Postcards of UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Czech Republic - Fortress of Terezin

2012-02-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

"The Fortress of Terezin lies north-west of the Czech capital, Prague, at the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe) and Ohfe (Eger). It stands in the open landscape as an self-contained technical and urban monument. Together with the town that it encloses, which for two centuries was a military town, it seems to fall within that category of historic towns already represented on the World @Cultural Heritage List; unlike these others, however, which had a prîmarily civilian residential function, Terezin is a unique type of fortress town, whose layout, accommodation, administrative buildings and production units supported the fortress proper from its very foundation, with which they are contemporary. In its structure and form, meanwhile, it represents the zenith of three centuries of bastion fortification building in Europe, not only temporally but also qualitatively. This uniqueness is set out in the comparative sections of this text. The Fortress of Terezin was built between 1780-90 to defend the route from Dresden to Prague, on the basis of expérience gained during the period of Austro-Prussian wars in the reign of the Empress Maria Theresa..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Multiview of Fortress of Terezin. Nice stamps used including a UNESCO World Heritage stamp of Valtice. Thanks to Katka of Czech Republic.

Macedonia - Archaeo-astronomical Site Kokino

2012-02-16T23:57:00.000-08:00

"The archaeo-astronomical site, the megalithic observatory "Kokino" is located in the north-eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia, at 19km to the northeast of the town Kumanovo and in the vicinity of the village Kokino. Administratively it belongs to the municipality Staro Nagorichane. It comprises an area with a surface of 100m in the direction east-west and 50m in the direction north-south, at the peak of the imposing rocky hill called Tatichev kamen. It is at an elevation of 1013 m.

The hill had been formed from volcanic rocks. It has a conical form with a saddle at the top and it belongs to the volcanic area Kratovo-Zletovo. The volcanic cone, the lateral secondary parasite effusions and volcanic neck (petrified lava in the lower volcanic channel) are preserved from the extinct volcano. The erupted lava is of an intermediate character with an andesitic composition, with clearly columnar (prismatic) emission and accentuated cracks.

The natural predisposition of these andesite rocks to crack vertically and horizontally caused forming of almost ideal cubic rock blocks that could be easily shaped and wisely used by the prehistoric dwellers as areas/positions for observing the movement of the Sun and the Moon and for performing religious rites..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Megalith Observatory, Kokino, Macedonia. Thanks to Sini who was visiting Macedonia.

Indonesia - Raja Ampat Islands

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

"The Raja Ampat Islands, situated near the Northwest coast of Papua, consists of about 1,500 islands, including several large, mountainous islands, the largest being Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. The land and surrounding sea occupy approximately 46,000 km2 or about 4.6 million ha. The islands are located in a region on the western boarder of the equatorial Pacific Ocean and at the Northeastern ‘entrance’ of the Indonesian Throughflow from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. The vast majority of the archipelago rests on the Sahul shelf. The wide distribution of small islands across the shelf edge creates a strong gradient from clear water, open oceanic conditions to sheltered and turbid bays, surrounded by krast limestone formations. Raja Ampat was declared as a new regency or district on 8 May 2003 and consists of 10 sub-districts with a total of 85 villages spread out in over approximately 6% of the islands in the regency. The census in 2001 showed that total population in Raja Ampat was 47,771 with an average increase rate of 0.32%" Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

An awesome aerial view of Raja Ampat. A beautiful underwater stamp minature sheet used. Thanks so much to Shinta of Indonesia.

Ethiopia - Holqa Sof Omar: Natural and Cultural Heritage (Sof Omar: Caves of Mystery)

2012-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

"Holqa Sof Omar: is one of the most spectacular and extensive underground caverns in the world: the Sof Omar cave system. Formed by the Weib River as it changed its course in the distant past and carved a new channel through limestone foothills, the Sof Omar cave system is an extraordinary natural phenomenon of breathtaking beauty. Here the Weib River vanishes into this giant underground world with its arched portals, high eroded ceilings, and deep, vaulted echoing chambers. These caves, now an important Islamic shrine named after the saintly Sheik Sof Omar Ahmed, who took refuge here many centuries ago (around early 11th century AD), have a religious history that predates the arrival of the Muslims in Bale — a history calibrated in thousands, not hundreds, of years..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Sof Omar Caves, located in Bale region, Ethiopia, about 15km long, is one of the longest cave systems in Africa. Two nice black rhinocerous stamps used. Thanks to Ronald of Sweden who was visiting Ethiopia.

Vietnam - Ba Be Lake

2011-12-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

"Ba Be Lake have a water area around 500ha, spreading over 8km, as biggest natural water lake in Vietnam, situated in Cho Ra-Ba Be-Cho Don carste terrain pertaining to low-lying lands of Vietnam North raising mass. This raising mass was formed from the destruction of South East Asia continental mass at the end of Cambri era, around 200 million years ago. Due to its special geological constitution, the Lake has very original and special features compared with other world-wide carster lakes: world carster lakes are spent or only with one-season water, while Ba Be Lake has its permanent full-water.... According to primary survey documents, 417 species of trees including 300 branches, 114 parenties. Also, hundreds of orchids and species of medicine-plants. The system of animals including; land, aquatic and flying animals covering 319 species of animals in 27 forms, 85 parenties in which 42 species recorded in Vietnam Red Book with 3 endemic anima l species that are gibbon (snub no se) Bamboo-Thread and Red Algae." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The Ba Be Lake - Cao Bang Province. Nice UNESCO Intangible Cultural stamp used. Thanks to Johnson of Hong Kong.

Vietnam - Huong Son Complex of Natural Beauty and Historical Monuments

2011-12-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

"The Huong Son Complex of natural and cultural properties is situated on a limestone mountain range, some 60 kilometres southwest of the national capital of Hanoi. This mountain range was formed more than 200 million years ago. During its orogenetic movements, many scenic valley streams and caves were formed, adding attraction to the limestone mountains and natural forests. The Huong Son Complex area is a natural habitat of many rare and values species of tropical fauna and flora as well as of primitive man in nort Vietnam. A number of caves, such as Luon, Sap Bon, Sung Sam and Giac, archaeological sites belonging to the HOA BINE Culture dated back to over 10,000 years. In the far past, taking advantage of the local natural beauty, ancient Viets built a system of hundreds of Buddhist pagodas and temples in caves on mountain sides and abank streams, the most spectacular of which is the Huong Tich Cave which is also the most beautiful natural cave in the country. In this area is held annually the Huong Pagoda Festival which lasts for one month in spring with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people, both Vietnamese and foreigners. The Huong Son Complex comprises a three groups of pagodas, temples and caves linked with one another by waterways (streams): - The Huong Tich group accessible by the Yen Stream, including the Trinh Temple, the Son Thuy Huu Tinh Cave, the Hoi Bridge, the Thanh Son Pagoda, the Houng Dai Pagoda, the Thien T~~ Pagoda; the Hinh Dong Pagoda, the Tien Pagoda, the Giai Oan Pagoda, the Cua Vong Temple and the Huong Tioh Cave. - The Long Van group accessible by the Long Van Stream, including the Long Van Cave, the Tien Cave, the Ngubi Xua (Ancient Man) Cave, and the Cay Khe Pagoda. - The Tuyet Pagoda Group accessible by the Tuyet Stream, including the Mau Ha Temple, the Mau Thuong Temple, the Ca Pagoda, the Bao Dai Pagoda, the Tuyet Pagoda, the Am Pagoda and the Hong Son Cave." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Scene of Tuyet Son (Huong Pagoda) of Ha Tay Province. Nice stamps of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage used. Thanks to Johnson of Hong Kong who was visited Vietnam.

Egypt - Alexandria, ancient remains and the new library

2011-12-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

"..A cosmpolitan cultural centre, Alexandria, despite some reverses, greatly contributed to the success of the new religion which found philosophical sustenance there and which partly drew upon the tradition of ancient Egypt until the arrival of the Moslems in 642 AD. 2. Places remembered: archeological remains What is there left today of the ancient city? There is no lighthouse, no library, no palaces of the Ptolemies, all have vanished. But there are many other remains on the land and under the sea important and significant enough to bear witness to the city's past and especially its role in the civilisational and cultural exchanges between Egypt and the rest of the Mediterranean, especially the Greco-Roman World. The modern city, built on the rubble of the city of Alexander the Great and his successors the Ptolemies, still displays excavated remains and the sea near the coast still conceals a considerable amount of architectural elements, statues which sometimes are colossal, great blocks of stones, marble or granite, all submerged under the sea. All these remains on the land and under the sea can be divided into three groups: A. Huge monuments and structures B. Ancient necropolises C. Underwater remains..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Roman Amphitheatre and Citadel of Qaitbay of Alexandria. Thank to Elsayed from Alexandria, Egypt.

Latvia - Kuldīga Old Town in the Primeval Valley of the River Venta

2011-12-21T23:04:00.000-08:00

"Kuldīga is a rarity among the North-Eastern Europe provincial towns. For this particular area of the world, the old town of Kuldīga keeps the best preserved and least transformed heritage of the 18th-19th century town environment with characteristic landscape of clay tile roofs, historical building ensemble, picturesque street perspectives, outstanding nature and high assessment emotional values. Specific character of Kuldīga old town, in comparison to, for instance, to Scandinavian states, Western Europe or other parts of the world, can be explained by distinctive political, social, and economic platform that has promoted preservation and conservation of the historical environment after the Second World War, authentic town environment of the 13th century, as well as the character of cultural landscape from first half of the 20th century. One of the most powerful expressions of charm of the old town of Kuldīga is the medieval historical centre near the river Alekšupīte that runs through the old town from the South, flowing between buildings, and reaching the river Venta with great accent - mill (an example of technology development in the 19th-20th century) pond and a waterfall. It is the only such urban planning ensemble from the 17th-18th century that is preserved in the Baltic States..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Multi-view of Kuldiga. Christmas 2011 stamp with 2012 Dragon theme. Thanks to Katrina of Latvia.

Portugal - Fortifications of Elvas

2011-12-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

"The Castle of Elvas dates from the reign of Dorn Sancho II, and is founded on the vestiges of a Moslem structure, of which two surrounding walls still remain. The city was twice taken from the Moors, in 1166 and 1220, but it was only in 1226 that the castle was finally captured, followed by immediate reconstruction works, which were concluded in 1228. In the reign of Dorn Dinis certain alterations were made to the roofing and supporting structures, such as turrets and battlements. In the centuries that followed, Dorn Joao II and Dorn Manuel I added a new system of buttressed reinforcements to the castle, in Renaissance style, whilst the whole cluster of buildings took on a more residential role, under the supetvision of the city's alcaides. As a result of the great military reforms of the 1 7 ~ century, the Castle of Elvas became one of the most remarkable fortifications in Europe, owing to the need for defence during the Border wars (1641-1668). The works are attributed to an engineer, Father Cosmander, and other masters, who were summoned to the Portuguese court by Dorn JoBo IV and Dorn Afonso VI, specifically for this purpose. Outstanding, among the works carried out during this campaign, are the complex system of walls, ravelins and ditches, as well as the two secondary forts of Santa Luzia and Grap. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries Elvas' walled fortifications underwent constant modernisation, making it into an enormous entrenched camp. Despite the great transformations it has undergone throughout history, the Castle of Elvas has retained its medieval military structure, whilst it is recognised as one of the most important examples, both of the overlaying of functions, and the historical evolution of strategic and military thinking, clearly demonstrating the implementation of the best practical and theoretical knowledge. The application of the Fortifications of Elvas for UNESCO World Heritage listing aims to focus attention on its existing, predominantly military heritage, which clearly bears witness to its position as a border town. Elvas gradually evolved into a remarkable fortified city with predominantly defensive objectives, due to its border situation and military vocation, which meant that it regularly bore the brunt of military aggression and violence, particularly in times of armed conflict. A historical analysis of the different military defensive systems, patent in the edified structures and in the design of the city itself, demonstrates the need to throw light upon the systematic and erudite process of architectural and military design, and urban planning, rather than to focus on a particular period. Notwithstanding its defensive military character, Elvas also has a strong link to agricultural activities, whilst its urban layout, though essentially the outcome of military imperatives, exhibits strong rural affinities and characteristics. Elvas has always behaved as a centre of diffusion, in both peacetime and in war, which led it to become the capital of the region, with a consequent administrative role, patent in the large number of office buildings of architectural value, certain representative administrative edifices with remarkable architectural features, and a vast and coherent series of supporting buildings." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Fortifications of Elvas, Alentejo. Thanks to Helena of Portugal. Obrigado.

Belgium - Galeries Saint-Hubert

2011-12-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

"Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert are the first truly monumental malls built in the nineteenth century. Built in 1847 near the Grand Place in Brussels, they reflect the prosperity and ambition of the new Belgian state during the reign of King Leopold. Their program is revolutionizing the architectural style of the passage as it had developed since the beginning of the century along the lines of Paris, and he breathes new dimension. The architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar (1811-1880), one of the most important representatives of the neoclassical style in Belgium, inspired both by the Italian Renaissance and the modern technology of iron and glass to create a covered street -like "crystal palace" that is perfectly suited to the urban landscape..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Galeries Saint-Hubert night view. Nice stamp of Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Thanks to Luk of Belgium.

