Vienna's Karlskirche - Austria

 I've been to Vienna a few years ago and Karlskirche was the first church I saw in the city and Karlsplatz was the place of my very first Christmas market. These cards bring me good memories of that trip with my friend Karina.

The mighty green dome of the radiant Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) towers over Karlsplatz. It is one of the most important sacred buildings in Central Europe and a symbol of Vienna.

 

 

 Verlag C. Bauer GmbH

AT-140257, sent by Claudia.

 The Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles) is the last great work of the eminent Baroque architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Completed in 1739, it was built by virtue of a vow made by Emperor Charles VI during a plague. The church is dedicated to the Habsburg emperor's namesake, St. Karl Borromäus. His life and works are depicted on the two giant columns (47 meters tall) next to the entrance portal. The lavish dome frescoes by Johannes Michael Rottmayr cover 1,250 m² of magnificent color.

 

AT-827814, sent by Bettina.

(...) public open-air events are regularly held in front of the Karlskirche. The fountain, which is filled in summer and offers a breathtaking reflection of the church, is a popular social meeting point. - in: https://www.wien.info

DE-15631064

 After 2 months without any official cards in my mailbox, I finally started to get them again. Lets start with this German official that shows this beautiful winter scenery of Filzmoos, a town in the state of Salzburg, Austria.

 

Foto: Erwin Trampitsch, J. Mallaun

DE-15631064, sent by Adrian.

Filzmoos is picturesque mountain village in the heart of the Salzburg Alps, surrounded by imposing peaks and lush green alpine meadows. 

Situated at a pleasant altitude of over 1,000 metres above sea level, to the south of the city of Salzburg, Filzmoos is the Austrian hiking village, the No. 1 climbing region in SalzburgerLand and the bike village of the Alps.
A hiking trail network of around 250 kilometres in all levels of difficulty awaits hiking enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
Thanks to its perfect location in the heart of Ski amadé, skiers and snowboarders alike will be delighted. Around 760 kilometres of pistes and 270 ski lifts make this ski area the biggest skiing paradise in Austria. Those who are looking for quiet and unspoilt nature will find peace and relaxation while cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing and winter hiking.

AT-795873

 Baden didn't mean anything to me but Baden bei Wien rang the bell. After reading the unofficial name of the city, I knew immediately that this was a card from one of the Spa Towns of Europe, classified as UNESCO site in 2021. 

Baden bei Wien is a spa town in Austria. It serves as the capital of Baden District in the state of Lower Austria.

AT-795873, sent by Heinrich.

The church St. Stephan is a Catholic church in Baden in Lower Austria. The official name is Stadtpfarrkirche St. Stephan. The present building began in Gothic style in the 15th century. It was remodeled Baroque in the 17th century, and an attempt made to restore Gothic features from 1880.
The church has a notable organ, played by Mozart and probably also Beethoven. Mozart's motet Ave verum corpus was premiered in St. Stephan in 1791. The church is a registered monument and an active parish church. - in: https://www.smart-guide.org

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - Feb. 25

 Look how beautiful these cards are!!

 

© Schöning Verlag

Located in the middle of Saxon Switzerland and not far from (...) Dresden, the fortress Königstein is enthroned. The mountain fortress, first mentioned in 1241, already housed a monastery, a fortress, a pleasure palace, a state prison, a prisoner of war camp and a youth workshop. Today, the fortress offers a breathtaking panoramic view and a variety of exhibitions. Visitors can also admire the first Saxon garrison church (1676), the deepest fountain in Saxony at 152. 5 metres and the oldest preserved barracks in Germany at 433 years. But also the 1. 7 kilometre long panoramic trail with a view over the Elbe valley and the Elbe sandstone mountains guarantee a unique experience. - in: https://visitsaxony.com

Card sent by Moni.

Marianne checked my favs wall and was so kind to send me the wonderful card. I'd love to see this lovely snowy landscape. 

