City of Bath, England - United Kingdom (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#428;© Photo: Jane, Koji Sakai

 The Roman Bath

UNESCO#428; © Photo: Jane, Koji Sakai

 Pulteney Bridge

UNESCO#428; © Photo: Jane, Koji Sakai

From top: The Royal Crescent, Lansdown Crescent, Norfolk Crescent and Camden Crescent.

All cards were sent by Mónica Castro with a matching stamp on each.

"Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa, Bath became an important centre of the wool industry in the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, under George III, it developed into an elegant town with neoclassical Palladian buildings, which blend harmoniously with the Roman baths." In: UNESCO

The Long Corridor in the Summer Palace in Beijing - China (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#880; © ?

RR Portugal x World G42 sent by IreneCheng

"The Summer Palace in Beijing – first built in 1750, largely destroyed in the war of 1860 and restored on its original foundations in 1886 – is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value." In: UNESCO

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Sri Lanka

© Photo: Anver Deen

Unused, sent by "PilotOne"

"Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northwest of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawalla is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 88 elephants, including 37 males and 51 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala.

The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to many of the orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).

The Millennium Elephant Foundation is a separate registered private charity organization which is a retirement home for 7 elephants and a tourist attraction." In: Wikipedia

Our Lord of Passos Procession - Macau

© ?

Unused, sent by "Blicas Blocas"

Information on the back side of the card: "Religious celebration held during February or March, when an image of Christ carrying the cross in taken in solemn procession by a magenta-robed escorts from the Cathedral."

Orange harvest in Algarve - Portugal

© Michael Howard

Sent by "gracinha"

Algarve region is known for the orange cultivation. That area has the perfect conditions to cultivate this fruit.

Borobudur Temple Compounds - Indonesia (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#592; © Photo: E. Pasquier

Unused

"This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s." In: UNESCO

Penguins - Germany

© ?

Advertise card promoting the travel options of Askja.

Map and several views of Cyprus

© Toubis

Sent by "carolisha"

"Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, and a member state of the European Union. It is located east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and the Gaza Strip, and north of Egypt." In: Wikipedia

Palacio de Cristal, Madrid - Spain

"The Palacio de Cristal ("Crystal Palace") is a glass and metal structure located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna from the Philippines. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.

The Palacio de Cristal, in the shape of a Greek cross, is made almost entirely of glass set in an iron framework on a brick base, which is decorated with ceramics. Its cupola makes the structure over 22 metres high. The architecture was influenced by the glass and iron structural techniques of Joseph Paxton (who was responsible for London's Crystal Palace and also for greenhouses such as the Palm House at Kew Gardens)." In: Wikipedia

© Photo: Mónica Castro

Touchnote card sent by Mónica Castro

© ?

Unused, sent by Cláudia Ferreira

Castle of Penela - Portugal

© Guia Turístico do Norte

Sent by "Martinha"

"Castle of Penela (Portuguese: Castelo de Penela) is located in a Penela town in Penela Municipality in Coimbra District, Portugal. The castle was built on a hill dominating the area and used to be a stronghold protecting Coimbra in times of Reconquista. Castle of Penela and the neighboring castle Montemor-o-Velho are both fine examples of defensive structures of that period.

The origins of the name are controversial and are attributed by some authors to ancient Celtic tribes. According to a local legend, King Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) exclaimed to incite his troops storming the stronghold: Coragem! Já estamos com o pé nela! (Courage! We have already set a foot in it!). A more plausible hypothesis is, however, that penela is a diminutive of penha, a place selected to build a fortress on." In: Wikipedia

Waterfall in Wulai - Taiwan

© www.jjp.com.tw

Unsed, sent by "Sapic12"

"Wulai District is a rural district in southern New Taipei City in northern Republic of China (Taiwan). It sits near the border with Taipei and is famous for its hot springs. It is the largest district in New Taipei as well as the most mountainous. The name of the town derives from the Atayal phrase qilux ulay meaning "hot and poisonous"." In: Wikipedia

Multiview from Seychelles

© Seychelles Tourism Board

Unused, sent by "PilotOne"

"Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles (French: République des Seychelles; Creole: Repiblik Sesel), is a 115-island country spanning an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, some 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) east of mainland Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar.

Other nearby island countries and territories include Zanzibar to the west, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga and Réunion to the south, and Comoros and Mayotte to the southwest. Seychelles, with an estimated population of 86,525, has the smallest population of any African state. It has the highest Human Development Index in Africa and the highest income inequality in the world, as measured by the Gini index. Seychelles is a member of the African Union." In: Wikipedia

Chinese Lunar New Year - Macau

© ?

Unused, sent by "Blicas Blocas"

Information on the back side of the card: "Chinese celebrate devotedly this colorful festivity that stands for the beginning of Spring or rebirth after the end of Winter. Religious rites, courtesy visits, fireworks displays and gambling make this event very popular."