France - Chaîne des Puys et faille de Limagne

2011-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

"The Chaîne des Puys is the northernmost and youngest major volcanic units of the French Massif Central. Unique landscape and complex, it is the final episode of a series of geological sequences of 350 million years related to the structuring of the sub-continent and the Alpine orogeny. The site combines a base and eroded mountain, a step Carboniferous, a tectonic rift, a rift and a monogenetic volcanic field. This set focuses some ninety buildings monogenic aligned almost parallel to the 60 km of intracontinental rift Limagne. Because of the freshness, variety and clarity of its forms, this site is the meeting point of many French and foreign universities, but also a popular place for all lovers of volcanism, eager to understand the eruptive phenomena of buildings it is accessible as harmonious. Chain was built between 7000 and 95 000 years and traces of prehistoric human occupation have been discovered in his first Maars.." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

This green surreal view is in France! Le Puy de Dome of Dpeartment 63 in the region of Auvergne. Great stamp of Year of the Rat. Reminds me of the movie of the French rodent chef "Ratatouille". Thanks so much Valerie of sending this great card with cool stamps from Paris. Merci beaucoup.

China - The Rock Painting of the Mountain Huashan

2011-12-05T13:01:00.001-08:00

"The rock painting of the Huashan Mountain is located on the west bank of the Mingjiang River in the Yaoda Town, Ningming County, Guangxi Zhuang Nationality Autonomous Region. It is left from the wizard activities of the ancient Luoyue people of the Zhuang nationality in the drainage area of the Zuojiang River south of the Five Ridges from the Warring States Period to the Eastern Han Dynasty, and is the site of ancient rock paintings which is famous both at home and abroad. With a history of 1800-2500 years, it is well-known as the typical representative of the rock painting in the drainage area of the Zuojing River of Guangxi for its great scale, grand scenes, and numerous images. Because of its extremely important historical, national, artistic and scientific value, it is an important part in the heritage treasury of the traditional culture of Chinese nation and the Chinese rock paintings. In 1988, the State Council announced it as a major historic site under national protection..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I bought this postcard in Shanghai, November 2011.

China - Shennongjia Nature Reserve

2011-12-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

"Shennongjia Nature Reserve in the western part of Hubei Province lies between Daba and Wudang Mountains. Its geographical location is at 113°3' -110°34' E and 31°22' -31°37' N. Lying between the transitional zone of south-western high mountain and low hilly land of Central China, the Reserve has a total land area of 90,000 ha. Since the function of crustal movement, the Shennongjia Mountain had been from the middle Devonian period raised above the sea level. Through the uplifts of Cenozoic and Mesozoic era and the erosion for many years, the topography is criss-crossed with mountains and rivers;, forming an unusual development and dislocation valley. The Shennong Crest that has been known to be the first peak of Central China, locates in the middle part of the Reserve with the elevation of 3,105 m..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I bought this postcard of Shennongjia in Shanghai, November 2011.

China - The Grand Canal

2011-12-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

"The Grand Canal - Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei Province, Shandong Province, Jiangsu Province, Anhui Province, Zhejiang Province and Henan Province..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I bought this set of maximum postcards from Shanghai, November 2011.

China - Liangzhu Archaeological Site

2011-12-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

"Liangzhu Site, located to the northwest of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, about 15 kilometres from the centre of the city, is a famous archaeological site dating from the late Neolithic Age. Liangzhu culture, named after the site, is one of the most important archaeological cultures in China. Dating back to 5,300 - 4,200 years ago, it is characterized by well developed plough-rice agriculture, professionalized handicraft reflected by exquisite jade ware, pottery, and lacquer ware, carved symbols like word, large artificial structures, and a pyramid-shaped social structure. It has been dubbed ‘the dawn of oriental civilization' in the academic circle, and the site is an important piece of evidence that the Chinese civilization has multiple origins..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Maximum postcards of Liangzhu relics. I bought them in Shanghai, November 2011.

China - Maijishan Scenic Spots

2011-12-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

"Maijishan Mountain is placed on the first list of state key scenic spots by its peculiar grottoes, exquisite clay sculptures luxuriant vegetation, all kinds geologies and landforms, mountain peaks. Its main area is 142km2 including Maijishan Grottoes, the Immortal Cliff, the Stone Gate, Quxi Stream and Jieting Hot Spring. Maijishan Grottoes was first built in Later Qin (384-417.D) constructed successively during the 12 dynasties which are West Qin, Northern Wei, West Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasty, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Although many earthquakes and conflagration, it still remains 194 caves, 7200 sculpture, 1000 square M fresco which are excatived on the cliff about 30-80m high form the ground, more than 70 percent caves were excavated in the North dynasty. When clay sculpture were popular, well-shaped and excellent art, They reach the climax of sculpture works in early period. Qinling chains in scenic area are the main boundary between North and South nature geography. There are two plant areas, China-Japan, China-Himalayas areas. They include much kind of plants of North China, Central China, and Himalayas. Menxinduo Higher plant.." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I bought these Maji-shan postcards in Shanghai in November 2011.

Israel - Sea of Galilee & its Ancient Sites

2011-12-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

"The Sea of Galilee, -210 meters below sea level, is the main fresh water sea of the Rift Valley with unique forms and subterranean sources including hot water springs. The sea is home for 27 fish types, with many endemic. The water surface is 168 square kilometers while the perimeter is 55 kilometers, densely populated over the generations. The cities of Tiberias and Hammat Gader as well as Korazim, Kursi, Capernaum, and Tabgha surround the Sea of Galilee contributing to the area's unique cultural authenticity..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Tabgha - Sea of Galilee - Mt. Of Beautitudes, Capernaum. Thanks to Liza of Israel.

Peru - Lake Titicaca

2011-11-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

"Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest of the world's large lakes. Titicaca is one of less than twenty ancient lakes on earth, and is thought to be there million years old. Lake Titicaca sits 3 810 m above sea level and is situated between Peru to the west and Bolivia to the east. Peruvian part is located in Puno department, in Puno and Huancane provinces. It covers 3 200 square miles (8 300 square km) and extends in a northwest-to-southeast direction for a distance of 120 miles (190 km). It is 50 miles (80 km) across at its widest point. A narrow strait, Tiquina, separates the lake into two bodies of water. The smaller, in the southeast, is called Lake Huinaymarca in Bolivia and lake Pequeño in Peru..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Lago Titicaca, Peru. Thanks to Jane of UK for mailing this wonderful postcard from Peru.

France - The ancient cities of Narbonne and territory: Nîmes, Arles, Glanum, aqueducts, Via Domitia

2011-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

"The cities of Nimes, Arles, Glanum are at an important traffic hub in the history of the territories of the Roman Empire: the junction points of the path Regordane, the Via Aurelia, the Via Agrippa and Via Domitia . Activities related to these channels of communication have resulted in numerous quality constructions that have come down to modern times and which constitute the core of the ancient heritage of southern France. This heritage is made up of urban monuments, the remains of aqueducts and other works related to roads." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Fortified town of Glanum. Two well preserved Roman monuments of 1st century BC - the triumphal arch and mausoleum. Thanks to Marie of France.

Germany - Francke Foundation Buildings

2011-11-30T17:51:00.001-08:00

"The Franck Foundations in Halle are one of the most important architectural monuments in Germany from the period of Pietism and the early Enlightenment. August Herrmann Francke was a congregational pastor and theology professor who was deeply imbued with the religious conceptions of Pietism that stated that on should live out one's own inner piety in direct connection with the an active love for one's neighbour. At the same time, he was touched by the poverty surrounding him. In 1695, he began to erect a school for the poor with the seven gilders that have since become famous. Supported by generous foundations and donations and granted far-reaching privileges, he was able to unfold his plan for a comprehensive educational institution within a period of a few years..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Franckesche Stiftungen zu Halle. Thanks to Saudia of Germany.

Turkey - Konya - A capital of Seljuk Civilization

2011-11-30T01:21:00.000-08:00

"Konya a cradle of many civilizations, became a center of culture and politics during the period of Seljuks. During the 12 th and 13 th centuries the city acted as the capital of Seljuks and many public buildings, examples of Seljukian stone carving were built at that time. Seljuks created a unique artistic world with cultural links reaching out from the Anatolian heartland to central Asia, the Middle East and the shores of the Mediterrannean and Konya is the significant example of this world. The outer fortress of Konya and the Alaaddin Mosque, the Sirçali Madrasa, many small mosques and tombs are examples of Seljukian architectural elements of Konya." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Mevlan Turbe ve Camii, Konya. Thanks to ctrekoza of Turkey.

Postcard 2
Formerly a masouleum, now a museum, of Mevlana, Konya, Turkey. Thanks to Marie of France who visited Turkey.

Andorra - Romanesque Churches of Andorra

2011-11-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

"Romanesque Churches of Andorra - list of monuments:
- Sant Joan de Caselles
- Sant Miquel Engolasters
- Historic Ensemble of Pal
- Historic Ensemble of Cortinada
- Historic Ensemble of Warrants
- Sant Serni of Nagol
- Bell tower and porch of Santa Eulalia Encamp
- Bell tower of Sant Julià i Sant Germà

The Romanesque churches of Andorra is a historic complex constructed between homogeneous eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Romanesque delivered over the centuries most of the elements of our material culture between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. This period represents a historical-artistic point of intense activity from a historical perspective in the territory of Andorra. This is related to the subordination of the diocese of Urgell and the County for the ninth-tenth centuries, and struggles for sovereignty over the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. In the field of Art, the excitement has resulted in an intense artistic creativity whose works are currently part of our heritage." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Sant Joan de Caselles, Andorra. The stamp used is Rugby World Cup 2011 of Andorra La Poste (French). Mailed on October 27, 2011 and arrived in Penang on November 9, 2011. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain.

Postcard 2
Postcard shows Romanesque Churches of Andorra - Sant Joan de Caselles (middle), Sant Miquel Engolasters (right). My first postcard of Andorra mailed using the Spainish postal system. Andorra has both French and Spainish mailing systems. Two nice matching stamps of Romanesque Churches of Andorra. Postmarked on December 1, 2010 and arrived in Penang on December 16, 2010. Thanks so much to Jean-Pierre of France. Gracias, merci.

France - Harbor Marseille

2011-11-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

"Harbor Marseille.
1. Façade maritime city of Marseille, from north to south: Battery-Corbières; Entrance to the tunnel-Rove.
-Neighborhood I'Estaque; in the background of natural solid Nerthe (oppida Celto-Ligurian): Port de la Joliette: Digue du Large, Panzani Silo, Silo Arenc, Docks nineteenth century buildings of the shipping companies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Cathedrals (old and new Major); Together, the Old Port (Fort Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas, health advice, Reconstruction of buildings, dock Beiges, a former arsenal of galleys, Pharo Palace); Abbaye Saint-Victor
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde.
-Promenade de la Corniche (valley of Auffes, tide gauge, villas and country houses resorts): Old-quarters of the Old Chapel, Pointe Rouge and Montredon (bastide Pastré, industrial heritage of the nineteenth century in natural solid plan arriière Marseilleveyre. The southern boundary could be located at the Madrague Montredon, before the massive creeks, natural site, the DIREN emitting large reserves in the extension of registration for this very fragile. The effect of awareness induced by World Heritage listing of mankind would be likely to threaten the preservation of listed site. Note that the Cosquer cave, decorated cave indicating human presence in the Paleolithic era, historical monument, is located in this mountain creeks.

2. Urban area behind the coastline to consider: the old city of Marseille, including:
- The Panier district (site of the Greek city, Old Charity, Hotel Dieu)
- Extensions of Louis XIV (during Belsunce, over St. Louis)
- Canebière Boulevard Longchamp, Longchamp Palace

3. Islands.
- Islands of Friuli (island yew, Pomàgues of Ratonneau)
- Island Planier" Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The Mediterannean port of Marseilles, France. Located in the region of PACA. Thanks to Rupanjana for sending me this nice postcard.

Japan - Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki

2011-11-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

"Christianity was introduced in Japan by Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier in 1549 and spread rapidly in the western part of the nation. The Jesuits established their mission base in Nagasaki,where a port of foreign trade with Portugal was developed. The city of Nagasaki played an important role as a key base for the missionary work in Japan. Churches and Christian culture flourished here, and the Young Delegates of Tenshō set off from Nagasaki in 1582 for Europe, where they had an audience with the Pope. Their visit conveyed a fact that Christianity had taken root in Japan. However, with the Tokugawa shogunate's anti-Christian policy which banned the religion, Christianity was severely suppressed, resulting in the revolt against the regime (Shimabara Uprising) in 1637. Christian historic sites that tell of this period of suppression have been preserved until today.