Seefeld in Tyrol is a former farming village, now a large tourist resort, in the Innsbruck-Land District in the Austrian state of Tyrol.
The Seekirchl - also Heiligkreuzkirche - is probably Seefeld's most famous landmark. Under the regency of Archduke Leopold V, construction was underway in 1629, but the elaborate sacred edifice was not completed until 1666, a full 37 years later. Originally, the baroque Seekirchl stood in the middle of the artificially created cross lake created by Duke Sigismund the Coin Rich in the 15th century, which, however, was drained about 300 years ago after 1808. To this day, the picturesque Votivkirche in Kirchwald is a historic place of pilgrimage (a miraculous late Gothic crucifix) and probably the most popular postcard and photo motif in the region. - in: https://www.seefeld.com

 

 Photo: Jonathan Mortenson

Looking at this card, sent by Nan, it is easy to understand why Nubble Light is one of the most popular and photographed lighthouses in Maine. 

 Also known as the Cape Neddick Light Station, this iconic lighthouse stands as a testament to Maine’s rich maritime history and continues to shine as a symbol of resilience and beauty against the rugged backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nubble Light was first illuminated on July 1, 1879, with a fourth-order Fresnel lens guiding ships along the rocky coast. Its location on Nubble Island, just a few hundred feet from the mainland, made it a crucial navigational aid for ships approaching the York Harbor. Over the years, the lighthouse underwent several upgrades, including the installation of a more powerful light and fog signal, ensuring the safety of vessels navigating the treacherous waters.
Its classic New England design, with its white clapboard tower and red roof, against the backdrop of the deep blue sea, evokes a sense of timeless beauty and charm. The lighthouse is still active, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, and its light continues to guide mariners along the coast. - in: https://newenglandecoadventures.com

I've recently added traditional houses to my postcard wishlist. Tomoko sent me this one with a traditional Japanese tea house.

Sekka-tei is a traditional tea house situated within the serene grounds of Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan. This tea house is a fine example of Japanese architecture and is used for traditional tea ceremonies. It offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Japan, with its simple yet elegant design that complements the surrounding natural beauty. The tea house is part of the larger temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the world. - in: https://mindtrip.ai

DE-13872776

 The ID of this card is German and I thought this was a German castle. However, when I google about it, I realized that Kreuzenstein Castle is actually an Austrian castle, located just a few kilometers north of Vienna. It is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Lower Austria.

mauritius images / Hans Blossey

DE-13872776, sent by Lucie.

Burg Kreuzenstein was constructed on the remains of a medieval castle that had fallen into disrepair and was then demolished during the Thirty Years' War (1618 to 1648). 

Intended to be a family vault for the Wilczek family, it was rebuilt in the 19th century by Count Nepomuk Wilczek with money from the family's large Silesian coal mines. Kreuzenstein is interesting in that it was constructed out of sections of medieval structures purchased by the family from all over Europe to form an authentic-looking castle. Thus, the castle can be considered both a 'neo-' and 'original' medieval structure. The castle is sometimes used as a location for films. - in: wikipedia

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * April 22

I mentioned before that last year I joined this monthly RR 10 times and only the months of April and July remained incomplete. In April two cards got lost but Marianne and Radana have resent them a few days ago.

 

 www.papersisters.de

 

Swiss army knife, the Alps, clocks and Grace, who sent me this missing HP card, are all things that I associate with Switzerland.

 

 © concept by Postcardsmarket.com

Austria has an area of 83.879 km², a population of 8.662.588 and its capital is Vienna.
Unique:
* World's Largest Emerald - 2860 carats, displayed in the Imperial Tresuary of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna;  
* One of the oldest national flag in the world - since 1191, Duke Leopold V, Third Crusade;
Famous:  
* Schönbrunn Palace - the summer palace of the Habsburgs, has no less than 1440 rooms;
* Vienna's central cemitery - has over 2.5 mil. tombs;

History: 

* One of Europe's Great Powers - 1804-1867, Austrian Empire; 1867-1918, Austro-Hungarian Empire;

* Habsburg Monarchy - 1521-1918, motto "Let justice be done, though the world perish."

