a large tourist attraction for the area and Ukraine. In 2007, the fortress was named one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine. It is also a National Ukrainian Architectural Preserve as of 2000. - in: wikipedia

Fiskars - Finland

This postcard is one of the only two cards I got last week. Two postcards in a week :( that's bad, especially on Xmas week. I really, really hope to find something in the mailbox tomorrow.

Anna-Maria sent this card to wish me happy holidays and it was also signed by four other postcrossers who attended a meet-up in Jarvenpää. 

Only an hour’s drive from Helsinki, the retired ironworks town of Fiskars has, over the years, slowly come back to life. Communities of artisans, designers and artists now live and work here. For visitors, the area boasts charming museums, cafes, bed and breakfasts and even a hotel built in the 1800s. The ironworks hosts an annual summer art exhibition that has quickly become one of the country’s most anticipated and a tradition for many art lovers, attracting nearly 100 artists each year. - in: http://www.visitfinland.com/article/fiskars-and-billnas/

Jedburgh Abbey - Scotland

When I've been to Scotland went on a tour to the Scottish Borders and visited Melrose Abbey, one of the major 4 major abbeys of the Borders. This card depicts another one of these 4 abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey. 

It was with this card that Miguel sent me his Xmas wishes for this year.

Merry Christmas to all of you by the way. 

© Allan Wright

Jedburgh Abbey is one of the 4 major abbeys of the Borders that were built in the 12th century. The abbey was built by King David I of Scotland for Augustinian monks. With Jedburgh, David was also aiming to show to his English neighbours that he could match any grand building in England. Unfortunately, the proximity to the English Border meant that the abbey was badly damaged and rebuilt several times during the Wars of Independence.

The abbey stands in the centre of Jedburgh and it dominates the town. Although in ruins, the remains of the building are sufficiently intact to still present an impressive profile. - in: https://www.secret-scotland.com/Attractions/jedburgh-abbey.html

Texel Lighthouse - Netherlands

Two cards from Texel, the largest and most populated island of the West Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea, Netherlands. 

Both cards show the local lighthouse.

© Van Leers - Holland - www.vanleers.nel * © Fotografie: Salko de Wolf - Texel

NL-3954273, sent by Coby. 

Texel Island lighthouse has been built in 1864 after some civilians of Texel attended on the dangers of the waters between Texel and the island of Vlieland (72 ships had wrecked between 1848 and 1860). The tower itself is 37 metres high.

© Salko de Wolf

 NL-1358867, sent by Liesbeth.

During the uprising of the Georgians - they barricaded themselves in the tower - the lighthouse was heavily damaged and had to be ‘rebuilt’. In 1950 it was lighted again. - in: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Netherlands/Provincie_Noord_Holland/Texel-457098/Off_the_Beaten_Path-Texel-TG-C-1.html

DE-6664310

Last card from Germany, for now. 

The card depicts the Gellen-Hiddensee lighthouse on Hiddensee island. 

Foto: Klaus Ender

DE-6664310, sent by Edeltraut.

The Gellen-Hiddensee is a 12.30 metre-high sector light beacon. 

The white steel tower with a red gallery and conical roof stands on a base of natural stone. It was built in 1904, tested in 1905 and fully operational in 1907. 

Bielefeld meeting - Germany

The 8th International Postcrossing Meeting in Bielefeld took place in the last days of October. I believe that Leonie has been to many of these meetings and once again, she sent me a card from there. 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

The signatures on the card are too many to count.
Thanks Leonie.

Görlitz - Germany

Two nice cards from Görlitz, the easternmost town in Germany, located on the Lusatian Neisse River in the Federal State of Saxony.

The 1st card was sent by Emerich and the 2nd is an official. 

Görlitz is a town in the German federal state of Saxony, the largest town of the former Province of Lower Silesia that lies west of the Oder-Neisse line and hence remains in Germany today. Thus it is both the most Silesian town, in terms of character, and the largest in Germany today. The town combines Lusatian and Silesian traditions as well as German and Sorbian culture. It has around 55,000 inhabitants.

Görlitz has a rich architectural heritage. - in: wikipedia

DE-839419, sent by Rafal.

The Church of St. Peter and Paul is located on a hill above the Neisse River. It is a good example of a medieval Romanesque church, from 1230; and the church built after that, between 1423 and 1497 in Gothic style. The neo-Gothic towers were built in the late 1800's and can be seen from anywhere in Görlitz. Many tourists like to view this church from poland, across the Neisse River.

Fagus Factory - Germany

Fagus Factory was inscribed on the World Heritage Site list in 2011 and these postcards were sent that same year by Anja and Joanna.

Fagus Factory in Alfeld is a 10-building complex - began around 1910 to the design of Walter Gropius, which is a landmark in the development of modern architecture and industrial design. Serving all stages of manufacture, storage and dispatch of lasts used by the shoe industry, the complex, which is still operational today, is situated in Alfeld an der Leine in Lower Saxony. 

With its groundbreaking vast expanses of glass panels and functionalist aesthetics, the complex foreshadowed the work of the Bauhaus school and is a landmark in the development of architecture in Europe and North America. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1368

Wartburg Castle - Germany

The 2nd favorite Ina sent me is this snowy view of Wartburg Castle. To send the card she even used a matching stamp with the castle. 

The other card was sent by Sabine 9 years ago. 

 

Nestlers Top Cards

Large, imposing and steeped in history: high above the town of Eisenach sits Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. One of the best-preserved medieval German fortresses and almost 1,000 years old, it is possibly Germany's most famous castle, and certainly one of its most important.