During the prohibition on Christianity, adherents moved to remote islets and islands where they passed down from generation to generation the traditions of baptism and orasho (derived from the Latin word oratio ["prayer"], orasho are the prayers and hymns originally taught by the Jesuit missionaries and passed down orally) and continued in their faith until the ban was lifted in the Meiji period (1868-1912). Nagasaki Prefecture and the surrounding area are home to many churches built after the long period of suppression. These churches are testimonies of the suppressed adherents' re-acquisition of religious freedom and its long process. These Christian churches are also considered as excellent examples of the quality structural design resulting from the fusion of the Western architectural techniques brought by the foreign priests and Japan's traditional architectural techniques. The churches form particular cultural landscapes, associated with distinctive natural settings surrounding them." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Oura Church of Nagasaki. Thanks to Kenji of Japan.

United Kingdom - Monkwearmouth and Jarrow Monastic Sites

2011-11-02T00:28:00.000-07:00

"DescriptionThe twin Saxon monasteries at Wearmouth and Jarrow - 'one monastery in two places'- were the creation of one man, Benedict Biscop, who had travelled abroad (to Rome and elsewhere) in the 650s and had returned determined to build a monastery 'in the Roman manner'. The historian Bede was a member of the community from the age of seven, having been entrusted to Benedict Bishop c. 680. Wearmouth The church of St. Peter was founded in 674 on a site that had already been a lay burial ground. It is the earliest documented stone church in the north. It had a simple narrow chancel, possibly with narrow aisles; the western porch became the basis for the late Saxon tower, and the east end was used as a porticus where the abbots were buried. Benedict imported specialist Gaulish masons and glaziers to do the work. Fragments of the contemporary coloured window glass have been excavated at both Wearmouth and Jarrow. Excavations have shown that the buildings of the cult centre were joined by a corridor that extended south from the church and were enclosed by a wall in an orderly layout. This layout is unique in excavated monasteries in Europe and demonstrates the survival of a Roman style of layout..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

7th Century Glass Window of St. Paul's Church, Jarrow. Thnaks to Brian of UK.

Vietnam - Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

2011-10-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

"The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is located in the districts Hoa Lu, Gia Vien, and Nho Quan of Ninh Binh Province in northern Viet Nam. The heritage property is spread over a large area of 10,000 hectares, and is made up of three individual components within a single buffer zone. The three components are: (i) the Trang An Ecological Area, (ii) the Tam Coc-Bich Dong River Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel. The three areas share a common geological and ecological environment characterized by dramatic limestone karsts, permeated with a network of caves, and bound together by flooded inland waterways of high biological diversity. Together these three contiguous areas comprise the core zone of the heritage property..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I visited Ninh Binh, south of Hanoi and took a tourist boat ride through the rice fields and underneath the caves. Thanks to Victor of Singapore, who went on this same tour, for sending me this wonderful postcard which brought back fond memories. Nice stamp of Vietnamese pho noodles used. Postmarked Hanoi August 4, 2010 and arrived in Penang on August 12, 2010.

Netherlands - Island of Saba

2011-10-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

"Saba is an extinct volcano in the Caribbean Sea. Its exceptional natural setting and relative isolation have created a distinctive island community. Saba has noteworthy marine and terrestrial ecosystems and a variety of species.

The cultural environment has been created by the peoples who have successively inhabited the island. Their settlements are an immediate result of the social structure embedded in the island's historical and physical conditions. The cultural environment consists of four principal elements:
-archaeological remains of pre-ceramic and ceramic Amerindian sites and historic European settlements;
-traditional villages whose vernacular architecture exhibits the typical structure of grown settlements;
-Saban cottages with their cisterns and family cemeteries;
-characteristic infrastructure consisting of step roads, historical trails and water catchment installations." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

View of The Bottom from Mount Scenery after 1,064 steps. Thanks to Michael of South Africa who sent from Saba on January 31, 2011.

Romania - Neamt Monastery

2011-10-12T01:56:00.000-07:00

"Important medieval monastic settlement, one of the oldest in Moldova (late fourteenth century), whose main church, the term of the Ascension (1497), the copy is the most representative Moldavian style of the time of Stephen the Great (1457-1504) in religious architecture, Remarc by the horizontal and spatial solutions that have been found. Triconch plan as a sanctuary, shrine, burial chamber, narthex and exonarthex, a system of vaults typically moldave.A the outside, the harmony of shapes and decorations and is supported by the marquee roof fragmentree accordance to the interior structure systheme the vaults. The monastery includes a whole an enclosure with a bell tower and a small monastic town. From the beginning he was a center of culture the most important of Moldova, by scriptoria, printing, school." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Beautiful postcard of the Orthodox Church of Neamt Monastery in the Moldova Region, Romania. Nice stamp used. Thanks to Daniela of Romania.

Romania - Byzantine Churches and post-Byzantine Curtea de Arges

2011-10-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

"The city of Curtea de Arges, former capital of Wallachia, preserves important monuments. A first set and is the ruins of the Princely Court (thirteenth-sixteenth centuries) and the princely church Saint-Nicolas, built between 1340-1376 in the "Greek cross" and maintaining a nearly full the original painting, whose artistic qualities are among the most important examples of painting of the fourteenth century. The ensemble is completed by the ruins of the church of "Saint Nicoara" (fifteenth century). The second objective, the church of the former Monastery of Arges (1512-1517), decorated richly carved in stone, has a plan triconch has four domes in the narthex expanded, serving at the same time necropolis. The monument is an architectural archetype for a series of monastic buildings, foundations princely Representatives, until the eighteenth century." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Orthodox Monastery of Curtea de Argres is the burial place of the Romanian Royal Family. Thanks to Daniela of Romania.

Palau - Rock Islands-Southern Lagoon Management Area

2011-10-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

"The Rock Islands-Southern Lagoon Management Area of Koror State (referred to as Management Area) has unparalleled biological, cultural and economic value to Palau. This Management Area not only provides the foundation for Palau's tourism industry and in turn, the nation's economy, it contributes substantially to the nation's health through commercial and subsistence harvesting of its natural resources. This area is also an essential component of Palau's cultural heritage, host too much of Palau's rich biological diversity, and home to critical habitat for the country's threatened and endangered species. But these resources are under increasing pressure as Palau develops, and must be properly managed to ensure the long-term well being of Palau's biodiversity, culture and economy. The Rock Islands-Southern Lagoon Area is endowed with a unique and stunning landscape of limestone islands, marine lakes, and coral reefs. The Management Area is within an area of 600 km2 enclosed by 86 km of barrier reef on the east (ocean side) and 112 km on west (lagoon side) with substantial openings to the Pacific Ocean on the northeast side. Within the barrier reef is a large lagoon area with extensive fringing and patch reef systems with about 500 patch reefs and 150 fringing reefs (Maragos et al. 1994). The lagoon extends well to the north of the Management Area on the west side of Koror and Babeldaob and varies in depth from 10-40 meters. The area contains approximately 424 limestone islands formed when tectonic activity thrust ancient coral reef and seabed above sea level: 397 are steep "Rock Islands," and 27 are low islands on the barrier reef. There are approximately 50 marine lakes contained within the Rock Islands in the Management Area, connected to the lagoon via fissures and tunnels in the limestone rock. These unique lakes were formed approximately 10,000 years ago when the sea level rose, filling jungle covered depressions within the porous limestone." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Aerial view of Rock Islands, Palau. Postmarked October 2, 2011 and arrived in Penang on October 10, 2011. Thanks to Kim of Taiwan.

France - The Camargue

2011-10-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

"This area of approximately 20 000 hectares includes the Natural Reserve of Camargue and other adjacent protected areas. This delta, all natural and artificial wetlands, marshes, meadows and moors, continues to evolve as a result of sediments from the Alps, transported to the Camargue in the Rhone. Through a combination of fresh water, brackish water and seawater, this very important wetland area includes a wide range of habitats including terrestrial biotopes 8. It is a very important habitat for birds including seven species that nest at this location in France, the most spectacular being the flamingo. In addition, this area is an important wintering area for migratory birds, with more than 200,000 ducks wintering in the Camargue. This area is a Biosphere Reserve, has the European degree and is the first French site of international significance declared under the Ramsar Convention." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Flamingoes of Camargue. Thanks to Nicole of Germany who visited Camargue Nature Reserve.

Czech Republic - The Karlstejn Castle

2011-10-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

"DescriptionKarlstejn Castle surpasses those other castres already on the World Heritage List in the exceptional nature of its ideological calling, which ensured that this architectural composition be complemented by utterly unique artistic décoration. The castle was built in 1348-57 on a spur extending from a rocky ridge in a picturesque, hilly landscape around 30km south-west of the Czech capital, Prague. The building of the castre was the main element in an extensive programme by which the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, Charles IV, sought to elevate the lands of the Bohemian Crown to the cultural and political centre of what was then the largest state in Central Europe. The castle's calling was to be a stately and safe depository for the Imperial and Bohemian Crown Jewels, and the extensive Imperial collection of holy reliquaries..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Karlstejn Castle founded by Charles IV in 1348. Postmarked September 29, 2011 and arrived in Penang on October 6, 2011. Thanks to Miroslav of Czech Republic.

Romania - Densus Church

2011-09-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

"The church of Densus, later raised to the fourteenth century, a type structure with a central tower supported by four columns built by the reuse of Roman altars. The church is distinguished by its silhouette Special reports, construction incorporates an original Roman spoliation - columns, hydrants eqout lions etc. funeral. Interior wall painting of the fifteenth century." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Densus Church is one of the oldest in Romania. Thanks to Violeta of Romania.

Italy - Hanbury Botanical Gardens

2011-09-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

"West of Ventimiglia, in the westernmost part of Liguria, shortly before the French-Italian border, there lies a 2-km long coastal plan called Piana del Latte - Latte being the name of the stream crossing it. Ever since the second half of the 19th century, this area has been characterised by a unified system of settlement, i.e. by the suburban villas built by wealthy families of Ventimiglia for their leisure hours with the relevant agrarian landscape. The villas date back to different periods, ranging from the 16th century up to the early 20th century, and highlight the long-established vocation of this area, which has always been especially well suited for leisurely settlements and agricultural production thanks to its temperate climate, rich soil, and beautiful landscape..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Giardini Botanici Hanbury, Unversita Degli Studi de Genova. This garden with exotic species is located about 5km from the French border. A matching Hanbury Garden stamp used. Thanks to Marta of Italy.

Italy - Orvieto

2011-09-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

"Orvieto rises on a natural tableland at the summit of a 150-metre-high tufa cliff emerging, much like an island, from the surrounding plains. The city's distinctive feature comes from the particular relationship between this sheer cliff and the fabric of the city dominated by its imposing cathedral. Oriveto is of Etruscan origin with the more ancient traces dating back to 9th century BC; the necropolis and other findings indicate however, that the Etruscan settlement reached its peak development only between the 6th and 4th century BC and then declined in Roman times. During the early Middle Ages, the cliff's strategic importance as a natural fortress was once more appreciated; a new settlement developed around the year 1000 and became a free Commune in 1137. At the centre of a vast territory, Orvieto's social, political and economical importance progressed rapidly, inducing important building activities - stately homes, towers and churches - and favouring the development of arts and crafts with the manufacture of refined handicrafts. The city reached its maximum expansion between the 13th and 14th century and its very particular urban structure has since remained basically unchanged. Orography obviously conditioned the urban structure so that the city's perimeter coincides with the borders of the tableland. The city centre is laid out on an East-West axis and its development shows an interesting functional polycentrism, featuring two new axes, at right angles to the main one, leading to two new squares designed at the same time as the respective monuments (Piazza del Duomo and Piazza del Popolo) in addition to Palazzo Comunale's square in the ancient centre..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Multi-view of Orvieto, located near Rome. Thanks to Martha of Italy.

Italy - Cascata delle Marmore and Valnerina

2011-09-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

"Cascata delle Marmore and Valnerina: Monastic sites and ancient hydrogeological reclamation works: Unlike many other Italian and European landscapes that have become unrecognizable as a result of extensive alterations performed during the last century, the Valnerina maintains its original authentic features. The territorial structure has remained unchanged, even in its minor features, so that the different periods from Antiquity to modern times can be easily traced (water-control systems, monasteries and isolated churches, road network, farms, urban settlements, villas and castles). Also the hydro-electric plants in the lower valley are worthy of notice; they were implemented in the first half of the XX century to exploit the waters of the Cascata delle Marmore and are now inactive, but they represent one of the best preserved examples of water-related industrial archeology. An earthquake struck the Apennines in Umbria and Marche in 1997 and caused serious damage to several monuments and minor edifices. Following this event all the buildings involved were restored and consolidated under the strict supervision of the competent authorities..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore's Falls) is a man-made waterfall created by the ancient Romans. Its total height is 165 m (541 feet), making it one of the tallest in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. Thanks to Marta of Italy - grazie, ciao.

Indonesia - Elephant Cave, Bali

2011-09-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

I visited Elephant Cave or Goa Gajah, Bali. It is located near Ubud and was constructed in the 9th century as served as a temple sanctuary with extensive baths to ward off evil. Mailed on September 9, 2011 from Semarang and arrived in Penang on September 20, 2011. Thanks to Shinta of Indonesia.