 Foto: Ivan Rillich

Střekov castle is perched atop a cliff above the river Elbe, near the city of Ústí nad Labem. Built in the 14th century to protect the waterway and collect duties on transported goods, the castle is renowned for its impressive views. It has enchanted a variety of visiting artists, most notably Goethe, Richard Wagner, and Karel Hynek Mácha. - in: https://www.ihbohemia.com

 

 Damxung, with an average elevation of 4,300 meters, means "The chosen one ranch" in Tibetan. It’s backed by the Mt. Nyainqentanglha, adjacent to Namtso Lake. The glacial snow water from the mountain nourishes 700,000 hectares of pure natural pastures. The semi-wild yaks drink from glaciers and salt lakes, and they feed on rare and Tibetan herbs such as cordyceps, enoki mushrooms, and ginseng fruits. - in: http://eng.tibet.cn

Vindobona - Austria

I wanted to reach 1000 UNESCO sites still this year but I don't think I'll cards from 4 new sites in the next weeks. The last addition to my collection was this one from Austria, sent by Óscar to thank me for a card that I sent him from France. Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Danube Limes (Western Segment), was the only Austrian site I was still missing.

This roughly hand-sized fragment is part of a bronze plaque on which the municipal law of the Roman legionary site of Vindobona was written. A long-cherished but never proven assumption is now certain: Vienna's oldest municipal law most likely dates from Roman times and is therefore around 1,000 years older than the previous "oldest municipal law", which dates from the Middle Ages.

The Vienna fragment was found in 1913 during excavations in the first district at the address "Am Hof 4", near the southern wall within the former Vindobona legionary camp.

 Foto: Birgit und Peter Kainz

Like many other cities of Continental Europe, Vienna originated in ancient Roman times. In the first century AD, the Romans set up a military camp, called Vindobona, which formed part of the large number of similar facilities along the Limes frontier. The camp was situated in what is today the core of the city. The course of the wall is reflected, to this day, in a series of very striking streets in the inner city. From the third century, there is evidence for a civilian settlement in the southeast, a little outside the camp. Much less is known about its layout and buildings, however, than about the camp. Neither of these facilities on the site of the present city had any significance within the ancient "cityscape" of Austria. The late 4th and 5th centuries began to see the dramatic decline not only of the Roman Empire in general but also of Vindobona in particular. - in: https://www.wien.gv.at

Baden bei Wien - Austria

In this last month I've tagged and swapped more than usual in order to received UNESCO cards from sites I was still missing. It has been awhile since I received so many new sites in such a short period of time. It almost feels like in the old days. 

This card, with a matching cancellation postmark, was sent by Anita.

Baden bei Wien in Austria, is one of the 11 spa towns from 7 european countries, which were added to the World Heritage List last year. 

The Romans valued the warm healing springs of Baden so much that they even named the location after these springs: ‘Aquae’, or ‘Bäder’ in German. The spring tapped into by the Romans continues to bubble away today and is also open to visitors. This is also the case for the 13 other sulphur thermal springs in the city area; these carry warm ‘yellow gold’ to the surface from a depth of around 1000 meters, which reaches up to 36°C. However, Baden gained its reputation as a health resort around 1,700 years after the Romans discovered the spring. Empress Maria Theresa frequently visited Baden. The Theresiengarten (now the spa park) and the Theresienbad (now the site of the casino) were also named after her at the time. From 1796 to 1835, when Emperor Franz I and his court spent every summer in the spa town, Baden was even labelled as the secret capital of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy for a few months each year. Everyone who was anyone in Vienna, only 26 km away, followed the emperor and travelled to noble Baden for the spa treatment, including the nobility, the rich bourgeoisie and, of course, numerous artists. - in: https://www.lower-austria.info

 

