BELGIUM ~ Gravensteen - Ghent ~

......Back to blogging after a few days not feeling so well ☹...and I start with two postcards from my own country coming from my dear postcard friend Johan...Belgium issued a few new stamps in March...and thanks to Johan I got two of them with special cancellations and matching postcards...this one is an impressing looking aerial view of the Gravensteen castle rising above its fortified walls in the city centre and the other one with our Royal Family... Many Thanks Johan!! ♥‿♥(check his blog: here! )

The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The Castle was built in the late 12th century by the count Philip of Alsace. The word Gravensteen is Dutch and stands for "Castle of the Counts", so the castle was the seat of the counts of Flanders until the 14th century. The Counts of Flanders abandoned it in the 14th century and moved to a new residence. The castle was then used as a court house and later as a prison. By the end of the 19th century it was about to be destroyed but the city of Ghent opposed these plans, bought and renovated it. Today it hosts a torture museum.

Gravensteen is one of the biggest examples of a castle with moat in Europe and is situated at an altirude of 9 meters.

Stamp:

Ghent Marketplaces and Floraries -Townhall.
(Issued: 14-03-2016)

From a sheet showing five market places in the city with stamp value inside Belgium.
(Issued: 14-03-2016)

ISLE OF MAN ~ Peel Castle -St Patrick's Isle ~

...Great castle view in a beautiful setting overlooking the Irish sea...a place steeped in history...Thanks a lot James!!

Peel Castle was originally a place of worship before becoming the fort of Magnus Barefoot, 11th century Viking King of Mann. The castle stands on St Patrick's Isle which is connected to the town by a causeway.

The buildings within the castle are now mostly ruined, but the outer walls remain intact. Excavations in 1982-87 revealed an extensive graveyard as well as the remains of Magnus Barefoot's original wooden fort. The most spectacular finds were the 10th century grave of "The Pagan Lady" which included a fine example of a Viking necklace and a cache of silver coins dating from about 1030.

The Castle's most famous "resident" is the so-called Moddey Dhoo or "Black Dog" ghost.

Stamps:

The 1000th Anniversary of the Tynwald Tapestry
(Issued 10-04-2015)

SLOVAKIA ~ Čachtice Castle of the Blood Countess

...Beautiful postcard showing the ruin of the “mysterious castle ”  placed on a hill with  breathtaking view...
and  a horrible legend about the Countess... Thanks a lot Petra!!

Photo: Ladislav Renner From backside card:
Within the Trenčín Region, lies the ruins of Cachtice castle (a National Cultural Monument). The best known owner was the infamously cruel Countess Elizabeth Báthory. Legends tells about her bathing in the blood of young virgins to retain her beauty. However she did not escape punishment...

 The castle became later the prison of the Countess Elizabeth Báthory, who is alleged to have been the world's most prolific female serial killer. After her trial Elizabeth lived in the wall for four years, without any light or fresh air. She died on 21 August 1614 at the age of 54 years.

The Čachtice Castle stands on a hill featuring rare plants, and has been declared a national nature reserve for this reason.


Stamp:
Europe 2009 - Astronomy
(Issued 28-05-2009)

WALES ~Cardiff - Castle Coch ~

...Great view of the long ramp up to the main entrance of this beautiful  castle... its picturesque location and stunning architecture mean that it is often used as a film location (it is also the setting for some iconic Dr Who scenes)...Thanks a lot Emily!!

Castell Coch (Red Castle) is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built on the remains of a genuine 13th-century fortification. It is situated on a steep hillside high above the village of Tongwynlais, to the north of Cardiff in Wales. It was designed by William Burges, with an impressively medieval appearance, working portcullis and drawbridge, and with sumptuous interiors.

Cardiff is the capital and largest city in Wales and the ninth largest city in the United Kingdom.


Stamp:
Machin definitives -Queen Elizabeth II
(Issued 30-03-2010)

POLAND ~ Chojnik Castle-Karkonosze National Park ~

One of the landmarks of the area...must be a real challenge to walk all the way to the top^^...Thanks Ola!


With nice Europe stamp:
Fragment of Polish instrument:
The white wedding Goat.
(Issued 2014-05-05)

©Agencja "Oferta", 2009
Castle Chojnik is located  above the town of Sobieszów in southwestern Poland within the Karkonosze National Park, overlooking the Jelenia Góra valley. The castle  rise up on a granite top (627m above sea level) in the foothills of the Giant Mountains.
In 1675, the castle that has never been conquered burnt down completely after being struck by lightning and was not reconstructed.

