SE-251695

In almost 19 years of Postcrossing, this is only my 7th official card from Sweden. Curiously, all of them except one, depict churches of the country. This one in Uppsala, with its towering 118.7 meters, is the largest church in the Nordic countries.

SE-251695, sent by Eva.

A visit here is a journey through centuries of history, mystery, and remarkable treasures. Kings and scientists rest side by side, medieval relics blend with modern art, and legends of saints and miracles still echo within the Gothic vaults.
Throughout history, Uppsala Cathedral has been the setting for royal coronations, historic burials, and pivotal moments in Sweden’s development. Construction began around 1270, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Until 1719, Swedish kings and queens were crowned here, and to this day, it remains the place where the country’s bishops are consecrated. - in: https://destinationuppsala.se

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - August '22

Tuesday morning postcard updates. 

Great cards from Germany, Northern Ireland, Sweden and Russia.

 

www.papersisters.de

 

Nicole surprised me with this card from my favorites, a great addition to my Happy Postcrosing from... collection.

 

 Photo: Hibernia Landscapes by Stephen Wallace

Rachel also sent me a card from my favorites. 

Tollymore Forest Park was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland, established on 2 June 1955. It is located at Bryansford, near the town of Newcastle. It covers an area of 630 hectares (1,600 acres) at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and has views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at nearby Newcastle. The Shimna River flows through the park where it is crossed by 16 bridges, the earliest dating to 1726. - in: wikipedia

Foley’s Bridge dates from 1787.

Foto: Sven Nilson

A castle card is always a favorite. This one was sent by Veronica. 

The Gripsholm Castle is a Swedish royal fortification and residence in Mariefred, near Stockholm.

It was begun in 1537 by King Gustav I. It is one of the finest remaining examples of Swedish architecture of the Vasa dynasty founded by Gustav, and combines sophisticated Renaissance interiors with a form that remains essentially medieval. - in: http://www.everycastle.com

Photo: Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky

1909 is not the construction date of this mill, it is the date of when this picture was taken. This was a six-bladed post mill of tolcheya type in Leushino, which pounded grain instead of grinding. Village is now submerged in Rybinsk Reservoir. 

This was the 1st card Mikhail has ever sent me and it was a great one. 

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * February '22

I didn't forget about these cards, I was actually waiting for one of them and now that I've got them all, I can finally post them.

 

 www.postkaardid.ee

It seems that Ella took some time to send her cards but it was worth the wait. She sent me this card from my favs from beautiful Tallinn, one of my favorite cities in Europe. 

This pair of picturesque, ivy-covered towers at the entrance to Viru Street is often the first glimpse visitors get of Old Town. 

The towers are actually only the foregates of what was a much more complex gate system built in the 14th century. It included a large, square tower that stood father back along the street, close to where the city wall can be seen.

Most of the gate was pulled down in the 1880s to make room for traffic, but these two towers remained and have since become a symbol of the town. - in: https://visittallinn.ee

Getting cards from new castles is something that makes me quite happy. Thank you Veronica. 

The history of this legendary castle goes back 800 years. For a long time, Kalmar Castle was an important fortification and known as the key to the kingdom because of its strategical location.
 Kalmar Castle was given its current design during the 16th century, when the Vasa kings Gustav, Erik XIV and Johan III rebuilt the medieval castle and made it into a Renaissance palace, furnished and decorated in continental fashion.

Even before then the castle had played an important role in Nordic politics, for example as the location for the signing of the Kalmar Union in 1397. This event was celebrated during the whole year of 1997, the union's 600th anniversary. - in: https://www.kalmarslott.se

© WERBVERLAG R.

I already have a few Herrenchiemsee Palace cards and if I'm not mistaken, this is not the 1st card Marei sent me to it.

