Saint Petersburg is the most romantic city in Russia.
Stamps:
from right to left
Series:
7th Definitive Issue of Russian Federation (2019-)
Themes:
Coats of Arms | Seals (Emblems)
Issued on:
2019-08-07
Series:
7th Definitive Issue of Russian Federation (2019-)
Themes:
Coats of Arms
Issued on:
2021-04-08
Around a cobbled rectangular market square, La Grand-Place in Brussels, the earliest written reference to which dates back to the 12th century, features buildings emblematic of municipal and ducal powers, and the old houses of corporations. An architectural jewel, it stands as an exceptional and highly successful example of an eclectic blending of architectural and artistic styles of Western culture, which illustrates the vitality of this important political and commercial centre.
The Grand-Place testifies in particular to the success of Brussels, mercantile city of northern Europe that, at the height of its prosperity, rose from the terrible bombardment inflicted by the troops of Louis XIV in 1695. Destroyed in three days, the heart of the medieval city underwent a rebuilding campaign conducted under the supervision of the City Magistrate, which was spectacular not only by the speed of its implementation, but also by its ornamental wealth and architectural coherence. Today the Grand-Place remains the faithful reflection of the square destroyed by the French artillery and testifies to the symbolic intentions of the power and pride of the Brussels bourgeois who chose to restore their city to its former glory rather than rebuild in a contemporary style, a trend commonly observed elsewhere.
A pinnacle of Brabant Gothic, the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), accentuated by its bell tower, is the most famous landmark of the Grand-Place. Built in the early 15th century, the building partially escaped bombardments and underwent several transformations over time. Its ornamental programme is largely due to the restoration campaigns conducted in the late 19th century. Facing it, the King's House, rebuilt in the historicist vein, is perfectly integrated into the ensemble. Its elevation is in keeping with the Gothic style edifice prior to the bombardment and testifies remarkably to the ideals of the contextual conservation of monuments advocated in the 19th century. The King's House has been occupied for decades by the City Museum. On both sides of these monuments symbolic of public authority were houses occupied by powerful corporations. Each different but built over a very short time, they illustrate remarkably the Baroque architecture of the late 17th century, with a singular treatment of the gables and decorations, sometimes fretted, sometimes more classical. Each house has a name and specific attributes, heightened with gold, reminiscent of the status of its occupants. It is interesting to note that this is a rare example of a square without a church or any other place of worship, which emphasizes its mercantile and administrative nature.
source( https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/857/).
Stamp:
Country:
Belgium
Themes:
Athletics | Olympic Games | Running | Sports
Issued on:
2020-06-15
The story begins with the project of a French politician: Édouard de Laboulaye. In 1865, he wanted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the United States in an outstanding way.
The structure was made in the Gustave Eiffel workshops,
in Levallois Perret, and in the XVIIth district of Paris, where the
copper parts were assembled. While the Gaget, Gauthier and company
workshops were building the elements one after the other, the internal
structure was supposed to start, but it is important to know that
initially its construction had been entrusted to Violet-le-Duc, who
planned a solid masonry element around which the copper plates were to
be grafted. Violet-le-Duc fell ill and was unable to carry out this
work, which was entrusted to Gustave Eiffel.
Stamps from right to left
Stamps from right to left
Country:
Romania
Series:
Diplomatic Relations with Thailand, 40th Anniversary
Themes:
Diplomacy | Flags | Joint Issues | Suits and Costumes
Issued on:
2018-05-31
Country:
Romania
Series:
Flowers (2020)
Themes:
Flowers | Plants (Flora)
Issued on:
2020-01-07
Size:
24 x 33 mm
The Palace of La Pena
In Portugal, the magnificent Palacio de la Pena is one of the greatest examples of 19th century romanticism.
Located on the Mount of La Pena, the Palace was built on the site of a former convent of monks of the Order of São Jerónimo. It is the figment of the imagination of D. Fernando Saxe Coburgo-Gotha, who married in 1936 with Queen D. Maria II. In love with Sintra, he had decided to become the owner of the convent and the land surrounding it in order to build the summer palace of the royal family.
Stamp:
Country:
Portugal
Series:
Alentejo-Algarve Self-Adhesive - Reprints 2019
Themes:
Glass and Earthenware | Tourism
Issued on:
2019-05-13