In 1964 the Polish state restored the ruins and rebuilt the mountain hut.This 14th-century medieval castle houses a hotel and a restaurant.The Chojnik Castle is visited by more than 60 thousand people annually.

Aland ~The Castle of Kastelholm~

...GREAT!! First card from Aland...a picturesque ancient castle set by a beautiful lake...Thanks a lot Sini!!



Nice Ford TT stamp from 1924 and lovely special Kastelholm cancellation (mailed at the castle)
(Issued 19-09-2012)

Kastelholm Castle medieval castle located off Road in Sund, Åland, overlooking a fjord to the south of the village of Kastelholm. Kastelholm is one of only five surviving Finnish medieval fortresses, built in the 14thC. During the 15th and the 16th centuries Kastelholm was involved in political conflicts, both uprising and Danish piracy. It has been well preserved, especially considering it is over 500 years old.

 The Åland Islands or Åland is an autonomous Swedish-speaking region of Finland that consists of an archipelago lying at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea.Åland's autonomous status means that those provincial powers normally exercised by representatives of the central Finnish government are largely exercised by its own government.

~GHANA - Elmina Castle - UNESCO ~

...African beauty nr 2 from Rod... a scene full with life... colors... African vibes...In the background the wonderful white Elmina Castle with is horrific slave trade history!! Thanks so much Rod!!
 (follow his adventures: Adventures West Africa )


With great  commemorative stamp for the 50th Anniversary of Ghana's Independence.
This stamp  illustrating Aburi Botanical Gardens.
(Issued 2007)

Elmina Castle (Elmina, Central Region) described as the first  known European structure of fortification in Ghana. Built by the Portuguese in 1482. A trade centre for ivory, gold and later slaves. It was captured by the dutch in 1673 and later purchased by the English in 1872.

Compared to other countries in the region, Ghana is stable and prosperous. The country is often labelled ‘Africa for beginners’ reputation as the friendliest in Africa . Ghana, is a country in West Africa bordered by Ivory Coast to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

The word Ghana means "Warrior King" and is derived from the ancient Ghana Empire.

BELARUS ~Mir Castle Complex-UNESCO~

Great postcard (BY-353491), one of the most unknown countries in the middle of Europe... Thanks Elena!!

With lovely flower stamps!

1. The chapel-tomb of Sviatapolk-Mirskies
2. Castle and park complex in Mir town
The Mir Castle Complex is a central European castle typical for the region and is located at Mir - a small town. The construction of this castle began at the end of the 15th century, in Gothic style. It was subsequently extended and reconstructed, first in the Renaissance and then in the Baroque style. After being abandoned for nearly a century and suffering severe damage during the Napoleonic period, the castle was restored at the end of the 19th century, with the addition of a number of other elements and the landscaping of the surrounding area as a park. Its present form is graphic testimony to its often turbulent history.

IRELAND ~Trim Castle~

Fantastic castle view... And it is also "famous" because Braveheart was filmed here... Ireland is already a long time on my wishlist for a walking holiday!! Thanks a lot Claudia!!

And with a wonderful Christmas stamp!!

Trim,Co. Meath: Charmingly situated on the River Boyne, Trim Castle is one of the oldest ecclesistical centres in Ireland. The town is a good centre for salmon and trout fishing on the Boyne and other rivers of the district. The ruined Norman Castle, the largest in Ireland was originally founded by de Lacy in 1173 and during the 13th C much was rebuilt. The present well preserved ruines occupy an area of two acres, in which at one period Prince Henry (later Henry V) was kept prisoner. (from the back of the card)

FINLAND ~Olavinlinna Castle~

Received a great castle view (FI-1182721). This is my second official Finnish card in a row showing this castle... By searching for information I found on the internet that it is also called St Olaf castle...I love this view too!!

With sooo nice stamp...Branches of friendship - from a sheet of five stamps.
Issued: 24.01.2011 (forValentine) The colourful peculiar birds are sleeping on their own branches. Make them take wings - send some postcards to friends with these stamps...Designer: Janne Harju

Olavinlinna Castle (St. Olaf's Castle) is a 15th century three-tower castle located in Savonlinna. It is the world's most northern medieval stone fortress still standing.
Currently, the castle hosts several small exhibitions, including the Castle Museum which displays artifacts found in the castle or related to it, and the Orthodox Museum which displays icons and other religious artifacts both from Finland and Russia. The castle forms a spectacular stage for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held annually in the summer since 1912.