Czech Republic - Renaissance Houses at Slavonice

2011-09-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

"The town of Slavonice lies in the easternmost part of the Region of 6eske Budejovice near the Czech-Austrian border. It was founded at the crossing of historical merchant?routes in the picturesquely undulating Moravian landscape. Slavonice was at its economic and social zenith after 1530 when a permanent post station was established there. In 1750, however, the postal route was relocated and a period of stagnation started due to which the town's form was altered during the past two centuries only in exceptional cases. In the second part of the 20th century, when the town was in the frontier zone of the communistic block, its development was intentionally suppressed, which fact also contributed to the saving of the authentic urban structure and, above all, of the numerous complex of exceptionally impressive individual buildings. The basis of Slavonice treasure consists in the extraordinary valuable complex of burgher houses from the late Gothic period and especially from the period of Renaissance. Historical residential houses still set the character of the whole historical core of the town. Their coherent frontages round the two squares form a marvelous authentic atmosphere. The group of the most valuable burgher houses has preserved not only with their external form with rich decoration on facades, stone portals and window surrounds, but also with their layouts. Four of the most important houses still contain rooms vaulted with diamond cellular vaults - the late Gothic phenomenon of Central Europe, which achieved its peak in the burgher architecture just at Slavonice in the work of Master Leopold Estreicher. Such vaults have preserved in houses Nos. 459, 479, 480, 520. The most impressive and the most numerous are burgher houses with sgrafitto decoration. The sgrafitto facades are an important and unrepeatable survey of artistic topics ? from simple diaper work to complex programs with historical subjects or galleries of family portraits or representatives of the ruling dynasty. The most beautiful of them are the houses Nos. 517, 518, 522, 453. The building of the today's Town Museum features, in addition to its internal disposition and numerous structural details, a dominant, original massive timber ceiling in the entrance hall. Some other burgher houses in Slavonice contain valuable wall paintings. Preeminent of them is the house No. 517, in the second floor of which there is a preserved former Protestant room of prayer with a set of paintings from 1568 depicting apocalyptic scenes. The preserved complex of burgher houses concentrated round both squares at Slavonice has become the basis of their exceptional architectural, artistic and historical value. Their imposing architecture, sophisticated handicraft design and artistic decoration demonstrate the welfare of the town and its burghers in the 15th and 16th centuries. The cqmplex of Renaissance burgher houses at Slavonice belongs to the most numerous in the Czech Republic. Houses have preserved on their original narrow Gothic frontage, with the external architectural expression corresponding to the visual concept of the Renaissance period, mainly from the time after the fire in the town in 1530. Several houses have younger, Baroque facades; the setting of the most important monuments is completed with buildings of the 191" century form. Predominant, however, are the Renaissance houses abundant in rich and imaginative morphology in the fagade articulation, gable shaping and artistic concept of sgrafitto decoration." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Renaissance City of Slavonice which in South Bohemia, Czech Republic near the Austrian border. Thanks to Miroslav of Czech Republic.

Bulgaria - The Vratsa Karst

2011-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

"It covers the greater part of the Vratsa Mountains which are a part of the West Balkan Range. It represents the biome of a mixed mountain system of a complex zoning of the Balkan biogeographical region characterized by the coexistence of relict and sub-Mediterranean types. It shows fine examples of geological processes which are of major scientific interest. The Vratsa Karst furnishes a striking illustration of the evolution of certain types of fauna. The Vratsa Karst incudes remarkably beautiful geomorphological formations and natural scenery, and all the Karst phenomena and forms: vortexes, hollows, Karst precipices and caverns. The most remarkable of the caves are Zmeiova doupka, the Ledenik, the Serapion Cave, impressive vertical layers from 60 to 200 meters high." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Map and multi-view of Natural Park Vrachanski Balkan, Vratsa. Thanks to Christina of Bulgaria.

Luxembourg - The City and the Castle of Vianden

2011-09-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

"The first witness of the Roman period (fourth, fifth century) is in the form of a well on the site of Vianden. The origins of the city tend to look to VIII and IX centuries when the Carolingian fortifications remain on the current site of the castle. It goes back to the tenth and eleventh century, while the peak is reached between the twelfth and fourteenth century. The Gothic style manifested more clearly in the seventeenth century was added by the House of Nassau. We can say that the town of Vianden is currently the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the city's best preserved and restored in an exemplary manner. And work at the castle, which evolve over the last twenty years have prompted the town and individuals to do the same so that virtually all public and private buildings are restored to date. The medieval walls is kept at almost 80%." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Castle of Vianden, Luxembourg. Thanks to Daniela of Germany who bought this postcard in Luxembourg.

Poland - Ukraine - Wooden Tserkvas of Carpathian Region

2011-09-08T03:09:00.000-07:00

"Smolnik - St. Michael the Archangel Tserkva, Poland / Podkarpackie Province.

Greek Catholic tserkva from 1791 (presently a Roman Catholic church), located in a deserted village; refurbished in 1921 (the roof slopes were covered with metal sheets); the tserkva, deserted after 1951, was renovated in 1969, which brought it back to its original form; horizontal log construction; three-section, with a northern pastophorium, with a belting on the decorated overhangs. Over the sanctuary and the nave hipped domes with curves (the nave dome with a cross tie); the women's porch covered by a barrel vault. Over the sanctuary, nave and women's porch hipped roofs with a tie, topped with chambers. Inside, the musicians' choir is situated along the western wall. The nave is higher than the other sections; eaves on one level. An icon of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary from 1748 preserved from the original interior decoration. In the upper part of the iconostasis wall a figural polychrome decoration (figures of Old Testament prophets) from the end of the 18th century, renovated in 1923 by Eliasz Decuk from Sanok. The Smolnik tserkva is one of the few preserved three-section Boyko dome tserkvas." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Smolnik n. Sanem. Thanks to Boguslaw of Poland.

Israel - Caesarea

2011-09-06T03:24:00.000-07:00

"Caesarea is situated on the Mediterranean coast alongside bays and shallow inlets that were formed by wave erosion. These unique bays were utilized throughout history for the anchorage of sea-going vessels and made Caesarea a major port of call in the Mediterranean. During the Persian rule, the Phoenicians built a settlement on the shoreline of one of the bays, where the ground water level was high. The village flourished in the Hellenistic period and is first mentioned under the name of Straton's Tower. In the year 30 BCE the village was awarded to Herod, who built a large port city at the site, and called it Caesarea in honor of his patron Octavian Augustus Caesar. In Josephus' Jewish War it says: "And he chose on the coast one forsaken town by the name of Straton's Tower...which thanks to its favorable location was suitable for carrying out his ambitious plans. He rebailt it entirely out of white stone and adorned it with a royal palace of unique splendor, displaying...the brilliance of his mind". Caesarea was a planned city, with a network of crisscrossing roads, a temple, theater, amphitheater, markets and residential quarters. It took 12 years to build, and great festivities were held to mark its completion. The city transformed rapidly into a great commercial center, and by the year 6 BCE became the headquarters of the Roman government in Palestine. Since Caesarea had no rivers or springs, drinking water for the prospering Roman and Byzantine city was brought via a unique high-level aqueduct, originating at the nearby Shuni springs, some 7.5 km northeast of Caesarea. The aqueduct consists of thrce canals, two of which were added in the course of its use. In low lying areas, sections of the aqueduct were carried on arches (arcadiha). Caesarea served as a base for the Roman legions who quelled the Great Revolt that erupted in 66 BCE, and it was here that their commanding general Vespasian was declared Caesar. After the destruction of Jerusalem, Caesarea became the most important city in the country Pagans, Samaritans, Jews and Christians lived here in the third and fourth centuries CE. Among its famous citizens were Rabbi Abbahu, and the church leaders Auregines and Eusebius. During the Byzantine period the city flourished, and extended over some 400 acres. Toward the end of the sixth century a perimeter wall was built, making Caesarea the largest fortified city in the country. It was re-fortified again in the ninth and 13th centuries by conquering Arab and Crusader armies. The late 19th century marked the start of the first scientific exploration of the site, noting the Crusader city, the theater, hippodrome and aqueducts. Extensive explorations from 1959-1964 further revealed details of the theater, parts of the city's fortifications, and the upper aqueduct; while subsequent study uncovered additional parts of the Crusader city, the Jewish quarter and sections of the aqueduct. Caesarea is an outstanding example of main city planning of the Herodian period as well as part of a series of Crusader fortresses constructed in the Holy Land." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The ancient aqueduct of Caesarea, Israel. Thanks to Tanya of Israel.

United Kingdom - Turks and Caicos Islands

2011-08-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

"The Turks and Caicos Islands are a group of more than 40 islands and cays. The extremely hot, dry conditions led to natural salt production in the interior wetlands of the islands, leading to one of the first and major international salt industries in the Americas. The smaller cays are important for breeding seabirds, and endemic reptiles, invertebrates and plants. The wetlands are globally important for shorebirds.

The Turks and Caicos have a high number of endemic species and others of international importance, partially dependent on the conditions created by the oldest established salt-pan development in the Caribbean. The property has a high number of endemic species of lizards, snakes, insects and plants, showing genetic differences between the different islands. The islands are also important as a breeding area for seabirds - one of the three most important in the Caribbean - and is a wetland site of international importance containing a variety of marine and coastal habitat types and complex natural transitions. There are also shallow inland ponds of various sizes linked to the sea in times of storm and/or via subterranean channels..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Beautiful tranquil beach of Turks and Caicos Islands. This is a less travelled destination and hard to get a postcard from. Two 60 cents coral stamps used with Queen Elizabeth head. Thanks so much to Chris of UK who was island hopping from Saint Pierre & Miquelon to Bermuda and to Turks and Caicos.

Spain - Cultural Itinerary of Francis Xavier

2011-08-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

"The route of St Francis Xavier combines a series of tangible and intangible elements, forming a thread which explains the relations between different societies and cultures. For this reason, the route includes the Castle of Xavier (Pamplona, Navarre), birthplace of St Francis Xavier; Paris (where he studied and began his friendship with St Ignatius of Loyola); Goa, India (where he preached and looked after the ill); Malacca, Malaysia (where he carried out his teachings of the catechism); Kagoshima, Japan (where he translated the doctrine of the Society of Jesus to Japanese); Yamaguchi, Japan (where his preachings became immensely popular); and Sancian, near Canton, where he died. Nowadays he is worshipped in St Paul’s Church in Goa, a centre of pilgrimage not only for Christians but also for Muslims, Hindus and Parsis." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The statue of St. Francis Xavier stands sentinel atop St. Paul's Hill in Melaka (Malacca, Malaysia) with the chapel of St. Paul in the background.

United Kingdom - Island of St Helena

2011-08-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

"Saint Helena lies in the South Atlantic over 1,200 miles from the nearest landmass. Previously uninhabited, it was discovered and occupied by the Portuguese in 1502. From 1659 it has been a British possession, apart from a short Dutch interlude in 1673.

The island is ringed by precipitous cliffs whilst the interior is an island of contrasts, including barren deserts, pastureland and cloud forest. In 1502 Saint Helena was a pristine wilderness, with six endemic land birds and extensive forests of endemic plants. Although, within a century much of it had been denuded by settlers and wild goats, it was recognised by Darwin as having no biological parallel anywhere in the world. The long period of isolated evolution has led to over 400 endemic plants and invertebrates and the Wirebird, with many higher taxa (genera and above as well as species) which are also unique to the Island. The past three decades have been marked by concerted efforts to conserve the remaining endemics and restore tracts of native forest." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

R.M.S. St Helena at anchor off Jamestown in St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Special cancellation of RMS St Helena - Posted at Sea. Postmarked at St. Helena Office on February 23, 2011 and arrived in Penang on March 19, 2011. Thanks to Bruce.

Ireland - The Historic City of Dublin

2011-08-19T01:33:00.000-07:00

"Following the Restoration (1660) Dublin became the second city, after London, of the British Empire, with major development and expansion in the Georgian period (1714-1830) - providing the institutional buildings and infrastructure, and setting out the city plan substantially as it survives today. Reflecting the political and social ambitions of their patrons, the institutions built are of high architectural quality. Critical to this was the city's importance as the location of Parliament which attracted wealthy aristocratic patrons, and in turn architects and craftsmen. Although most of the peers were content to buy ready built townhouses which they fitted to their taste, a number of important ducal, Palladian or Neoclassical style, town houses were also built." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Map of Dublin - over 1000 years old. Thanks to DAO of UK.

Postcard 2
Multi-view of Dublin. Thanks to Adrienne of New Zealand.

Postcard 3
Great riverside view of Dublin, Ireland with Year of Ox stamp. Thanks to Stefania from Ireland.

Sweden - Halsinge Farmhouse

2011-08-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

"The farmhouses of Hälsingland represent a unique expression of farm architecture springing from the ancient right of farmers to own forest and land and more than a thousand years of agriculture. A relatively limited area of fertile valleys within a forested landscape in northern Sweden contains around two thousand timber farms, many of them substantial constructions with two or three dwelling-houses with attached barns and other outbuildings." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Farmhouse of Loka in the village of Afta. Thanks to MerJade of Sweden.

