Many years ago, a monastery stood on the Dominican Island next to Constance (Konstanz). Today the old walls accommodate a hotel, where guests enjoy the former cloister with wall paintings by Carl von Haeberlin.
Trautenfels Castle in Stainach-Pürgg
While passing the municipality of Stainach-Pürgg by train, I took this pic of Trautenfels Castle (Schloss Trautenfels). It houses collections about the Styrian regions of Ennstal and Ausseerland. The striking mountain behind the castle is known as Grimming.
Bogenšperk Castle in Slovenia
Bogenšperk Castle (Grad Bogenšperk) was the home of the natural historian and polymath Johann Weichard Valvasor (1641-1693). He became famous for publishing several books about topics like the Karst or the history of Carniola. [German]
“The Little Sandman” in Erfurt
“Please take a seat but be careful, don’t fall asleep!” This sculpture in Erfurt, named Little Sandman (Sandmännchen), refers to a German children’s bedtime television programme using stop motion animation.
Imperial Eagle in Retz
While walking through the streets of the Austrian city of Retz I came across this impressive emblem. I found it on a former industrial hall. It displayed the Imperial Eagle of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Pharmacy in Uherské Hradiště
An old pharmacy, a burbling fountain, an empty market square. I experienced this quiet moment in front of a townhouse with a Renaissance façade in the Morovian city of Uherské Hradiště. The building’s diverse structure made me linger longer. [German]
Reichenau Abbey
Reichenau Abbey was founded in 724 by Saint Pirmin. Later the abbey became famous for the Reichenauer Malschule. This term comprises lavishly illuminated manuscripts created during the late 10th and early 11th centuries.
WRB Philadelphia (Locomotive)
A mural near the railway station Wien Meidling reminds us that one of the first Austrian locomotives originated from the USA. The Norris Locomotive Works in Philadelphia assembled the WRB Philadelphia in 1837.
Altinum in Quarto d’Altino
The ancient Roman city of Altinum was a settlement in the region of today’s Quarto d’Altino. During its flowering, it had over 20,000 inhabitants. After being destroyed by the Huns, the inhabitants fled to the small islands in the lagoon of later Venice. [German]
Heilig-Geist-Spital in Nuremberg
The Heilig-Geist-Spital is one of Nuremberg’s most iconic sights. The associated hospital church housed the Imperial Regalia for several centuries. Today, the depicted part of the spital accommodates a restaurant. [German]
Hochosterwitz Castle in Carinthia
Hochosterwitz Castle (Burg Hochosterwitz) stands on a 170-metre-high Dolomite rock near St. Georgen am Längsee. Wannabe conquerers had to pass 14 fortified gates to get to the top.
Festetics Palace in Keszthely
On a sunny day in the fall, I visited Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) near Lake Balaton in Hungary. On my walk through the Baroque Palace, I had the chance to see the famous Helikon Library.