UNESCO - Roman Theatre In Orange, France

This whs goes by the full name of Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the Triumphal Arch of Orange, but in whole honesty, if it took me this long to get the theatre, how much longer would I have to wait for the Triumphal Arch? So I'll show it off now :)

Situated in the Rhone valley, the ancient theatre of Orange (or Théâtre antique d'Orange), with its 103-m-long facade, is one of the best preserved of all the great Roman theatres. Playing a major role in the life of the citizens, who spent a large part of their free time there, the theatre was seen by the Roman authorities not only as a means of spreading Roman culture to the colonies, but also as a way of distracting them from all political activities. As the Western Roman Empire declined during the 4th century, by which time Christianity had become the official religion, the theatre was closed by official edict in AD 391, since the Church opposed what it regarded as uncivilized spectacles. After that, the theatre was abandoned completely.

During the 19th century the theatre slowly began to recover its original splendour; restoration work began in 1825 and in 1869 the theatre became the home of a Roman Festival, which in 1902 was renamed to Chorégies and was planned as an annual summer festival. In 1969 it became solely an opera festival.

Great addition to my collection from dear Veronique, merci beaucoup!

When I see and hear Orange I get a warm feeling, perhaps because I love the fruit and the colour, but also it sounds so lovely in French :) There is this trip idea to visit the area because it is brimming with whs but also other lovely places: from Marseille as the main airport hub, one doesn't need much time to go to Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, or indeed Orange! Then there are Aix-en-Provence, Nîmes, even Montpellier...gosh what a journey that would be xD

UNESCO - Roman Walls Of Lugo, Spain

The walls of Lugo are an outstanding example of the type of construction and architectural and archaeological group which illustrates various significant periods of human history. Starting with their Roman origins and passing through the problematical Middle Ages to the innovatory and disturbed 19th century, they unite in a single monumental construction over 2 km long different proofs and facets of the evolution of a town such as Lugo (itself a historical and artistic ensemble) from the original Lucus Augusti.

I feel like I have gained a very good postcrossing friend this summer, the one who sent me this romantic night view od the roman walls with a fantastic matching stamp - gracias Beatriz!

UNESCO - Arles Amphitheatre, France

The full name of the UNESCO site is 'Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments', so this is one of those sites that cannot be justly presented with just one view - but this postcard is a bit special :) I have swapped with Sébastien for this card in June last year. He has sent me a photo of the back with all those gorgeous stamps, so I was eagerly awaiting it...for days, weeks...in the end months even. As it was approximately the time when my 'stamps thief' got activated, I started to believe that the card was permanently lost. And this week, what a surprise!! It has travelled from Cadillac, France to Murter, Croatia for exactly 9 months and 3 weeks. Where has it been for all that time, it really makes you wonder...but yay for the happy ending :)))
 

Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, one of the oldest being the Arènes d'Arles, dating from 1st cent. AD. This two-tiered Roman amphitheatre is probably the most prominent tourist attraction in the city of Arles, which thrived in Roman times. The pronounced towers jutting out from the top are medieval add-ons. It was capable of seating over 20,000 spectators, and was built to provide entertainment in the form of chariot races and bloody hand-to-hand battles. Today, it draws large crowds for bullfighting during the Feria d'Arles as well as plays and concerts in summer.

Bullfights? Adds a sad note...:(

 

UNESCO - Djémila, Algeria

The site of Djémila is located 50 km north-east of the town of Sétif. Known under its antique name Cuicul, Djémila is an establishment of an ancient Roman colony founded during the reign of Nerva (96 - 98 A.D.). The Roman town occupied a singular defensive position.

Situated 900 m above sea-level, Djémila/Cuicul, with its forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, is an interesting example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location.

Many many thanks to Riyad who has been so generous with Unesco cards for my collection! :))

UNESCO - Frontiers Of The Roman Empire, UK

 

Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification in Roman Britain, begun in AD 122. It was 80 miles long, stretching from west to the east coast of Britain (Carlisle to Corbridge); during time much of the wall has disappeared, the building stone being used in road construction in the 18th century.

In the summer of 2009 we had four days to drive to the north and walk parts of the Hadrian's Wall Path :) I cannot describe the feeling, walking the green hills...there was, and is, something strangely homely about it. The weather served us well as we camped along the way, local people were very friendly and many cow and sheep saw us through lol Needless to say I'd love to go back and do the whole stretch..!

The place on the last photo is amazing - it is called Sycamore Gap and has become widely known for a movie scene - thats why its also called Robin Hood Tree :)

UNESCO - Timgad, Algeria

Great addition to my collection last week - Timgad lies on the northern slopes of the Aurès mountains, 480 km south-east of Algiers and 110 km to the south of Constantine. This Roman military colony was created ex nihilo (out of nothing)  in 100 A.D. by Trajan, and is an excellent example of Roman town planning.

Thanks so much Riyad, I love getting your mail :)

UNESCO - Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace Of Galerius

 

The Late Roman fortified palace compound and memorial complex of Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius, in the east of Serbia, was commissioned by Emperor Caius Valerius Galerius Maximianus, in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. It was known as Felix Romuliana, named after the emperor’s mother. The site consists of fortifications, the palace in the north-western part of the complex, basilicas, temples, hot baths, memorial complex, and a tetrapylon.

Thank you Judit for this addition to my collection - hvala ti puno! :)

UNESCO - Amphitheatre Of El Jem; Dougga / Thugga, Tunisia

The impressive ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa, a huge amphitheatre which could hold up to 35,000 spectators, are found in the small village of El Jem. This 3rd-century monument illustrates the grandeur and extent of Imperial Rome. 

The town of Thugga flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule, but declined in the Islamic period. The impressive ruins that are visible today give some idea of the resources of a small Roman town on the fringes of the empire.

I am surprised that I havent posted cards from Tunisia before...especially as my dear postcrossing friend Judit sent me multiple cards from her second home country ;) Shukran Judit!

UNESCO - Archaeological Site Of Volubilis, Morocco

It was kind of surreal to step into the ruins of Volubilis, the best preserved Roman ruins in this part of northern Africa. Fabulous mosaics just lying there in the open! There was also what I believe to be the smallest PO in the world, oh I so wish it was open so I could send a postcard from there...!

Amman To Jerash, Jordan

It is not enough to say I LOVE Jordan! I wish I could have stuck around for another week at least, but alas there was no time...If an opportunity ever arises I will gladly fly back!

First we crossed the border from Egypt by ferry, and went straight for Wadi Musa where we would spend the night in a nice little hotel. I was amazed to see how swollen my feet were from a day's waiting at the ferry dock..! But nothing would stop me from discovering the poetical Rose-Red City of Petra. Yes, I have read about it, I have seen some photos...but I still lost my breath! And not just once!!! With a strong certainty I can exclaim - it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

Amman was such a pleasure to visit, there was a certain feel of easiness and comfort. We stayed there for a few days, enchanted by the islamic calls for prayer (Adhan) or rather by the mellow and smooth voice of the local muezzin. From Amman we went for day trips to Jerash, Ajlun Castle and Mount Nebo.

The main post office had a philately section, I was lucky enough to find a small but cool variety of stamps :)

Jerash is now a modern town with more than 30,000 inhabitans; in the olden days of antiquity it was known as Gerasa, whose Greco-Roman ruins stay preserved to this day to witness its splendour. Jerash is considered to be one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Near East. Walking among the ruins was magical! No wonder its on the Unesco WHS's tentative list :)

This postcard was sent on the 24th of November, 2008.