France - The Railway of Cerdagne

2011-08-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

"This is the line of railway and narrow gauge electric traction (the "Yellow Train"), built between 1903 and 1911 to connect the high Pyrenees cantons of the bag of Tet and Cerdagne Network French rail. The characteristics of this line are its age, high tech, steep requiring its path of impressive structures, and self-supply by a series of hydroelectric facilities." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Le Petit Train Jaune - The Little Yellow Train of Cerdagne, France. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain.

UK - Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof: the Zenith of Iron Age Shetland

2011-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

"Old Scatness Lat/Long: 59:52:44.927N 1:18:19.775W
Jarlshof Lat/Long: 59:52:7.475N 1:17:27.839W
Mousa Lat/Long: 59:59:42.943N 1:10:55.421W

The Iron Age in Europe was a time of dramatic cultural and architectural changes. The inhabitants of Iron Age Shetland, a largely treeless landscape, were forced to build their constructions in stone. The resulting drystone structures are the zenith of prehistoric architectural achievement in Northern Europe. Three distinctive sites, located at the south end of Shetland: Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof, outstanding in terms of their original construction and in surviving the ravages of time, provide some of the most significant examples of the European Iron Age in an area outside the Roman Empire.

Old Scatness and Jarlshof are situated within a mile of one another, Mousa is situated on the first island to the north on the west coast. Each of the three sites displays a different and distinctive facet of Iron Age architecture. The three elements which comprise the nomination each portray an exceptional part of the wider story of the Zenith of Iron Age Shetland, particularly with regards to its evolution through this period. Together, their Outstanding Universal Value is greater than the sum of the parts and comprises a tribute to the capacity of humans to adapt to and live in a harsh, windswept, environment.

Brochs, meaning strong or fortified places in Old Norse, are massive, circular, double skinned, drystone towers that would have dominated the landscape of Iron Age Northern and Western Scotland. Those in Mousa, built more than 2,000 years ago, were exceptional feats of engineering for the society of that period. Old Scatness provides clear evidence of the immensely large, single walled, stone built roundhouses that succeeded brochs. Iron Age society lasted here for a period of more than 1,000 years and remarkably details how broch society developed and flourished. Jarlshof, meanwhile, is internationally renowned for its well preserved, multi period remains that span over 4,000 years of human achievement and provides the best surviving examples anywhere of Iron Age wheelhouses." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

From Lerwick, the northern most city in Scotland in the rugged Shetland Islands. A multiview showing at top right of the Iron Age ruins of Shetland Islands. Thanks to Michael of South Africa.

Venezuela - Hacienda Chuao (Chuao Plantation)

2011-08-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

"The Chuao Plantation produces a variety of cocoa that is famous throughout the world, and is unusual because it has a well documented history going back to the 16th century and a weath of archaeological evidence and monuments from the colonial era. Another unusual feature is that it is populated by the descendants of slaves brought from Africa Shortly after the Europeans arrived in South America, who preserve a traditional way of life that has been lost in other parts of the American continent. The Chuao Plantation is located in the valley of the same name surrounded by one of the most important cloud forests of the Venezuelan coastal mountain range. It forms part of the first national park created by government decree (13 February 1937) which was originally called "Rancho Grande" but was renamed Henri Pittier National Park in 1957, in honor of the scientist who proposed and worked for its creation. Today the Chuao Plantation belongs to the "Chuao" Farm Workers Company, consisting of 40 partners who share a provisional collective title deed, and covers an area of approximately 200 hectares. The land is distributed in a rectangular north-to-south strip from the beach to the foothills, 200 to 400 meters above sea level where it penetrates the Henri Pittier National Park with the category of Special Use Zone in accordance with the Ordinance Plan and Regulations for Use of the park set out in Decree 350 of 24 November 1995. As a cocoa-producing plantation located in a strategic ecological niche of the coastal mountain range and the Caribbean Sea with more than 400 years of tradition and continuity, Chuao is a case par excellence for the in-situ con ion of traditional genetic resources and the species of trees used to provide cover for the cocoa plantations, as well as being a cultural landscape representative of a productive activity of enormous significance in the historical process of the societies of northern South America. Both the production activity and the social life of the people of Chuao revolve around that historical monuments, the most important of which are the church, the House on the Hill (Casa del Alto), the Patio where the cocoa is dried and the Pardon Cross (Cruz el Perdón), The Church was built in 1785, replacing an old chapel and it was declared a National Monument on 2 August 1960..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Multiview of Choroni and Chuao. Chuao Plantation is famous for cocoa. Postcard was written on July 14, 2011 and arrived in Penang on August 11, 2011. Thanks to Caolina of Venezuela.

France - Marquesas Islands

2011-08-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

"The Marquesas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, between 8 and 11 to about 5700 km south of Australia, 6000 km from the American continent and 8000 km in Southeast Asia is. This archipelago, considered one of the most isolated in the world, consists of twelve main islands of volcanic origin, aged 0.4 to 7 million years. Covering an area of 0.25 sq km and 340 km ², land totaling 1050 km ², spread over about 700,000 square kilometers of maritime space. The largest islands are Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, the smaller islands being uninhabited. The highest peak is Mount Temetiu, on the island of Hiva Oa (1276 m), and four islands have peaks over 1000 m.

The Marquesas are a remarkable natural ecosystem. The large geographic isolation of the islands, geomorphological diversity associated with topography, is responsible for the diversification of flora and fauna, terrestrial and marine unique and original. Many endemic species are unique to the archipelago, sometimes restricted to one island or even a single vertex. The conservation of biodiversity can find specific issues through the presence of numerous endemic species of flora and fauna, including a rich birdlife.

The natural landscape of the Marquesas are exceptional by the singular beauty of its powerful and rugged mountains, its peaks erect, tall cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls and deep valleys and narrow.

Its inhabitants, enriched with knowledge in their extraordinary saga of Pacific peoples, learned to know and use for all areas of their lives. They developed a habitat and monumental arts of sculpture very specific to the archipelago. More than 700 archaeological sites and legendary already identified, is an exceptional heritage which the inventory is far from complete. It shows a large Polynesian population that has managed to stay despite its isolation, and build a unique culture which some elements (tattoo, architecture, sculpture in stone and wood, bone, shell ...) were highly developed, and are still the reputation of French Polynesia..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Hiva Oa is the second largest island of the Marquesas. The island was the final home of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in Calvary Cemetery, overlooking Atuona. Thanks to Sissi and Kimi of New Zealand who were on a cruise visiting the Marquesas, French Polynesia.

Czech Republic - Český ráj (Czech Paradise) Rock Cities

2011-07-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

"When visitors from Bohemia and all of Europe call a part of this Earth "Paradise", they must certainly have a good reason. The name "ttesky rij" (Czech Paradise) has become a symbol for the delight felt by the intellectual and social elite in the second half of the 19th century over the beauties of nature in this country. The name was soon accepted and the professional public was required to give the name a professional framework and to increase the care devoted to preserving the quality of nature. Recognition of the values of this territory was manifested by proclaiming the Prachovskd skily Nature Reserve in 1933 and the tesky rij Protected Landscape Areas in 1955, the first large protected natural territory in the Czech Republic. The chief phenomena in the territory are sandstone rock cities of Mesozoic age with various characters and various stages of development. Together with the rich variety of other geomorphic forms, valuable biotic components in the surrounding nutritive habitats make this territory quite unique and impart to it very high aesthetic and scientific value." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Rock cities of Kapela, Suche sklay, Hurboskalsko, Prachovske skaly. Postmarked July 23, 2011 and arrived in Penang on July 30, 2011. Thanks to Miroslav of Czech Republic.

Albania - The Amphitheatre of Durres

2011-07-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

"It is the largest and most important Balkan amphitheater built in the early I sc. which contains remarkable functional architectural values and constructive, the unique found in Albania. Systematic excavations began in 1966 and now e jusq'á been updated in the middle of the monument. The amphitheater is located in the center of the city, based on the cavea western slope of the hill and the part opposite stands on level ground. The amphitheater is presented in the form of an ellipse diameter 136 m. The height of the cavea starting from the base, is 20 m. The capacity of the stands was 15000 to 20000 spectators. These steps were covered with white tiles. The gladiators fought in the arena. On the constructive side, the cavea of the amphitheater was based on a system of stone arches that surrounded the whole object. The size and the technical realization of this amphitheater shows a development of the city of Durres in the early centuries of our era. After having suffered the social and economic changes after the IV sc the Durres amphitheater ceased to function as such. In one of his galleries were built in the X sc. a Byzantine chapel, whose walls were decorated with mosaics representing different figures." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

View of Durres Amphitheatre of Albania. Thanks to Darina of USA.

France - Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

2011-07-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

"Vaux le Vicomte is the first model of beautifully preserved palace of Versailles, which was, he remodeled and enlarged at the end of the reign of Louis XIV and during the following reigns. The castle of Vaux is at the center of a broad-based composition, attributed to Le Nôtre, including the gardens. The area (500 ha, including 70 gardens) was acquired by Nicolas Fouquet in 1641. The layout of the gardens seems to have been completed in 1652, while the castle was built from 1656 to 1659..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Castle of Vaux Le Viccunte. Written on July 22, 2011 and arrived in Penang on July 30, 2011. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain.

Postcard 2
Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte. Thanks to Grets of UK who went on a river cruise in France. Merci beaucoup.

France - Cathedral of Saint Denis

2011-07-27T03:15:00.000-07:00

"The cathedral of Saint-Denis, formerly royal basilica of Saint-Denis, occupies a unique place in the history of Gothic architecture, each of the major stages of its construction constitutes an artistic and technical revolution. It also occupies a very special place in national history since the thirteenth century to the French Revolution the church was the royal necropolis. Saint-Denis was in the late empire on the Roman road which ran from Lutece in Beauvais. A large cemetery grew around the remains of Saint-Denis, first bishop of Paris. The excavations confirmed the existence of a basilica in the Merovingian period, which was richly endowed by King Dagobert. Many basilicas succeeded on the premises during the Carolingian period and Capetian. It Abbot Suger who decided reconstruction. His work was continued in the thirteenth century by the architect Pierre de Montreuil..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Cathedrale-Basilique de Saint-Denis. Saint Denis Church became the burial place for the Kings of France. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain who was visiting France. Written July 19, 2011 and arrived in Penang on July 27, 2011.

Philippines - Batanes Protected landscapes and seascapes

2011-07-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

"DescriptionCharacterized by a complex of terrestrial, wetland and marine ecosystem, the Batanes group of islands consist of 10 small islands bounded by the Eashi Channel on the north, by the Pacific Ocean on the east, by the South China Sea on the west and the Balintang Channel on the south. It is one of the last remaining areas in the Philippines having unique natural physiographic features (wave-cut cliffs, cave-like outcrops, secluded white sand beaches) resulting from its position where strong winds and fast currents have etched out its distinct morphology. It is an important flyaway for many migratory bird species, and the deper portions of the marine environment are the few remaining sites where pink and red corals (Corallum sp.) are found. The site is the only area in the Philippines where traditional architecture is of stone in response to the wind and monsoon stresses rather than of the more typical, tropical, impermanent materials (wood, bamboo, thatch) cxommonly used in village architecture. Due to its isolation from the rest of the country, the traditional culture of the area has likewise remained intact." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Basco, Batanes is located at northern part of Bataan - the second largest island among the Batanes Island, Philippines. Thanks to Jeff of Philippines.

Turkey - Alanya

2011-07-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

"Alanya situated in the eastern part of the Gulf of Antalya is 137 kms away from Antalya by the main highway. The peninsula of Alanya surrounded by city walls was named "Karakesion" during the Hellenistic period went under the hegomany of Romans and Byzantines, followed by the Seljuks. The present name of the town comes from Alaaddin Keykubat, who did great service to the development of the town. Inside the Alanya castle there exist a Seljuk cistern, a Byzantine church, the Keykubat Sultan Palace and the ruins of a Seljuk bath, completed with the traditional urban texture. The castle extends down to the sea and encloses a medieval dockyard that is guarded by a 33 meter high octagonal tower of red stone and brick." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Alanya, formerly Aliye, in Antalya Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Thanks to Seda of Turkey.

Canada - The Klondike

2011-07-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

"The transboundary serial cultural landscapes in First Nations traditional territories, including the Tr’ochëk fishing camp, and the Chilkoot Trail, the Klondike gold fields and the historic district of Dawson, illustrate life before, during and after the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1898, the last and most renowned of the world’s great 19th century gold rushes. First Nations story cycles and languages articulate this environment, which reflects centuries of continuing indigenous use as well as the physical and cultural transformations wrought by a half-century of corporate mining. The 53-km Chilkoot Trail, from Taiya Inlet in Alaska over the Coast Mountains to the headwaters of the Yukon River in British Columbia, links the Pacific coast to the Yukon interior. An Aboriginal trade and travel route for centuries, the trail brought thousands of Stampeders to the Klondike gold fields from 1896 to 1898. Downriver from this commemorative trail, at the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon rivers, is the Tr’ochëk fishing camp, the centre of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditional territory. Dawson sits opposite. Its hastily constructed, false-fronted wooden buildings, with some relicts and open spaces amid them, illustrate life during the gold rush and after. More opulent administrative and institutional buildings speak to the one-time prosperity of this former territorial capital. Beyond lie the Klondike gold fields centred on Rabbit (later Bonanza) Creek, site of the 1896 discovery of gold by James “Skookum Jim” Mason (Keish), sites of the labour-intensive individual miner society, the gigantic Dredge No. 4, and massive tailing piles left by corporate mechanized mining. Nearby are the relict mining camp headquarters at Bear Creek. Small-scale mining operations continue in the gold fields today. First Nations and newcomers continue an ongoing cultural accommodation, including negotiated land settlement agreements. The American components of this proposal, including the historic district of Skagway, Alaska, are not yet on the American Tentative List." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

View of Dawson City, Yukon - one of the most famous gold rush towns in the world and home of the Klondike. Thanks to Esca who visited the Yukon and mailed this postcard from USA.