Herrenchiemsee stands as a monument to Ludwig's admiration of King Louis XIV of France.
The palace was shaped in a 'W' with wings flanking the central edifice. Only 16 of the 70 rooms were on the ground floor. Though it was to have been an equivalent to the Palace of Versailles, only the central portion was built before the king died and construction was discontinued with 50 of the 70 rooms still incomplete. It was never intended to be a perfectly exact replica of the French royal palace. Like Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors has 17 arches, the Hall of Peace and the Hall of War on either side have six windows each. The window niches at Herrenchiemsee are slightly wider than those at Versailles, making its central façade a few metres wider. The dining room features an elevator table and the world's largest Meissen porcelain chandelier. Technologically, the building also benefits from nearly two centuries of progress. The original Versailles palace lacked toilets, water, and central heating, while the New Palace has all of these, including a large heated bathtub. - in: wikipedia

Karina sent me this street art card. Not much information about the art but I've learnt about ACTA and why was it important to stop it. 

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a multilateral treaty for the purpose of establishing international standards for intellectual property rights enforcement that did not enter into force. The agreement aims to establish an international legal framework for targeting counterfeit goods, generic medicines and copyright infringement on the Internet. Industrial groups with interests in copyright, trademarks and other types of intellectual property said that ACTA was a response to "the increase in global trade of counterfeit goods and pirated copyright protected works"

Organisations representing citizens and non-governmental interests argued that ACTA could infringe fundamental rights including freedom of expression and privacy. ACTA has also been criticised by Doctors Without Borders for endangering access to medicines in developing countries. The nature of negotiations was criticized as secretive and has excluded non-governmental organizations, developing countries and the general public from the agreement's negotiation process and it has been described as policy laundering by critics including the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Entertainment Consumers Association.
The signature of the EU and many of its member states resulted in widespread protests across Europe.
On 4 July 2012, the European Parliament declined its consent, effectively rejecting it. - in: wikipedia

SE-208836

My 6th official card from Sweden.

 

SE-208836, sent by Eivor. 

The parish church of Glanshammars was originally built in the 12th century and already had a tower that still exists today.

Perhaps the most prominent in today's church rooms are the well-preserved ceiling and wall paintings from 1589. On the south wall there are also some preserved remains from the original church's medieval paintings. There are also three of Närke's rune stones and in addition there is a walled one somewhere near the current entrance.

SE-184211

Getting officials from Sweden doesn't happens that often. 

 

The medieval church in the north of the island of Visingsö in Lake Vättern is best known nowadays for its cut-off tower, from which visitors can enjoy the view.

SE-184211, sent by Annette. 

Kumlaby Church was built in the 12th century using local slate, with sandstone door and window frames. The church comprises nave, chancel, apse and a west tower added slightly later. In the 15th century, the church was vaulted and decorated with frescos depicting motifs from the legends of the saints and medieval symbolism.

During the 16th century, the island’s two parishes were merged into one and, in 1636, all church activity was moved to the newly completed Brahe Church. Per Brahe the Younger then converted the abandoned church into schoolrooms for the school he had founded: ‘Schola Brahea’, the Visingsborg School. Among other things, he had the steeple removed and built a platform there for the pupils to study astronomy.

The church served as a school for 175 years, after which it was left to its fate. For a number of years during the 19th century, it was used by the missionary movement. In 1922, the church underwent radical restoration, assuming its present appearance.

As a visitor, not only can you go into the church but also up to the top of the cut-off tower. The staircase up to the tower is narrow and dark, but well worth the effort. It is said that in fine weather you can see four of Sweden’s provinces – Småland, Östergötland, Närke and Västergötland – from the top. - in: https://jkpg.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - June' 20

June's MFS cards are from Russia, Sweden and Germany.

Tanya from Belarus sent me this card of the Trinity St. Sergius Monastery in Russia. 

The five-domed Church of John the Baptist's Nativity (1693–1699) was commissioned by the Stroganovs and built over one of the gates. 

Also from Russia and also a UNESCO site, Anna sent this card of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, the main temple of the city. It was erected during the reign Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in 1158. 

For a long time the temple was the main church of Vladimir principality and was best suited for majestic crowning ceremonies of the princes as both the exterior and interior were richly decorated in gold.

Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir is also known for its icon of Vladimir Mother of God. In 1408, the icon was moved to Moscow; now it is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery.

The cathedral serves as a burial place for Vladimir’s princes.

In 1927, the Communists closed the Cathedral for religious services. However, in 1944, the services were resumed as part of Stalin’s effort to enlist the Orthodox Church’s support for the war against the Nazis. - in: https://www.russiaeguide.com

© Jeppe Wikström

Sunrise over the Royal Palace in Stockholm, sent by Iris.

Stockholm's Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden.

This combination of royal residence, workplace and culture-historical monument open year round to visitors makes the Royal Palace of Stockholm unique amongst Europe's royal residences.

The palace is built in baroque style by the architect Nicodemus Tessin and is formed as a Roman palace. The palace has more than 600 rooms divided between eleven floors with a state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard.

The palace contains many interesting things to see. In addition to the Royal Apartments there are three museums steeped in regal history: the Treasury with the regalia, the Tre Kronor Museum that portrays the palaces medieval history and Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities. - in: https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english

© concept by Postcardsmarket.com

Germany has an area of 357.168 km², a population of 81.459.000 and its capital is Berlin.

Unique:

* Goseck Circle - The oldest sun observatory currently known in Europe, 7000 years ago:

* Half-Timbered Houses - 2.5 million, the highest number of any country worldwide;

Famous:

* The German Autobahn - The oldest motorway network in the world and the only one with no speed limit;

* Punctuality - germans are extremely punctual and even a few minutes delay can offend;

History;

* the Mauer Mandible - Shows that ancient humans were present in Germany 6000.000 years ago;

* Reunification - The fall of Berlin Wall, 3 October 1990, began in the evening of 9 November 1989.

New Flag of the World sent by Katja.

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - April' 20

This month I decided not to join this RR because I'm moving to a new house and I've a new address. I've to confess that I'm not that excited about having a new address and new mailbox. You know you're addicted to Postcrossing when you don't care much about the house but get worried about the size of mailbox and how the change of the address will affect your postcrossing mail. 

These April cards were still received in the address I had for 17 years, June's cards will be received in the new address. 

Foto: Centrum Blomstermala

Fliseryd, Iris hometown, is a small town in southern Sweden. The local wood church dates back to 1808. 

Foto: Stanko Petek

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption in Birnau is a pilgrimage church on the north shore of Lake Constance in the German municipality of Uhldingen-Mühlhofen.

The construction started in 1747 and the church was inaugurated on September 20, 1750.

Card sent by Marei. 

© Fotografie Karl-Heinz Raach

Also from the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Birgit sent this snowy view of Freiburg Münsterplatz, the heart of the city. 

Münsterplatz is a cobblestone square in front of the Freiburg Münster (Cathedral of Freiburg). This quaint churchyard has plenty of colourful buildings, most of which were reconstructed following the end of World War II. Besides the church, the Historical Merchants' Hall and Wentzinger House are some of the many historical buildings within the square. Be sure to watch your step from time to time as the streets of Münsterplatz are lined with bächle, which are open brooks with streaming water. It’s believed that you may end up marrying a local if your feet land into one. - in: https://pt.hoteis.com/go/germany

© 2014, fotografie Ladislav Renner

From Czech Republic, with great stamps, a card of the Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau, sent by Radana.

The chateau lies on the southern border of the Czech state about 110 kilometres from Vienna and is one of the most valuable buildings of the Central European baroque. It was created with the reconstruction of a royal castle first mentioned in 1100. Its current form bears the imprint of the Althanns, who held it for some 100 years from the late 17th century, together with a significant contribution from the imperial architect Johann Bernhard Fischer of Erlach. - in: https://www.zamek-vranov.cz/en

DE-8963600

The ID on this card is German but the card is from Sweden. 

Christian Bäck

DE-8963600, sent by Jörg.
Lysekil is a town in the western coast of Sweden.