"Alminha" of Donfins, Guarda - Portugal

© Rui Cunha (photo)

Unused

"Alminha" are small altars constructed in the nature to take a moment to leave a prayer and make offers, mostly candles and flowers. These shrines are erected at crossroads of paths, often on rural roads, in forests or near watercourses, but also can find shrines along the roads. The shrines can also be embedded in old walls or in front of houses and can be constructed in various materials. (Adapted from the portuguese Wikipedia)

Booksellers in Notre-Dame, Paris - France

© Photo: P. Fagot - PIX

Unused

Sellers of books and watercolors in Notre-Dame.

Waterfall and water channel ("levada") of Caldeirão Verde, Madeira - Portugal (UNESCO WHS)

© Ana Sé (photo) / Governo Regional da Madeira

Unused, sent by "ninocas"

"The property also contains an important testimony of human use. The settlers of Madeira constructed water channels, known as levadas, which run through the forest following the contours of the landscape, and clinging to the cliffs and steep-sided valleys. Typically 80-150 cm wide and constructed of stone or more recently concrete, they carry water from the forest to hydropower stations and to the towns of the south, where they provide essential drinking water and irrigation supplies. Along the levadas there are paths typically 1-2m wide, which allow access to the otherwise almost impenetrable forest. The impact of these features on the property is limited, and also has some benefit for conservation, since they allow access to the forest on relatively flat paths and cover only an infinitesimal area of land. None has been built for 70 years, but the present ones are carefully maintained. Apart from the levadas, and the occasional tiny hut used by those that maintain them, human development within the property is very limited and there is no habitation, no buildings, except the occasional tiny hut for those who maintain the levadas, and no cultivated land. There are limited impacts from two roads, with plans to replace one by a tunnel." In: UNESCO

Waterfall in Pas de Cère - France

© Pierre Riom (photo)

Unused, sent by "geminiscp"

A small waterfall located between Thiézac and Vic-sur-Cère

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad - Russia (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO #657; © ?

RR Portugal x World G37 sent by "Atlantidochka"

"This is a fine example of a working Orthodox monastery, with military features that are typical of the 15th to the 18th century, the period during which it developed. The main church of the Lavra, the Cathedral of the Assumption (echoing the Kremlin Cathedral of the same name), contains the tomb of Boris Godunov. Among the treasures of the Lavra is the famous icon, The Trinity , by Andrei Rublev." In: UNESCO

Farm in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores - Portugal

© Ver Açor

Unused

A typical view of a farm in Angra do Heroísmo.

Map of the railway line from Old Odry to Budišov nad Budišovkou - Czech Republic

© Jiri Besták

Unused, sent by "Sapic12"

A map representation of the railway line connecting Old Odry to Budišov nad Budišovkou.

Cabreira Waterfall, Sever do Vouga - Portugal

© Osvaldo Santos

Sent by "JAP"

Cabreira waterfall has 25 meters high located in "Serra da Cabreira", Sever do Vouga.

Changbai Waterfall at Changbaishan Biosphere Reserve, Jilin - China

?

RR Portugal x World, G37 sent by "plisd", a stunning view of the fall!

This Reserve belongs to the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme

"To the north of Heavenly Lake there exists an exit for the Chengcha River. Running gently for about 1,200 meters (0.74 miles), the river suddenly becomes a churning rapids and drops from a 68 meters (223 ft) high cliff. This is the famous Changbai Waterfall, the highest volcanic waterfall in the world. Watching it from far away, the waterfall appears like a white ribbon suspended in midair. As you approach it, you can hear the loud roar and feel the chilliness of the waterfall. Another alternative to watch the waterfall is climbing to Heifengkou on the main peak. Gales blow ceaselessly in this col, making it hard for visitors to walk and climb. But it remains the best place to watch the panorama of the waterfall. Apart from Changbai Waterfall, more than ten smaller waterfalls are also available in the mountain. Visitors have to enter the Northern Slope Entrance to see the waterfall." In: Travel China Guide

"The Fighting Man" in the Ephesus Museum - Austria

© ?

Sent from Portugal by "geminiscp"

"The Ephesos Museum in Vienna displays antiquities from the city of Ephesus (German: Ephesos), in modern-day Turkey. Begun in the late 19th century, the collection includes original works of sculpture and architecture, and belongs to the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Since 1978 the Ephesos Museum has had its own rooms in the Neue Burg. Before the museum was established, the present exhibits were provisionally displayed in various locations, including on occasion the Theseus Temple in the Volksgarten.

Lying on the Turkish Aegean coast, Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the ancient world and is now among the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The Austrian Archaeological Institute has been conducting research in the ruins of the city since 1895, interrupted only by the two world wars. The museum's collection began when Sultan Abdul Hamid II donated some of the archaeological findings to Emperor Franz Joseph I. Due to a change in Turkish law, no more artefacts have been sent to Vienna since 1907. Many other Ephesus artefacts are on display in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum near the site of the excavation in Selçuk." In: Wikipedia

Big Waterfall of Mont-Dore, Puy-de-Dôme - France

© H. Monestier

© Du Lys

Both sent by "geminiscp"

"La Grande Cascade du Mont Dore (the Big Waterfall of the Mt Dore) was a pleasant waterfall excusion that took in not only the waterfall but wonderful birds eye views of the alpine town of Mt Dore as well as the surrounding mountains and massifs including Puy de Sancy.