Indonesia - Sukuh Hindu Temple

2011-07-11T03:09:00.000-07:00

"Candi Sukuh is a 15th century Javanese-Hindu temple (candi) that is located on the western slope of Mount Lawu (elev. 910 m or 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level) on the border between Central and East Java provinces. Candi Sukuh has a distinctive thematic reliefs from other candi where life before birth and sexual education are its main theme." Source: Wikipedia

Postcard 1
Sukuh Temple, Java's most mysterious and striking temples, near Surakarta (formerly Solo), Java. Beautiful nature stamps including circular stamp of Beijing 2008 Olympics Summer Games used. Thanks to Shinta of Java, Indonesia.

Postcard 2
Bass relief of Sukuh Temple. The temple was built around 1437. Nice textile stamps used. Written on June 29, 2011 and arrived in Penang on July 11, 2011. Thanks to Shinta of Java, Indonesia.

Indonesia - Ratu Boko Temple Complex

2011-07-11T03:03:00.000-07:00

"Ratu Boko is an archaeological site known to modern Javanese as Kraton Ratu Boko or Ratu Boko's Palace. Ratu Boko is located on a plateau, about three kilometres south of Lara Jonggrang Prambanan temple complex in Yogyakarta Indonesia. The original name of this site is still unclear, however the local inhabitants named this site after King Boko, the legendary king mentioned in Loro Jonggrang folklore." Source: Wikipedia

Kraton Ratu Boko is situated on a hill just 2km south of Prambanan Temple. Four beautiful Indonesia textile design motif stamps used. Thanks to Shinta of Java, Indonesia.

France - Old Chocolate Factory in Noisiel

2011-07-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

"The origin of the Menier factory dates back to the early nineteenth century, Jean Antoine Brutus Menier, native Anjou. Then under the leadership of four generations will grow in Noisiel, in conjunction with the cocoa plantations in Nicaragua that this dynasty had an industrial importance of both in its design and its technical implementation. It is between 1869 and 1872 Emile Menier, son of John Menier, had built by Jules Saulnier at the edge of the Marne a large building whose construction reveals a great boldness in design and choice of materials used. Resting on four stone piers based grants the river, the plant built on the pillars of hollow metal square metal frame has a visible outline where the front diagonal reinforcements. The filling was made by bricks, some glazed forming decorative elements arranged in colorful mesh decorated with flowers and cocoa. The party of great technical innovation will be the subject of publications both in France and abroad. Next to this building Saulnier, the most significant element of this crucial witness in I'histoire I'architecture of industrial plant that is Menier, It should include another building, designed by Gustave Eiffel and his Architect Stephen Sauvestre I'Exposition for Paris World in 1898 and then "back" to Noisiel of 1882 to 1884 and equipped for cooling chocolate. On the island, a quadrangular building with flat facades punctuated by metal pillars between which are part of multi-colored brick walls pierced with large windows, has often been I'appellation of "cathedral". Also be considered a bridge in place to cover a distance of about 45 meters to reach the cathedral I'autre bank of the Marne. This is the project to consider and Sauvestre which was held showing the design of Eiffel but transforming the metal bridge concrete shrink, using the same principle of inverted suspension with a range of record 44.50 meters. Finally be noted that electricity will be installed in 1875 and in 1899, 1500 persons are employed at the chocolate factory, the factory hydraulic Noisiel being one of such institutions the largest in France with a special railway line between Emerainville and Noisiel." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Aerial view of the Old Chocolate Factory - formerly owned by Nestle. Thanks to Fabienne

Postcard 2
The Cathedral is the old chocolate factory Menier in Noisiel, France. Nice stamps used. Thanks to Fabienne of Spain who was visiting France.

India - The Qutb Shahi Monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar

2011-06-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

"The Qutb Shahi monuments of Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs and Charminar are the oldest and most significant monuments of the sister cities of Golconda and Hyderabad, successive capitals of the Qutb Shahi Islamic Sultanate (1518-1687). The legendary centre of diamond trade, Golconda was a medieval fortified city complete with residential, military and courtly functions. The Qutb Shahi tomb complex was a grand royal necropolis in the distinctive Qutb Shahi architectural style. As the court grew beyond the confines of the Golconda fort, the urban metropolis of Hyderabad was founded with the monumental Charminar in the centre as a grand millennium marker. Unique in its architectural typology, the Charminar remains an acknowledged masterpiece of Islamic architecture.155. With its unique form, architectural typology and location, it is among the most recognizable icons of Indian architecture. The monuments of the Qutb Shahi period provide vivid testimony of the creative synthesis of Persianate and Indic cultural traditions with a unique Deccani identity. Qutb Shahi architecture began with Bahmani moorings and evolved a sophisticated architectural aesthetic within the Deccani paradigm, symbolising the zenith of Islamic architecture in South India." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Charminar, Hyderabad is a monument was built in 1591 to commemorate the elimination of plaque. Thanks to Rebecca of Kerala, India.

Slovakia - The concept of the lenticular historical town core of Košice City

2011-06-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

"Alongside with the unique ground-plane organisation, typical just for the region of the East Slovakia, the historical town core has got the preserved valuable compact set of buildings, including even medieval ones located in the centre of the town. It grew up on the crossroads of the long-distance merchant roads, connecting the East Europe with the West Europe and the Baltic with the Black Sea. The settlement persisted here already since the Palaeolithic Age. Its exceptional ground-plane concept is the oldest, the largest and the most preserved one among the East Slovakian towns. Clearly readable street network is formed by the three streets, aiming from the North to the South, the middle one is gradually widened into the shape of a lens and in its largest span, on the crossroads with the street from the East, the parish church has been built. It was built in the centre of a market settlement already in the 2nd half of the 13th century as a one-nave church by the German colonists..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Nice aerial view of Kosice. Thanks to Martin for sending from Slovakia.

Ecuador - Ingapirca Archaelogical Site

2011-06-17T03:48:00.000-07:00

"INGAPIRCA is an archeological canari-inca site, which had multifunctional characteristics. It is composed by a temple, administrative center, ceremonial area; the "Castle" is of elliptical shape and contains places for the guards, big and small areas for lodging, a square ("kancha"), ceremonial baths and several steps. The site was bnilt with stones of the region and it has an architectural layout of great harmony. In the site, there are traces of pre-Hispanic settlements showing that the Incas built "Ingapirca" on top of an ancient canari site..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Georgia - Uplistsikhe Cave Town

2011-06-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

"Uplistsikhe Cave Town-Fortress is situated on a rocky massif in 15 km eastwards to town Gori on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. The fortress is mentioned in chronicles from earliest times. Its history begins in the I-II millennium B.C. Uplistsikhe was an important religious, political and cultural centre in the Hellenistic and the late Antique periods (IV c. B.C. - IV c. A.D.). The town was in its heyday as far back as the 9th - 11th centuries. In 13th century, it was ravaged by Mongols..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Uplistsikhle, Georgia. Thanks to Michael of Luxembourg for sending this wonderful postcard from Georgia.

Turkey - St. Nicholas Church

2011-06-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

"St.Nicholas church is in ancient Myria a large city in the Lykian Group developed tr em end o usly in the 2 nd century AD. The church is made for the Bishop of this Mediterranean city duing the 4 th century AD." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Multiview of St. Nicholas Church. Thanks to Pinar of Turkey.

Japan - Le Corbusier - National Museum of Western Art Tokyo

2011-06-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

"The Main Building of the National Museum of Western Art is one of the representative buildings designed by French architect Le Corbusier. It is the only building in Japan. From 1916 through 1923, the Japanese shipping magnate Kojiro Matsukata (1865-1950) invested his own personal fortune to collect Western arts, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints. His French collection was stored in Paris, and was seized by the French government as enemy property when Japan suffered a defeat in World War II.. As a result of a bi-lateral discussion, French Government agreed to return most parts of the Matsukata's French collection to Japanese Government in 1953, under the stipulation that a new art museum should be established to properly house and exhibit the art works for raising Japanese understanding on Western art history. In order to fulfill the condition of the collections' return, the Main Building of the National Museum of Western Art (hereinafter referred to as the "Property") was built by the Japanese government in Ueno Park. Le Corbusier was appointed as the architect of the new museum. In his designing process, Le Corbusier visited Japan in November 1955 to investigate the planned construction site, and finalize a set of drawings and specifications in his atelier in Paris. Based on the plan by Le Corbusier, execution plan was prepared by three Japanese architects, Kunio Maekawa, Junzo Sakakura, and Takamasa Yoshizaka, who had studied under Le Corbusier in Paris. The construction work commenced in March 1958 and completed in March 1959, under the supervision of those three architects..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentativel List

I visited this museum in Ueno Park, Tokyo to view the Vatican collection exhibit of Early Rennaisance Italian Art. The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo is designed by Le Corbusier. It is a tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage. Thanks to Aki of Japan.

Italy - Historic Centre of Parma

2011-06-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

"Parma is a city of noble cultural traditions; its innumerable works of art are a testimony of its long history and glorious past as a major European capital city.
The city is situated halfway between the Po River and the last slopes of the Apennine Mountains, along the Roman Via Emilia built in the first century BC to connect Milan to Rimini, in an area that has always been a crossroads and an interface between the peoples of the Po Valley and other Italian and transalpine peoples. Parma was a Roman colony founded in 183 BC by the consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. After the fall of the Roman Empire it passed under Byzantine rule and was conquered, in 570 by the Lombards, who developed their settlement in the South-Eastern area..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Aerial view of Dome Square of Parma. Nice stamps including an old UNICEF stamp using lira postage. Thanks to Matteo of Italy.

India - Hill Forts of Rajasthan

2011-05-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

"Chittorgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Gagron Fort
Ranthambore Fort
Amber Fort
Jalor Fort
Bala Kila

The 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan' are serial property formed by 7 sites in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India, each strategically built and located on the oldest mountain range of the Aravallis or the Vindhyan range in the region and, each as a representative of the medieval defense settlements of the Rajput warrior caste. These 7 sites collectively constitute the most authentic, best conserved and most representative sites of Rajput military architecture of Rajasthan region.

This set of medieval and post medieval hill forts narrates centuries of political, cultural, social and architectural evolution of the ruling Rajput caste in the history of India. They stand as testimony to the formation of princely states, development of Rajput ideologies and Rajput architectural style over successive periods, myriad political conflicts, battles and alliances between the ruling Rajput clan vis a vis the Sultanate period rulers and Mughal Emperors of Central India." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcards of Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan. Thanks to Grete of UK who visited here.

Postcard - Kumbhalgarh Fort with its immense walls

Postcard 2 - Within Kumbhalgarh Fort - Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (top left), Vedi Temple (top right), Badal Mahal (bottom left), Ram Pol fort entrance gate (bottom right)

Syria - Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities

2011-05-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

"The area of the limestone massif covers some 150x70 Km, stretching from Korosh and Apamea in the South to the plain of Ghab in the West and the city of Maarat al-Numan in the South. Within this region lie the remains of several hundreds villages dating back to late antiquity and the Byzantine era. The landscape of this area results of the combined efforts of men and nature and represents an extraordinary and rare example of preserved archaeological Mediterranean landscape, while the settlements show examples of rural domestic and religious architecture ranging from the 1st to the 7th century CE. This region can be subdivided into five major geographical areas: Jabal Sama'an, Jabal Barisha, Jabal Wastani Jabal Al A'la and Jabal Zawia. Among the almost seven hundred villages and some 1.000 Km2 of the massif area, seven particularly outstanding zones, presenting a unique combination of preserved natural landscape and archeological remains...

St. Simeon Citadel and Village: The first proposed Park includes major archaeological remains from Roman and Byzantine periods and notably the sites of: St. Simeon church and village, Sit al-Rum and Refadeh and Sheikh Barakat. The Church of St. Simeon, built in 490 CE, was one of the largest and most important churches in the world in late antiquity. In the 10th century, fortifications were built around it and hence known as "Qala" or castle. Pilgrims from afar came here to hear St Simeon the Stylite's preaches and the site became the destination of a mass pilgrimage. The ruins of the main Church occupy some 5000 m2, while the baptistery and its annexes cover 2000 more m2...." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Simeon Citadel, Syria. Thanks to Grete of UK who visited here.