Foto: Bwag

The Kurhaus was built in 1885-86 on the site of the old Theresien and Ursprungs baths as well as the old pump rooms. In terms of function, it replaced the Redoutensaal (ballroom), which was demolished in 1908 to make room for the new Stadttheater. Nowadays, the Kurhaus serves as the Congress Casino, which was built in 1934 - as the first year-round casino - and moved to the present Kurhaus location in 1968; renovated in 2007, it is currently the second largest casino in Europe. The ballroom, which was altered in 1934, was returned to its original appearance in 1999. - in: https://www.tourismus.baden.at

AT-591994

January wasn't a bad month when it comes to official cards. I've sent 18 and received 14. Most of the sent and received were, obviously, to/from Germany. No this one though. From the beautiful city of Salzburg, here it is Maria Plain Basilica.

 

The basilica of Maria Plain is considered as the traditional church of pilgrimage for the city of Salzburg. It is remarkable for its architectural value, but also for the stunning views the location offers over Salzburg and the Salzburg valley.

Foto: R. Weldl, Berchtesgaden

AT-591994, sent by Romana.

According to a legend, an image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus as a child remained miraculously unharmed during a fire in the city of Regen (Bavaria) during the 30-years war (1618-1638). After the image was sent to Salzburg, Prince Archbishop Guidobald Thun founded a chapel for it in 1652. Prince Archbishop Max Gandolf founded a church next to this chapel and got the Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Dario to design the building and manage its construction from 1671 to 1674.

Maria Plain′s façade with a double-tower is decorated with the four evangelists and - above the entrance - the Virgin Mary with the child. Essentially all decorations as well as the interiors are original from the time of the foundation of the church and were donated by several Benedictine abbeys as well as wealthy citizens of Salzburg. - in: http://www.visit-salzburg.net

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * June '21

 Two of my sent cards for June's RR are still travelling but I've already got the cards I was supposed to get. They came from USA. Czech Republic and Austria.

Photo: Clint Farlinger

The state of Minnesota, where Sandra lives, is known as the Land of 10.000 Lakes but, in fact, the state has even more than 10.000. Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources counts anything 10 acres or more as a lake. By that definition, Minnesota has 11,842 lakes. 

By Telegramme Paper Co

This is the 1st time I get a card from this collection/set and I'm still trying to figure out weather I like it or not. I don't immediately dislike it but I'm not sure if that's my kind of card. It was sent by Barbara. 

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 3.5 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. in: https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Foto: Daniel Sloup 2008

Radana always seems to take some time to check and send me something from my favs. This time she sent a card of the Spanish Synagogue in Prague. I visited it a few years ago. It was my 1st time visiting a synagogue and I didn't know what to expect but I certainly didn't except it to be so beautiful. I can really understand why is it considered as the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. 

Built in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the most recent synagogue in the Prague Jewish Town.

It was called the Spanish Synagogue for its impressive Moorish interior design, influenced by the famous Alhambra. - in: https://www.jewishmuseum.czogue/

Foto: B. Reinhart

I've never been to Salzburg but Mozart's hometown is high on my must visit list. This view of the Old Town with its churches and Hahensalzburg Fortress, might have something to do with that. It can only be better if covered in snow. 

The Old Town of Salzburg (also called Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg or simply Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It comprises of a Medieval and Baroque ensemble of buildings that is unique in the world and draws millions of visitors every year. Legally, the Old Town is a district of Salzburg and building activities are strictly regulated in order to preserve the ancient buildings. - in: http://salzburg-visit.com

The cards was sent by Josi.

AT-542203

Tirol is a state in western Austria. 

This beautiful province is one of the best skiing areas in winter, while in the summer it offers fantastic hiking paths and stunning views of lakes and valleys. Traditional celebrations and delicious food can also be enjoyed year-round.Rugged peaks, rolling Alpine pastures, picturesque valleys, spectacular glaciers all make for the stunning scenic beauty of Tirol. Its friendly people, a long history in hospitality, and a great infrastructure make Tirol a truly unique destination.

www.tkv.at

AT-542203, sent by Karin.

