An iconic rural element in Slovenia is the Klopotec. It is a sort of bird-scaring rattle. You find it in many traditional Slovenian wine-growing areas. They are also common in some parts of Austria (esp. Styria) and Croatia (esp. Zagorje).
Chapel of St Giles in Naumburg
The Chapel of St Giles (Ägidienkapelle) in Naumburg was part of the medieval cathedral curia. Today, the 13th-century chapel forms a station along the Southern Route of the Romanesque Road (Straße der Romanik) in Saxony-Anhalt.
Old sign about heavy wagons
On my walk through Vienna, I came across this sign dating back to 1912. It asked drivers of heavy horse-drawn wagons to walk next to the horses or to send an accompanying person ahead to warn the pedestrians.
Art Nouveau station hall in Prague
The Art Nouveau hall in Prague’s Central Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) gives a glimpse of the former splendour and glory of the Habsburg Empire. It was designed by Josef Fanta (1856-1954) and opened in 1909. [German]
Zeche Zollverein in Essen
The Zeche Zollverein (Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex) is a former industrial site in the German city of Essen. Today, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage.
Sgraffito House in Wiener Neustadt
You find this building with lovely sgraffito at Neunkirchner Straße 19 in Wiener Neustadt. Around the gate, visitors see mythological creatures and the date 1584. The core of the house dates back to the 14th century.
Sundial in Merano
While I walked through Merano in Italy, I came across this sundial. I was impressed by how many elements and codes are compiled in this depiction. For example, you see the motto of Frederick III (A.E.I.O.U.) as well as a skull with an hourglass on top of it. [German]
Friedenstein Castle in Gotha
I took this view of Friedenstein Castle (Schloss Friedenstein) from the staircase of the Ducal Museum of Gotha. The early Baroque palace was built in the mid-17th century by Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-Gotha. [German]
Matzen Castle in Reith
Matzen Castle in Reith was first mentioned in the 13th century. In earlier times, a settlement named Mascianum guarded a Roman street here. Today, the building houses a castle hotel. [German]
Trenčín Castle in Slovakia
Trenčín Castle (Trenčiansky hrad) is a castle high above Trenčín, a city in the west of Slovakia. For many years, it was the residence of Máté Csák of Trencsén. Today, a castle museum tells about the history of the building and the region.
Neuhaus Palace in Paderborn
In Paderborn, I visited a palace in the style of the Weser Renaissance named Schloss Neuhaus. In 1994, a State Garden Show took place on the palace grounds (Schlosspark). So, I had a lovely walk along the flower beds, dating back to this event. [German]
Wild Man Fountain in Salzburg
The Wild Man Fountain (Wilder-Mann-Brunnen) has existed since the beginning of the 17th century. Its water basins kept the fish fresh on the fish markets. Today, the fountain stands on the Max Reinhardt Square opposite the Grand Festival Hall. [German]