My postcard and stamp week: October 2024

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

29th June 2023: La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle is a city on the west coast of France and a seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department. In the 16th century La Rochelle adopted Protestant ideas and soon became a centre of the Huguenots. Due to this La Rochelle was besieged for 14 months by Cardinal Richelieu in 1627/28 after which the Huguenots lost most of their privileges. The siege forms much of the backdrop to the later chapters of Alexandre Dumas' novel The Three Musketeers.

Thank You very much William!

28th June 2023: Bridge at Remagen, Germany

The Ludendorff-Bridge, better known as Bridge at Remagen, was a railway bridge across the river Rhine built during World War I to carry troops and supplies to the Western Front. During the closing weeks of World War II it was a critical strategic point in the region, as it was one of the few remaining bridges across the Rhine. It was captured by American troops in March 1945, but collapsed shortly after due to German destruction attempts. Nevertheless the Americans were able to use the bridge long enough to carry troops across the river which hastened the war's conclusion. After the war the bridge was not rebuilt and the towers on the west bank are now used as a museum.

Thank You very much Marcel!

27th June 2023: Nantes, France

Nantes is a city in the region of Pays de la Loire. It is the sixth-largest city in France and is known for its quality of life. In 2013 it received the European Green Capital Award. Historically Nantes is known for the Edict of Nantes signed in 1598, which legalised the Protestantism in France. In the 18th century it was an important port for the French Atlantic slave trade.

Thank You very much William!

26th June 2023: Benrath Palace, Germany

The Benrath Palace was built from 1755 to 1773 by Nicolas de Pigage at the behest of Elector Palatine Charl Theodor. It was built in a combination of Baroque, Rococo and Classicism. Since 2002 the east wing houses the Museum for European Garden Art, while the west wing houses the Museum of Natural History.

Thank You very much Marcel!

22nd June 2023: Heidentor in Carnuntum, Austria

Carnuntum was a Roman fortress on the Danube Limes in modern day Lower Austria. It later became a big city and the capital of the Pannonia Superior province. Today it is among the most important Roman archaeological sites in Europa. It got the European Heritage Label in 2013 and in 2021 was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Danubian Limes. Shown on the card is the Heidentor, a late antique triumphal arch.

Thank You very much Anita!

22nd June 2023: Schärding, Austria

Schärding is a town in the Austrian State of Upper Austria. It is known for its many Baroque buildings.

Thank You very much Anita!

22nd June 2023: Krippenstein, Austria

Thank You very much Anita!

22nd June 2023: Bregenz Forest Railway, Austria

The Bregenz Forest Railway is a narrow gauge railway. From 1902 to 1983 it linked Bregenz on Lake Constance with Bezau in the Bregenz Forest. Today only a short section is still worked as a heritage railway. The remaining line has been closed and largely lifted.

Thank You very much Anita!

22nd June 2023: Graz, Austria

Thank You very much Anita!

20th June 2023: Åland Islands Postcrossing Adventure

Thank You very much Anita!

20th June 2023: Stahlhof in Düsseldorf, Germany

The Stahlhof in Düsseldorf was built between 1906 and 1908 as a representative headquarters of the German Stahlwerksverband. When the Ruhr area was occupied by French troops between 1921 and 1925, they used the Stahlhof as command centre and after World War II the building was used by the British forces as official residence of the Regional Commissioner of the North Rhine Province. In 1946 the treaties that formed the state of North Rhine-Westphalia were signed in the Stahlhof. Today it is used as an administrative court.