The overwhelming beauty of Austria’s third-largest province is spectacular. One of Tirol's biggest claims to fame are its 500 mountain peaks that rise more than 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above sea level.

Tirol has a population of over 700,000 (living in 279 communities, eleven of which are towns). Tirol's largest city is its capital, Innsbruck, which is located near the geographic centre. - in: https://www.austria.info

Melk's Abbey - Austria

The Wachau is an Austrian valley with a picturesque landscape formed by the Danube river. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of Lower Austria, located midway between the towns of Melk and Krems. 

The valley was inscribed as "Wachau Cultural Landscape" in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in recognition of its architectural and agricultural history, in December 2000. One of the many interesting attactions of that region is Melk's Abbey. 

The 1st of these cards was sent by Kati in 2013 and was also signed by three austrian postcrossers that she met there. Thise other card is a German official that I've got a few days ago. 

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey in Austria, and among the world's most famous monastic sites. It is located above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river in Lower Austria, adjoining the Wachau valley.

Melk Abbey was originally a palace. In the 11th century, Leopold II of Babenberg presented the palace at Melk to Benedictine monks, who turned it into a fortified abbey. Its influence and reputation as a center of learning and culture spread throughout Austria.

DE-9405563, sent by Thomas.

Melk Abbey was damaged during the Reformation and the 1683 Turkish invasion. Reconstruction of the abbey began in 1702 in full Baroque style and was completed in 1736. The abbey church was damaged by fire in 1947, but is now almost completely restored.

The monastic community of Melk is over 900 years old and black-robed Benedictine monks still stroll amidst the marble sculptures and frescoed walls. It is now also a prestigious coed monastery school with more than 700 students.

Schönbrunn Palace - Austria

The cultural and picturesque Schönbrunn Palace is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Vienna and one of the most popular historical attractions in the city. 

AT-63008, sent by Thomas.

The former summer residence of the Habsburgs impresses with imperial ceremonial rooms and magnificent gardens. Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph, Empress Elisabeth and others once resided here. 
Schönbrunn Palace is one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque complexes and has been in the possession of the Habsburgs since 1569.

The wife of Emperor Ferdinand II, Eleonore von Gonzaga, had a pleasure palace built on the site in 1642 and called the property "Schönbrunn" for the first time. The palace and garden complex created from 1696 onwards following the siege of Vienna was complete redesigned under Maria Theresa after 1743. Today, due to its historical significance, its unique layout and magnificent furnishings, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. - in: https://www.wien.info

St. Stephen's Cathedral - Austria

St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna. Construction commenced in the 12th century. Today, it is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria.

AT-483832, sent by Friedrich.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is 107.2 meters long and 34.2 meters wide. It has four towers. The tallest of these is the south tower at 136.44 meters. The tower room, from which there is a gigantic view across Vienna, is reached via 343 steps. A total of 13 bells hang here. However, the best-known bell of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Pummerin, is located in the 68.3 meter-tall north tower. It is the second-biggest free-swinging chimed church bell in Europe. On the roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral, colorful roof tiles were laid to create the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna. 

The interior of St. Stephen's Cathedral was changed again and again over the centuries, right through to the Baroque period.

In addition to valuable altars and side chapels, the impressive cathedral treasure can also be seen, including relics decorated with gold and precious stones, monstrances, liturgical texts and books as well as vestments. Numerous important people were also given their final resting place in St. Stephen's Cathedral: Emperor Friedrich III. was buried in an impressive marble sarcophagus. 

smile Gmbh, Wien

The tomb’s cover slab alone weighs eight tonnes. Prince Eugene of Savoy has his final resting place in a private chapel. And famous names buried in the catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral include the Habsburg duke Rudolph IV. “the founder", who laid the foundation stone for the Gothic reconstruction of the cathedral in 1359. In addition, the graves of Vienna’s cardinals and archbishops can be found in the catacombs. - in: https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/st-stephens-cathedral