There were several cascades and waterfalls in the Mt Dore area, but the Grande Cascade was the most impressive one, which was why I cherrypicked it on our limited time at the source of the Dordogne River (note: I only realized we were at the source when I saw a local map showing a stream called Dore and another called Dogne join and form the Dordogne River near town). Although it was said to be 30m, it appeared taller than that probably because we were able to see it from across town near the Mt Dore visitor center (looking in the southeast direction high up above the trees on the cliffs)." In: World of Waterfalls

Mondego River, Guarda - Portugal

© Fernando Romão

Sent by "Martinha"

"The Rio Mondego (English: Mondego River) is the longest river located exclusively in Portuguese territory. It has its source in Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal (i.e. except the Portuguese islands). It runs 234 km (145 mi) from the Gouveia municipality (at 1,425 m (4,675 ft)) in Serra da Estrela, to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean next to the city of Figueira da Foz. It flows through the districts of Guarda, Viseu and Coimbra, all in Centro Region. It flows near the towns of Celorico da Beira, Fornos de Algodres, Nelas, Tabua, Carregal do Sal, Mortagua, Montemor-o-Velho and cities of Seia, Gouveia, Guarda, Mangualde, Santa Comba Dao, before crossing the town of Penacova, is narrow, then widens by the city of Coimbra (with the University and the major urban area in Baixo Mondego), and the Montemor-o-Velho municipality (known for its castle and rice fields), before reaching the Atlantic at the city of Figueira da Foz." In: Wikipedia

Oravivuori triangulation tower, Struve Geodetic Arc - Finland (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO #1187; © Jyrki Aikas

Sent by Kilona

"The Struve Arc is a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, through 10 countries and over 2,820 km. These are points of a survey, carried out between 1816 and 1855 by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, which represented the first accurate measuring of a long segment of a meridian. This helped to establish the exact size and shape of the planet and marked an important step in the development of earth sciences and topographic mapping. It is an extraordinary example of scientific collaboration among scientists from different countries, and of collaboration between monarchs for a scientific cause. The original arc consisted of 258 main triangles with 265 main station points. The listed site includes 34 of the original station points, with different markings, i.e. a drilled hole in rock, iron cross, cairns, or built obelisks." In: UNESCO

Waterfall of Vaucoux, Puy-de-Dôme - France

© Editions J C Bernard

Unused, sent by "geminiscp"

Typical houses in Ericeira - Portugal

© Grafipost

Sent by "PilotOne"

"Ericeira is a civil parish and seaside resort/fishing community on the western coast of Portugal, in the municipality of Mafra, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northwest of the capital, Lisbon. It is a popular destination for local and visiting tourists, as well as amateur surfers (owing to the 40 beaches with good conditions in the area)." In: Wikipedia

Kutná Hora - Czech Republic (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#732; © ?

RR Portugal x World G37, sent by "jantara"

"Kutná Hora developed as a result of the exploitation of the silver mines. In the 14th century it became a royal city endowed with monuments that symbolized its prosperity. The Church of St Barbara, a jewel of the late Gothic period, and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec, which was restored in line with the Baroque taste of the early 18th century, were to influence the architecture of central Europe. These masterpieces today form part of a well-preserved medieval urban fabric with some particularly fine private dwellings." In: UNESCO

Confucius Mansion, Qufu - China (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#704; © China National Publications

RR Portugal x World G41, sent by "melowalk"

"The temple, cemetery and family mansion of Confucius, the great philosopher, politician and educator of the 6th–5th centuries B.C., are located at Qufu, in Shandong Province. Built to commemorate him in 478 B.C., the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed over the centuries; today it comprises more than 100 buildings. The cemetery contains Confucius' tomb and the remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants. The small house of the Kong family developed into a gigantic aristocratic residence, of which 152 buildings remain. The Qufu complex of monuments has retained its outstanding artistic and historic character due to the devotion of successive Chinese emperors over more than 2,000 years." In: UNESCO

Hercules Tower, A Coruña - Spain (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#1312; © FAMA, Carlos Picallo (photo)

Unused, sent by Cláudia Ferreira

"The Tower of Hercules has served as a lighthouse and landmark at the entrance of La Coruña harbour in north-western Spain since the late 1st century A.D. when the Romans built the Farum Brigantium. The Tower, built on a 57 metre high rock, rises a further 55 metres, of which 34 metres correspond to the Roman masonry and 21 meters to the restoration directed by architect Eustaquio Giannini in the 18th century, who augmented the Roman core with two octagonal forms. Immediately adjacent to the base of the Tower, is a small rectangular Roman building. The site also features a sculpture park, the Monte dos Bicos rock carvings from the Iron Age and a Muslim cemetery. The Roman foundations of the building were revealed in excavations conducted in the 1990s. Many legends from the Middle Ages to the 19th century surround the Tower of Hercules, which is unique as it is the only lighthouse of Greco-Roman antiquity to have retained a measure of structural integrity and functional continuity." In: UNESCO