Postcard 1 - Simeon Citdael Facade and Entrance

Postcard 2 - Aerial view of Simeon Citadel

Lebanon - Valley of Nahr el Kelb natural environment, monuments and archaeological sites

2011-05-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

"The environment is well preserved throughout the valley. The flora includes a wide variety of local species. In several places stand gray dolomitic rocks pretty spectacular, unique to Lebanon. Wilderness: Caves Jeita (domain state) famous for their stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary shapes and underground river. Natural Bridge of Kfar Zeibian shown on the Official List of Lebanese and Monuments Sort Registered Historic Monuments and Sites). Monuments: Headstones commemorative engraved on the rocky promontory overlooking the sea date back to the twelfth century BC. BC while the latest is 1946. All reflect the passage of various conquerors and cultures that have developed on the Levantine coast. (Ranked by Decree No. 506 of March 5, 1937). Kalat Temple Fakra (domain state): remains of a Roman temple to 6 prostylos Corinthian columns dating from the second century AD Part of the temple is formed by an arrangement of dolomitic rocks surrounding the site. Adjoining the temple there is the remains of a small town which has a small Byzantine chapel basilica with three naves." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Jeita Cave - Thanks to Grete of UK who visited here.

Postcard 1

Postcard 2

France, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland - The Architecturel and Urban Work of Le Corbusier

2011-05-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

"The achievements of Le Corbusier presented below constitute the French part of a nomination on the World Heritage List of UNESCO, a series of trans-national that is scheduled to present subject the sovereign decision of the States Parties with Germany, Argentina, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland (a second series of works, consistent with the first and located in other states, may constitute a further extension ). This series is called The Architectural and Urban Work of Le Corbusier.
Maisons La Roche & Jeanneret
Cité Frugès
Villa Cook
Villa Savoye & maison du gardien type CIAM
Cité de refuge de l'Armée du Salut
Pavillon Suisse à la Cité universitaire à Paris
Immeuble locatif à la Porte Molitor
Unité d'habitation à Marseille
Usine Claude & Duval
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp
Cabanon de Le Corbusier
Couvent Sainte-Marie-de-la-Tourette
Site de Firminy-Vert
Maisons Jaoul"
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard bought in Beaubourg Museum, Paris. Thanks to Sylvie of France.

Germany - Water features and Hercules within the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

2011-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

"With its water gardens and its statue of Hercules, Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (hillside park Wilhelmshöhe) in the west of the Hessian city of Kassel is an outstanding masterpiece of the self-dramatization of absolutist rulers. Its exceptional topographical setting on the slope of a hill in Habichtswald forest made it possible for generations of rulers and master builders to stage the seemingly impossible: water flowing down the hill in several different artistic forms without previously having been channeled up the slope using technical devices such as aqueducts or water raising machinery..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Blick zum Herkules, Kassel , Bad WIlhelmshohe. Thanks to Simone of Germany.

Germany - The Naumburg Cathedral and the landscape of the rivers Saale and Unstrut an important dominion in the High Middle Ages

2011-05-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

"The Naumburg Cathedral is a structure that has remained to a great extent unchanged in its late Romanesque/early Gothic use of forms. Its main construction period extends from 1213 to approximately 1250. As far as its architectural typology is concerned, it towers each on the eastern and western choir. The upper choir connects to the relatively short main building towards the east that is still completely under the influence of the late Romanesque period. It closes with a high Gothic polygonal choir. Research looks upon the late Romanesque east rood-screen as being the oldest hall rood-screen preserved in its complete form on German soil. A further choir was added to the main building around 1250 to approximately 1260 in the west that ends in a 5/8 polygon. It is connected to the middle vessel by means of a wall rood-screen that presents an artistic achievement of the highest order combining architecture, vegetable architectural ornamentation and figural sculptures (especially the six relief images from Christ's suffering)." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Dom St. Peter and Paul of Naumburg. Thanks to Simone of Germany.

Germany - The Margravial Opera House Bayreuth - an outstanding place of the European Musical Culture

2011-05-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

"The Margrave Opera House in Bayreuth (built 1745 - 1748) is one of the most outstanding monuments of European theatre architecture in baroque times, preserved virtually unchanged in its original appearance. The interior design with its splendid auditorium is the heyday of artistic creativity of the theatre architects Giuseppe and Calo Galli-Bibiena. Further places representing the intellectual and spiritual world of Margravine Wilhelmine in significant manner are the Neues Schloss (New Palace) or Residence, which was projected in cooperation by Wilhelmine, and the Eremitage, an intimate garden area outsite of Bayreuth with two houses where the ruler's family spent the summertime. The interior design of the older palace documents Wilhelmine's encodet thinking. The fourth place of interest is the Rock Garden Sanspareil between Bayreuth and Bamberg. The bizarre rock formations are reminiscents of chinese gardens. The most particular building in the garden is the Roman Theatre, the first ruined garden architecture in Europe." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Nice multiview of Markgrafliches Opernhaus Bayreuth. Thanks to Simone of Germany.

Germany - Speicherstadt and Chilehaus with Kontorhaus District

2011-05-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Hamburg's Speicherstadt (warehouse district) was designed to completely new plans and using a completely new urban development layout. It was built between 1883 and 1928, replacing the previous housing, which had been largely baroque in character. This redevelopment comprised a rigorous modernisation programme, closely linked to historic changes in Germany and the development of overseas trading with all parts of the world which was in progress at the time. The 17 warehouses of the Speicherstadt, each seven or eight storeys high, constitute the world's largest remaining warehouse complex from the late 19th and early 20th century - an urban ensemble of outstanding integrity and quality." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Hollanfleed and Wandrahmsfleet in Speicherstadt of Hamburg. Thanks to Simone of Germany.

New Zealand - Napier Art Deco historic precinct

2011-05-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

"The Napier Art Deco Historic Precinct is part of the central business district of the City of Napier, located between the shoreline of Hawke Bay and the coastal margin of the Heretaunga Plains, Hawke's Bay, North Island. Napier township was originally surveyed and laid out in the 1850s. Most of the town centre was destroyed on 3 February 1931 by a major earthquake (measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale) and the ensuing fires. The Hawke's Bay earthquake not only destroyed the centre of Napier, but caused radical changes to the surrounding landscape. It was a natural disaster of major proportions. This destruction resulted in a massive reconstruction of the town centre. Napier became New Zealand's (and indeed the world's) newest city with its own Southern Hemisphere version of Art Deco style. Due to the economic climate and the number of casualties caused by falling masonry and decorative features during the earthquake, the scale of the town centre was limited to one or two storeys and the buildings were decorated with low relief ornamentation. Reinforced concrete was used in construction and the use of older materials such as bricks was shunned. Ornamental motifs used on buildings reflect all of the themes prevalent in Art Deco design, and include authentic Maori designs on both exteriors and interiors of some buildings. These motifs are seen not only in exterior low relief stucco but also in interior plasterwork, leaded glass, metal grilles, flooring and joinery." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Art Deco, Napier. Thanks to Janette of New Zealand.

Four More Postcards

Nice postcards of Napier Art Deco sent using Royal Wedding stamp. Thanks to Craig of Napier, New Zealand.

Kazakhstan - Archaeological sites of Otrar oasis

2011-05-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

"Otrar oasis is an area of 200 sq km with archaeological remains of medieval towns and structures of irrigation. The main town is Otrar (I-XV1D AC), other towns are Kuyruk-Tobe (I-XV), Altyn - Tobe(I-XI), Pshakshi-Tobe (I-XII), Mardan-Kuyk (I-XV), Kok-Mardan (I-VII). Otrar town is the largest medieval hillfort of Kazakhstan with an area of 170 ha.: in the first century AC was part of the Kangju empire; at the beginning of the VIII capital of the Kangars tribal confederation (Petchenegues) with the name of Kangu-Targan and later of Farab. Abn Nasr Farabi born here in 870 and Timur here died in 1405. It has all the typical features of a medieval Central Asian town: citadel, shahristan (a town in itself), rabat (suburbs) and fields, everything surrounded by walls. Today the landscape is reduced to semidesert and the towns are in ruin, but, until the XV century, Otrar, together with the rest of the oasis, represented the main urban centre on the marginal zone between southern towns and northern steppes, between settlers and nomads of Central Asia..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List
Medieval town of Otrar in South Kazakhstan. Nice stamps used. Thanks to Dariya of Kazakhstan.

Ukraine - Cultural Landscape of Canyon in Kamenets-Podilsk

2011-05-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

"Castle and Historic centre of Kamenets -Podolsk 11th -18th centuries." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Aerial view of Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine. Thanks to Helen of Ukraine.

Afghanistan - Band-E-Amir

2011-05-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

"Band-E-Amir is a naturally created group of lakes with special geological formations and structure, as well as natural and unique beauty. Depth is not known, the color is pure blue. It has historical and natural background which has not been disturbed until now. For the attraction of the local and international tourists, Band-E-Amir is important, and is protected as a National Park of Afghanistan." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Panaromic view of Band-e Amir which is Afghanistan's first National Park in Bamiyan Province. This postcard is bought from the US Embassy shop in Kabul. Thanks to Ruth of USA who mailed this nice postcard from Kabul using US Armed Forces Postal Service.

Croatia - Historical-Town Planning Ensemble Tvrda (Fort) in Osijek

2011-04-28T04:36:00.000-07:00

"The area round the confluence of the Drava and the Danube abounds in major natural resources. It is also an intersection of major transport routes and a key strategic point. This is the reason why it has always been an interesting site for settlement and why everybody sought control over it. The right bank of the Drava, some twenty kilometres from its confluence with the Danube, was of particular importance because of the easy crossing at that point. The communication route ran from the pre-Alpine region along the right bank of the Drava and the Danube towards southeastern Europe, with a branching to central Europe at the same point. Therefore, not surprisingly settlements were established in the area already in prehistoric times..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Aerial view of Fort Tvrda. Osijek, Croatia. Thanks to Aneta of Croatia.

China - Shanxi Businessmen’s Courtyard Houses

2011-04-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

"Qiao's Courtyard Houses, Qi County; Qu's Courtyard Houses, Qi County; Wang's Courtyard Houses, Lingshi County; Cao's Courtyard Houses, Taigu County. Shanxi Businessmen's Courtyard Houses are located in Jinzhong city, Shanxi province, about 500 km south of Beijing, and regarded as outstanding examples of civilian residence building, when Chi-nese merchant capital grew rapidly in Ching dynasty. Qiao family masion was first built in Qianlong period, Qhing dynasty, and located in Qiao Jiabao Village of Qi County, covering an area of 10642 square meters with 4175 square meters of building area. It consists of 6 big courtyards with 20 sub-courtyards. The total 313 rooms form a closed castle-like complex which looks like the traditional Chinese pattern of "double-happiness" from a bird's eye view. Qu Family Mansion is in Qi County seat, was first built since Qianlong period of Ching dynasty, and covers an area of 7356 square meters with 4398 square meters building area..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1 - Wang's Courtyard Houses
Wang Family's coumpound located in Lingshi County in Jiuzhong area, integrating the magnificent architectural style of North China and the elegant elements of the architectural art of South China and features wood, brick and stone carvings. Thanks to Shi of China.

Postcard 2 - Qiao's Courtyard Houses
Qiao's Yard. Four nice stamps showing traditional buildings. Thanks to Vicky of China.

Russia - Historical Center of Irkutsk

2011-04-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

"Irkutsk - administrative center of Irkutsk region - is a subject of different kinds of study such as "city histoncal" whose history is more than three hundred years and the population is over 600 thousand inhabitants. Irkutsk is crossed by four rivers (Angara, Irkut, Ouchakovka Kaia) and located 66 km from Lake Baikal on the terrace of overlap that passes terrain. The territory that joins Irkutsk all landscape types are present: steppe, forest steppe, taiga, mountain taiga. The climate is very continental..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Historical Irkutsk. Thanks to Yulia of Russia.

Afghanistan - City of Herat

2011-04-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

"The city of Herat, which is currently the regional capital of western Afghanistan, has long been of strategic, commercial and cultural significance to the wider region. Although the city has developed extensively in modern times, and has suffered the ravages of conflict, the site is unique in that it has largely retained its historical footprint, and many significant Islamic monuments have survived. The contemporary city of Herat is thought to have been established in around 500 BC as the ancient Persian town of Artacoana or Aria, in the fertile plain beside the Hari Rud river. Captured by Alexander the Great in 330 BC during his war against the Achaemenids, the town was developed and a citadel built. The site retained its strategic importance, and was an important asset for the Seleucids, Parthians and Hephthalites, before becoming the western bastion of the Abbasid caliphate at the end of the 8th century AD. By the time of its capture by the Ghorids in 1175 AD, Herat had become renowned for the production of metalwork, especially decorated or inlaid bronze. After destruction at the hands of both the Mongols and Genghis Khan, Herat saw something of a renaissance in the late 14th century AD, under the rule of the son of Timur, Shah Rukh, who began an extensive programme of building. This was followed by extensive development ordered by Queen Gawharshad during the 15th century AD, which resulted in a remarkable and unique ensemble of monuments in the Timurid style." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Massalaha of Herat Province, Afghanistan. Postmarked April 5, 2011 at US Military Post Office. Thanks to Ruth of USA who sent this cool postcard from Afghanistan.

