Kyrenia, (T.R. Of Northern) Cyprus

Kyrenia  is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and castle. Internationally it is recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, but is under the control of the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I have written more about this upon receiving my 1st postcard from Northern Cyprus...

The Kyrenia Castle is situated at the east end of the old harbour, built in the 16th century by the Venetians over a previous Crusader fortification. Thank you Filz for this lovely view :)

UNESCO - Prehistoric Pile Dwellings Around The Alps, Germany

 

Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps is an Unesco site present in six European countries with a connection to the Alps - Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. So far I have managed to obtain one of the sites, these wonderful images from an open air museum in Unteruhldingen on the German side of Lake Constance/Bodensee. These are reconstructions of Neolithic and Bronze Age pile dwellings but I think they are still counted as 'the real thing' ;) (considering their age and fragility i should think there are no originals to be seen anyway..?!)

My thanks goes to Gabi, and to Sara and an impressive number of postcrossers who met in Bielefeld in 2011 - vielen Dank!

UNESCO - Historic Town Of Guanajuato And Adjacent Mines, Mexico

 

Founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver-extraction centre in the 18th century. This past can be seen in its 'subterranean streets' and the 'Boca del Inferno', a mineshaft that plunges a breathtaking 600 m. The town's fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings, resulting from the prosperity of the mines, have influenced buildings throughout central Mexico. The churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana are considered to be among the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America.

So great to have this wonderful view in my collection, gracias Monica! :))

Japanese Traditional Masks

 

I have won this one in one of the many Cockie's awesome lotteries, many thanks :))

UNESCO - Taj Mahal, India

An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Many thanks to Olga and hootnoodle for sending these postcards from their travels :)

UNESCO - Samarkand – Crossroad Of Cultures, Uzbekistan

 

The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries.

This postcard represents the Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis in the north-eastern part of the city. Its name means "The Living King" and it includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings of 9-14th and 19th centuries.

This is not only a great addition to my Unesco collection, but altogether my 1st written & stamped postcard from Uzbekistan..! Thanks so much Brigitte :))

UNESCO - Great Barrier Reef, Australia

 

 

The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1500 species of fish and 4000 types of mollusc.

I am always especially happy to have different views/aspects of an Unesco site - this is one of the rare examples where I managed to do so! And both great postcards from Heather, who used (as usual) some awesome stamps (how gorgeous are the Antartic ones..?!), thanks so much!!

Chimborazo, Ecuador

One of my fav postcards of Ecuador, as it shows many aspects of this beautiful country - the railway, the mountains, the fields and the people :)