While waiting for my connection train in Prague, my eye fell on a group of bronze statues at platform 1 of Prague Central Station. A man and two children stand next to me. What’s the story behind them? The answer is: Nicholas Winton.
Chapel of Querfurt Castle
The chapel of Querfurt Castle (Burg Querfurt) in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt dates back to the 12th century. It stands free in the court of the castle. The decoration inside is in Baroque style.
Paddle steamer “Gisela”
The maiden voyage of the paddle steamer “Gisela” was in 1872. Operated by the Traunsee Schifffahrt, it still runs for cruises, weddings and dinners on Traun Lake (Traunsee). In the photo above, you see the steamer in front of Gmunden. [German]
Abandoned building in Bratislava
When I visited Bratislava in 2004, I walked through a captivating quarter of deserted houses. A fine example was this building. The more you look at it, the more you see. After a few minutes, I discovered several animals, a windmill, and a fake staircase.
Glockenspiel in Goslar
The Glockenspiel at the Kaiserringhaus in Goslar shows miners at work four times a day. In addition, the carillon bells play tunes like the Steigerlied. That way, the Glockenspiel call attention to the nearby Rammelsberg Mine.
Kammerhof Museum in Gmunden
The Kammerhof, dating back to 1450, originally housed an authority for administrating the salt monopoly. Today, the Kammerhof Museum of Gmunden uses the old walls. As a curiosity, you find a compilation of historical toilet bowls inside.
Old curacy in Žalec
At first, I was surprised to see embrasures at this part of the former curacy. Later, I learned the Baroque building was erected on top of the walls of a former defence tower. The fresco above the richly ornamented portal depicts Saint Nicholas, to whom the nearby church is consecrated.
Fireless steam locomotive
I came across this fireless steam locomotive at the Chemnitz Museum of Industry. It used to work in industrial facilities where no open fire was allowed. For example, you could find them in mines, and food or chemical factories.
Museum of Military History (Vienna)
The Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum) in Vienna is an architectural gem. So you find architecture in the style of Byzantine as well as Neo-Gothic. Some details made me think of being in Venice
Mithras Shrine III in Ptuj
A protective building in the style of an ancient Roman sanctuary shelters the remains of the Mithras Shrine III in Ptuj. The shrine was erected in the sixties of the 3rd century by soldiers of the Legio XIII Gemina.
Sundial path in Nuremberg
I can’t help myself, but this sundial made me smile! 🙂 I came across this piece while walking along the Sundial Path of Nuremberg. Besides artsy sundials, I also encountered fascinating medieval buildings and informative museums.
Mariahilf Fire Station in Vienna
The Mariahilf Fire Station (Hauptfeuerwache Mariahilf) in Vienna saw its completion in 1914. Its architecture still resonates with the spirit of the age between the fin de siècle and the First World War.