Originally a small fishing village, it developed into a town for fishing industries, commercial shipping and trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

During the 19th century, Lysekil was established as a prominent spa and bathing resort and tourism still makes up a large part of the town's economy. - in: wikipedia

Vasa Museum - Sweden

As I said before, I'm not a museum kind of person but Vasa Museum was on my must visit list when I visited Stockholm in June. The idea of seeing a ship that was underwater for more than 300 years was way too exciting. My 1st expression when I saw it was "wow, amazing!!". 

The card was sent by Damien.

The Vasa Museum is located in the royal parkland, Djurgården. This is one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia; around 1.5 million visitors every year enjoy the exhibitions in the museum, which describe the warship Vasa's history and life at the time; how, after 333 years at the bottom of Stockholm bay, the ship was rediscovered and salvaged. - in: https://www.vasamuseet.se/en/about

Photo cover: Magnus Svensson ©

Vasa is a Swedish warship built between 1626 and 1628. The ship foundered after sailing about 1,300 m (1,400 yd) into its maiden voyage on 10 August 1628. It fell into obscurity after most of her valuable bronze cannon were salvaged in the 17th century until it was located again in the late 1950s in a busy shipping lane just outside Stockholm harbor. The ship was salvaged with a largely intact hull in 1961. 

During the 1961 recovery, thousands of artifacts and the remains of at least 15 people were found in and around the Vasa's hull by marine archaeologists. Among the many items found were clothing, weapons, cannons, tools, coins, cutlery, food, drink and six of the ten sails. The artifacts and the ship herself have provided scholars with invaluable insights into details of naval warfare, shipbuilding techniques and everyday life in early 17th-century Sweden. - in: wikipedia

Stockholm - Sweden

I've never had any particular interest or curiosity in visiting Sweden but its capital became part of my plans of my most recent trip. 

Postcards and stamps are expensive. As for the stamps, there's nothing we can do about that, pay the price and that's it. As for the cards, we checked a few stores and found one with beautiful and cheap postcards. It was postcard madness!! This was the postcard I chose to send to myself. Apart from this I only sent 2 others and all with a special postmark from the Post Museum.

© CINDOR

Skeppsbron is both a street and a quay in Gamla stan, the old town of Stockholm, capital of Sweden, stretching from the bridge Strömbron in front of the Royal Palace southward to Slussen. - in: wikipedia

I wish my pictures could look like this. 

Lund - Sweden

Ines sent me this card a few weeks ago just to let me know she's still alive. We're pals but she didn't have much time to write letters in the last months. Wtih no time to write letters, she sent me a card from Lund, which she visited on her last holidays.

Lund is a city in the province of Scania, southern Sweden. Lund is believed to have been founded around 990, when Scania was part of Denmark. The city was ceded to Sweden in the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, and its status as part of Sweden was formalised in 1720.

Lund University (white building on the card), established in 1666, is today one of Scandinavia's oldest and largest institutions for education and research. The university and its buildings dominate much of the centre of the city, and have led to Lund becoming a centre for high-tech industry in the south of Sweden. - in: wikipedia

Europe RR - Group 103 * Churches

It has been nice to take part in this RR. I'll join more groups after the my holidays. 

For group 103, I've got churches from Sweden and Italy, sent by Gerald and Olimpia. 

Foto: Ingvar Dagahs

Varberg Church is situated at the marketplace in Varberg, Halland County, Sweden. The church was completed in 1772, as a replacement of an elder church from 1687 that was destroyed in a fire on 18 May 1767.

The interior of the church is neoclassical. Mostly of it is from the 19th century. - in: wikipedia

Edizione Rossi

The Basilica of Sant'Andrea is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral and minor basilica in Mantua, Lombardy (Italy). It is one of the major works of 15th-century Renaissance architecture in Northern Italy. Commissioned by Ludovico III Gonzaga, the church was begun in 1472 according to designs by Leon Battista Alberti on a site occupied by a Benedictine monastery, of which the bell tower (1414) remains. The building, however, was only finished 328 years later. Though later changes and expansions altered Alberti's design, the church is still considered to be one of Alberti's most complete works. It looms over the Piazza Mantegna. - in: wikipedia