LIECHTENSTEIN ~Castle Vaduz~

Got my second written and stamped card from the tiny state Liechtenstein today....Being this my third Vaduz Castle card I'm wondering if they don't have postcards showing something else from there!!:D:D But I love it anyway...

With nice Liechtenstein 2007 Europe Cept stamp Scouting!

The Principality of Liechtenstein lies in the middle of Europe, situated between
Switzerland and Austria, snow-covered mountains and sunny valleys.

The castle was first built some 700 years ago. Since 1712 it has been in the possession of the Prince of Liechtenstein, since 1938 it has been the residence of the prince’s family, so it is not open to the public. The 12th century keep and the structures on the east side are the oldest parts of the castle.

FINLAND ~St. Olaf's Castle~

...It is nice to receive something different from Finland, mostly I got the typical nature views. So I do like this beautiful castle nightview a lot ! Thanks Tarja!!

With lovely speciale shaped stamp.

St. Olaf's Castle is a 15th century three-tower castle located in Savonlinna. It is the world's most northern medieval stone fortress still standing.
Currently, the castle hosts several small exhibitions, including the Castle Museum which displays artifacts found in the castle or related to it, and the Orthodox Museum which displays icons and other religious artifacts both from Finland and Russia. The castle forms a spectacular stage for the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held annually in the summer since 1912.

CRIMEA ~Gaspra-Swallow's Nest Castle~

Thanks a lot Alex for this gorgeous fairytale looking castle with a wonderful name "Swallow's Nest" and in an amazing seting !!
It now appears to be a very expensive Italian restaurant...
As Crimea is an autonomous republic of Ukraine, located on the northern coast of the Black Sea, I think I can consider it as a new place...:D


The "Swallow's Nest Castle" stands on the Rock of Aurora,40 meters (130 feet) above the Black Sea. It is known that it was built by a retired general, a participant of the Russian-Turkish war and he was a really romantic person, because only a romantic could have the strength to build a castle as Swallow's Nest, called "Castle of Love”. It was built in the spirit of chivalrous times. Its house is decorated with towers, steeples, balconies, windows of Gothic forms and battlements.

Gaspra is a village, situated on the southern coast of Crimea. It is a part of Great Yalta. The name of Gaspra comes from the Greek "Aspres" - white.

DENMARK ~Koldinghus Castle~

Got a nice official(DK-13247) castle card from Denmark today!
Cute stamp too...

Koldinghus is the last of the ancient royal castles on the peninsula of Jutland, Denmark and was was originally founded by Christoffer I in 1268. The castle was rebuilt after a fire in 1808, the restauration ended arround 20 years ago and today it is a museum.

BELGIUM ~Durbuy Castle~

Sent from a day out in our Belgian Ardennes! The weather was nice, the visit to the cave (a tour of 1 hour 30) was great and Durbuy is a wonderful old city. You can go there for kayaking on the river Ourthe or making long walks in the woods... And with ofcourse many restaurants with delicious Belgian food!:-)



The city of Durbuy, which calls itself the smallest city in the world, is situated on the banks of the river Ourthe and located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.
In medieval times Durbuy was an important centre of commerce and industry.
At the entrance of the town, past the old bridge over the Ourthe River, lies the most eye-catching building in Durbuy which is the Castle of the Counts of Ursel, erected in the 11th Century and rebuilt by the same family in the 17th Century on the ruins of the ancient feudal fortification.

LIECHTENSTEIN ~Vaduz Castle~

Thanks to Johan I got two lovely mountain cards today!
But one really made me happy.... My first written and stamped from Liechtenstein with such a beautiful stamp.... So a NEW COUNTRY for my collection!!! :-) GREAT!! Thanks a lot Johan for thinking of me on your holiday. :-)

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked alpine microstate in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east. Its area is just over 160 km² (about 61.7 square miles), Vaduz Castleis the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. The castle gave its name to the town of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, which it overlooks from an adjacent hilltop.

LIECHTENSTEIN

Liechtenstein is a tiny alpine country in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland and Austria. Vaduz Castlle is named after the town Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein and is the offical residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.