With its impressive ceremonial hall, the surviving 12th century Palas – a perfect example of late-Romanesque architecture – still bears traces of the Wartburg's former glory. To enter this extensive site today is to experience an entire era of German history. Courtly art from the Middle Ages, St. Elisabeth's life and work, the German student fraternities' festival, the contest of the minnesingers and Wagner's romantic opera Tannhäuser – all these are an integral part of the Wartburg. As is Martin Luther, who in 1521-22, posing as 'Squire George', sought and found refuge here. He used his enforced confinement to steel himself for future theological conflicts and to write his German translation of the New Testament. - in: http://www.germany.travel/en/towns-cities-culture/unesco-world-heritage/wartburg-castle.html

Aachen Cathedral - Germany

A couple of weeks ago I put the 1st of these Aachen cathedral card on my favorites. Ina, who sent that card, asked me if we could swap cards and I said yes. I sent her two of her favs and she sent me two of my favs.  

I already had others cards of the cathedral but her card is so much prettier than the others. 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

Aachen Cathedral was the very first site to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status in Germany, and with good reason: built in around 790 to 800, the cathedral is of world importance in terms of the history of art and architecture, and is one of the great examples of church architecture. The final resting place of Charlemagne, it was also where German emperors were crowned for 600 years.

Charlemagne's ambition was to create a new Rome when he made Aachen the centre of his empire in around 800. The imperial palace's chapel – the oldest part of the cathedral today – was to be the religious centre. The mighty octagonal domed building is now thought to have been built in a mere ten years or so. A unifying architectural masterpiece, it brought together forms from the eastern and western parts of the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne was buried in the Palatine chapel following his death in 814. His sarcophagus can be found in the Gothic chancel, near to the still-intact imperial throne.

DE-992417, sent by Vanessa.

 Containing exquisite relics from late antiquity and medieval times, the cathedral treasury in the cloister is one of the finest in Europe. It also features artefacts such as the silver and gold bust of Charlemagne and the Cross of Lothair dating from around 1000, which is still shown to faithful followers as a liturgical object on major religious holidays. Since the Middle Ages, the cathedral along with its relics has become increasingly important as a pilgrimage site. However, it was the imperial coronations that kept Aachen at the centre of world politics over the centuries. More than 30 German kings were crowned here between 936 and 1531 – in a building that could hardly be more solemn and majestic, and that makes every visit to the former imperial city of Aachen a memorable one. - in: http://www.germany.travel/en/towns-cities-culture/unesco-world-heritage/aachen-cathedral.html

Prater - Vienna

Exactly 2 weeks ago I was in Vienna.
When Heidi sent me the 2nd of these card, seven years ago, Vienna was on my travel plans for that year but I didn't make it. I finally travel to Vienna, didn't spend a lot of money and could afford an entire card to send to myself. Karina, the friend I travelled with, chose this card for me because the Prater's ferris wheel was on my must do list and it was the last thing we did in the city.

smile GmbH, Wien

"The Wiener Prater is a large public park in Vienna's 2nd district Leopoldstadt. The Wurstelprater amusement park, often simply called "Prater", stands in one corner of the Prater and includes the Riesenrad.

The Riesenrad is a ferris wheel at the entrance of the Prater amusement park. It is now one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions, and symbolizes the district as well as the city for many people.

The Riesenrad was one of the earliest Ferris wheels, erected in 1897 to celebrate Emperor Franz Josef I's golden Jubilee, and has an overall height of 64.75 meters(212.4 ft).

The wheel originally had 30 gondolas, but was severely damaged in the World War II, and when it was rebuilt, only 15 gondolas were replaced. The spokes are steel cables, in tension, and the wheel is driven by a circumferential cable which leaves the wheel and passes through the drive mechanism under the base." - in: wikipedia

Sion - Switzerland

I'm back after my holidays in Vienna and Budapest. I returned with new postcards and while I was traveling I've received a few more.
Last month Óscar received his 200th official postcard and to celebrate he opened a lottery. I won the lottery and received a postcard from Sion, which I'm posting here now with another card with the Basilica of Valère and also sent by Óscar.

© Photo Edition darbellay CH - Martigny

Sion, the capital of the Canton of Valais, is known as the most sun-blessed town of Switzerland. Thanks to its central location, the small town abounding with culture is also an ideal starting point for exploring the summer and winter holiday resorts in the Valais side valleys.

Sion is recognizable from afar thanks to the high towers of Castle Tourbillon and the Castle of Valeria. These landmarks guard the capital of Valais and its 30,000 inhabitants. Past and future blend in one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. Sion, which boasts a 7,000-year history, is today the economic center of Valais and an important traffic junction with its own international airport. 

Particularly charming are the many historical monuments in the Old Town, the shopping area, and the new modern and convenient municipal facilities. Here one feels a little closer to the south. A visit to one of the numerous museums lets you discover the varied history of the city. - in: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/sion-sitten.html

Edition PERROCHET S. A.

The Valère basilica, also called Valère castle, is a fortified church situated in Sion in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.

The church (Notre-Dame de Valère) was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and obtained the rank of minor basilica at the time of the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1984.

The organ on the west side of the Valère basilica, believed to have been built in 1435, is one of the oldest in the world. Its pipes are arranged to form a rough outline of a church; the larger pipes form two towers, and the smaller ones create a triangular church roof. - in: wikipedia