Philippines - San Sebastian Church

2011-04-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

"San Sebastian Church is located in Quiapo, one of Manila's older districts. Surrounding it are rows of old houses. The Church of San Sebastian is made of a steel frame and panels and is known for its distinct characteristic - that of being the only neo-gothic steel church in the Philippines and in Asia. The steel parts were manufactured in the Societe Anonyme's foundry in Binche, Belgium and were shipped to Manila. On June 12, 1888, the first shipment of steel parts were brought to the Philippines. For two years, the church was assembled with local artists and craftsmen joining the Belgian firm in applying the final finishing touches on this new church of steel. The stained glass windows were imported from the Henri Oidtmann Company, a German stained glass firm." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Gothic style San Sebastian Church in Manila. Thanks to "Bradpete" of Philippines.

France - The Forest of Fontainebleau

2011-04-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

"Covering about 25,000 hectares, the forest of Fontainebleau said consists of three national forests (Fontainebleau, Three Gables, Commandery) interspersed with private forests, wetlands and farmland." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Multiview of the forest of Fontainebleau. Thanks to Nathalie of France.

France - The Champagne Vineyards

2011-04-14T07:36:00.001-07:00

"The Champagne vineyards are located east of Paris, in the heart of the Champagne region after old one county of Champagne, whose attachment to the Crown of France dates from 1285. Since Gallo-Roman, he thrives on the hillsides that form the foothills of the Paris Basin and overlooking picturesque valleys such as those of the Marne, and Seine I'Aube..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Champagne vineyards and Mill in Verzenay, Marne near city of Reims. Thanks to Nathalie of France and for using different nice stamps one each postcard. Merci beaucoup.

France - Centre Ancien de Sarlat

2011-04-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

"The ancient town of Sarlat-la-Caneda is one of the first sectors safeguarded created in France; city pilot experiments of the 1960s under the protection of old urban centers, this set has preserved all its monuments (77 protected monuments on 11ha). The impetus for the preservation and restoration of ancient heritage went hand in hand with a policy aimed at preventing the departure of residents and cultural life symbolized by the Festival Theatre. Small city republic related to the influence of Bordeaux, Sarlat is the home of La Boétie and as such has participated in the development of the great humanist of the Renaissance, a laboratory of democracy in our country." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Sarlat (Dordogne) - Capitale du Perigord Noir, La Place des Oies. Thanks to Nathalie of France.

United Kingdom - Lake District

2011-04-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

"The Lake District is an area of mountains and lakes in the north west of England. It is a heavily glaciated geological dome, with radiating drainage. It is the largest national park in the United Kingdom, covering 2,280 sq kms and containing the full variety of ecosystem components within the area. It has long been valued for its natural beauty and appreciated as a superlative example of man's harmonious interaction with his natural environment. It has exerted a profound influence over the artistic appreciation of the beauties of nature, inspiring Wordsworth and the Lake Pocts as well as many of Britain's finest landecape painters. It has also played an internationally important part in other areas endeavour, especially the understanding of geological processes and the development of rock climbing." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The English Lake District. Thanks to Angela of England, UK.

Iran - The Sepulcher Towers (Gonbad-e Ghabous)

2011-04-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

"This building has been constructed in 397 Hegira by the order of Ghabous Ibn Voshmgir, the 4th king of Ziyarians. It has been built of first class bricks with ten crevices in 90 degrees. Its cylinder shaped body has ten wings and its upper end has to stings of simple and beautiful stalactite works that are of the earliest instances in Islamic architecture." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Gonbad e Ghabous of Golestan Province. Thanks to Ingrid of Iran.

Pakistan - Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta

2011-04-05T00:24:00.000-07:00

"The mosque, a heavy brick structure of simple construction built upon a stone plinth, with heavy square pillars and massive walls, is centered around a courtyard 169' X 97'. The prayer chamber is of a similar size. Both are covered by large domes. On the north and south two aisled galleries open by means of arcades onto the courtyard. Ninety three domes cover the entire structure, and are probably the cause of a remarkable echo, which enables the prayers in front of the Mibrab to be heard in any part of the building. The mosque contains the most elaborate display of tile-work in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent. The two main chambers, in particular, are entirely covered with them. Their domes have been exquisitely laid with a mosaic of radiating blue and white tiles. Stylish floral patterns, akin the seventeenth century Kashi work of Iran, decorate the spandrels of the main arches and elsewhere geometrical designs on square tiles are disposed in a series of panels." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta, near Karachi. Thanks to Loly of Spain.

Pakistan - Chaukhandi Tombs, Karachi

2011-04-05T00:20:00.000-07:00

"The Chaukhandi graveyard spreads over an area of two square miles and contains tombs of certain warriors of Saloch families settled in this area some time during the 17th and 18th centuries A.D. Owing to the scarcity of dated inscriptions on Chaukhandi tombs, it its difficult to assign exact dates to them. 5i.le tombs are built on raised platforms in a pyramids form with decorative stone slabs covered in relief with human and figurative designs. Most of the tombs represent family graveyards and only a few are placed under pillar canopies finished in Hindu style. The carvings on some of the male graves show a horseman with his arms; shield, sword, bow and arrow. The carvings on women’s graves represent ornaments such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, anklets, etc. Also in case of male graves, a boss shaped projection provided at the northern end intends to hold the turban of the deceased." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Choukundi Tomb is located 17 miles east of Karachi. Built between 15th and 19th century. Thanks to Loly of Spain.

Denmark - The Trelleborg fortresses

2011-04-05T00:16:00.000-07:00

"- Aggersborg
- Fyrkat
- Trelleborg
The Trelleborg fortresses include Trelleborg near Slagelse, Fyrkat near Hobro, Aggersborg near Løgstør and Nonnebakken in Odense, of which only the former three have been preserved for posterity. The Trelleborg fortresses are characterised by having a circular rampart with a moat and four roofed gates. The fortresses have a severely geometrical street system, the inner area being divided into squares, each with four longhouses arranged in a quadrangle. The architecture of all four fortresses is uniform and strictly symmetrical, as clearly illustrated by the circular shape of the fortifications and the location of the gates at the four points of the compass - apparently without regard to the terrain." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Hobro - Fyrkat, Denmark. Thanks to Dorthe of Denmark.

Greenland - Church ruin at Hvalsø, episcopal residence at Gardar, and Brattahlid (A Norse/Eskimo cultural landscape)

2011-04-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

"The area, which has Tunulliarfikfjord as its axis, has a length of 100 km and stretches over the municipalities of Narsaq and Qaqortoq. Relatively low mountainous terrain in the inner parts of the fjords is covered by richly flowering sub?arctic vegetation, whereas the coastal fringe consists of an archipelago teeming with numerous small and somewhat larger islands carrying oceanic low heath vegetation. The climate also varies between these two parts of the area and, together with the dissimilarities in the biotopes, this has determined and still determines occupations and existence in the area. The Eskimo/Greenlandic culture; Traces of the Eskimo culture are mainly found along the coast and in the archipelago, in the form of ruins of turf houses, tent foundations, stone?built meat caches, hunting beds and graves. On the north side of the islands of Tuttutoq and Illutalik, opposite the town of Narsaq, large clusters of ruined winter houses can be seen that were in use from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the 20th century. Some have been investigated by archaeologists and it is possible to follow the evolution and changes of the Thule Eskimo tradition over this time span up to the time when the culture can be termed Greenlandic. In this ultimate phase, they meet the Norwegians and Danes, and begin the co?existence with these which gradually leads to them abandoning their old settlements and building traditions. Several abandoned settlements can be found inside the area defined. A special example of these is the settlement of Igaliku, where a Norwegian, Anders Olsen, along with his Eskimo wife Tuperna, settled as a farmer at the end of the 18th century. This marked the founding here of a Greenland farming dynasty. The farmers built their houses of stone taken from the farm of the Medieval bishop and reintroduced sheep and cattle breeding traditions that have continued to the present day. This settlement has preserved a special character that is particularly well seen in the older buildings which are what still characterise Igaliku..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Fort of Tjodhildes Church in Qassiarsuk, Greenland. Thanks of Dorthe of Denmark.

Ecuador - Ciudad de Zaruma

2011-03-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

"In 1560, Spanish Captain Salvador Roman founded "San Antonio del Cerro Rico de ZARUMA" and on December 8 of 1595, King Philip II brought the city to the status of "Villa". Zaruma lays on one of the hills that form the slopes of the Western ridge of the Andes, in the southern Province of El Oro, at an altitude of 2.100 meters above sea level and therefore enjoying a very mild climate. The natural surroundings and the layout of the streets and bnildings give to the city a beautiful and unique appearance. Zaruma has also been an important center for the mining industry since the time of its foundation. That explains the name "Cerro Rico" (rich hill)." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List Multiview of Zaruma, Ecuador. Thanks to Roxane of USA who bought this postcard in Ecuador.

Bulgaria - The Ancient Plovdiv

2011-03-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

"The locality of Plovdiv on the transport corridor, which is crossing the Balkans, ensures its strategic position in the communications between the East and the West even from the remote past. The Ancient Plovdiv includes the very old part of the town, which had preserved over the centuries its integrity as a historical centre with a homogeneous structure and remarkable historical stratification. The accumulated over the Three Hills layers contain some valuable proofs about the millenary development – marks from the prehistory, Thracian, Hellenic and Roman cultures, from the Middle Ages, the Ottoman period, the National revival and from the XX century..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Plodiv - The Roman Amphitheatre, 2nd century. Thanks to Lilia of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria - The Rocks of Belogradchik

2011-03-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

"Located int he immediate vicinity of the town of Belogradchik in north-west Bulgaria and covering an area of 15000 hectares, they represent a stricking combination of natural sculptures of diverse shapes and imposing sizes. They represent a succession o all geological processes which have formed the big Belogradchik anticline. The nucleus of this anticline is formed of Paleozoic rock, while the mantle and the front part are Triassic conglomerates, sandstone and Jurassic limestone. Broad-leaved vegetation grows amid the individual groups of rock. The area abounds in rich flora and fauna, as well as in archaeological sites." Sourcel UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List Belogradchik - "No, this would not be described in words, it must be seen" quote from Konstantin Irechek, 1882. A nice colorful postcard of Belogradchik Rocks. Thanks to Lilia of Bulgaria.

USA - Serpent Mound

2011-03-24T03:04:00.000-07:00

"Serpent Mound, in Adams County, is the largest documented surviving example of a prehistoric effigy mound in the world. It is a sinuous earthen embankment 411 meters long, including an oval embankment at one end, which has been interpreted variously as the serpent's eye, part of its head, or a secondary object, such as an egg, grasped in the serpent's open jaws. The effigy ranges from 1.2 to 1.5 meters in height and from 6 to 7.6 meters in width. Radiocarbon dates obtained from samples from the effigy, combined with stylistic analyses of the iconography, indicate Serpent Mound was built by the Fort Ancient Culture about the year 1120 CE. This state memorial also preserves three Native American burial mounds as well as evidence of contemporary habitation sites." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Aerial view of Serpent Mount, Serpent Mound State Memorial, Adams County in Ohio, USA. Thanks to Debbie of USA for this beautiful postcard.

USA - Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

2011-03-24T02:58:00.000-07:00

- Fort Ancient State Memorial
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Mound City Group
- Hopewell Mound Group
- Seip Earthworks
- High Bank Earthworks
- Hopeton Earthworks
- Newark Earthworks State Memorial
"This proposed serial nomination includes nine archeological sites of monumental earthworks constructed by the Ohio Hopewell culture during the Woodland Period (1-1000 CE). They are located within the three above-named archeological preserves in the south-central portion of the State. These sites are ceremonial centers characterized by large earthwork constructions that feature precise geometric shapes and standard units of measure. The mounds contain extensive ritual deposits of finely crafted artifacts. This nomination proposal encompasses the variety in Hopewell earthworks and includes examples from each of the valleys of several principal northern tributaries of the Ohio River..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Moon rising at Hopewell Culutre National Historical Park. Thanks to Debbie of USA.

USA - Dayton Aviation Sites

2011-03-24T02:54:00.000-07:00

"In 1905 in Dayton, Ohio, Orville and Wilbur Wright constructed and tested the Wright Flyer III, the first airplane that could take off, fly until it exhausted its fuel supply, land safely, and do so repeatedly. The result turned the airplane into a practical reality that has, in just over a century, incalculably affected numerous aspects of human life. The sites include one of the shops where their early experiments were conducted; the field where the first sustained and controlled flights took place; the most significant of their early aircraft; and the long-time home of Orville Wright that reflects his success and stature in the new field of aviation. Together, these sites preserve critical evidence of events that have transformed the world.
- Huffman Prairie Flying Field
- Wright Cycle Company and Wright & Wright Printing
- Wright Hall
- Hawthorn Hill" Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Nice postcard of Ohio, Birthplace of Aviation. Thanks to Debbie of USA.