Architect Max Freiherr von Ferstel built the New Town Hall of Ptuj from 1906 to 1908. Max Ferstel is the son of Heinrich Freiherr von Ferstel, known for numerous buildings in Vienna in the style of historicism. [German]
Sundial on Reichenau Abbey
This sundial is located on a wall of Reichenau Abbey on Reichenau Island. It shows not only the motto ‘Pray and Work’ (ora et labora) but also Saint Pirmin, the founder of Reichenau Abbey. The two snakes refer to the fact that he is considered to be a patron against snake bites.
Hohenschwangau Castle
From the balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle, I got a fine view of the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle. Whereas Neuschwanstein is known as a dream castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Hohenschwangau was the castle of his parents and his childhood. Living there, he probably forged out plans for a palace of his own the first time.
Dual-gauge railway in Karlsruhe
An interesting detail in the streets of Karlsruhe: The remains of a former dual-gauge railway which used three rails.
Bridge of Sighs in Venice
While taking the tour around the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) I crossed the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri). Standing inside the bridge I took this pic. In former times, prisoners went via this bridge to their cells. So this view of Venice was probably their last one, for a long time.
Crescent with a face in Graz
This house sign in Graz shows a bird standing on a combination of a star and a crescent. The combination of star and crescent was already known in the Hellenistic period (4th–1st centuries BCE). The crescent represents the moon, and the star represents the sun or the morning star. [German]
Monument to Rudolf Steiner
This memorial in Vienna commemorates the journalist and esoteric Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) is considered the founder of anthroposophy. The monument stands in the Swiss Garden (Schweizergarten) and saw its construction in 1981. [German]
Manhole cover in Graz
The manhole covers in Graz show the city arms. It is a Panther with flames from all body openings. The depiction is similar to the Styrian coat of arms. However, the modern Styrian Panther has horns and only one flame from his mouth. [German]
Frecciargento high speed train
The Frecciargento (top speed of 160 mph) belongs together with the Frecciarossa (190 mph) and the Frecciabianca (160 mph) to the group of Italian high-speed trains. The train depicted above is waiting in the central station of Bolzano for the exit towards Rome. [German]
Luise Spannring in Salzburg
This ceramic tile in the Steingasse is reminiscent of the ceramicist Luise Spannring (1894-1982). In Salzburg, she became known as the founder of a ceramic school. Her works are exhibited in numerous museums. In the Salzburg Museum, you see ceramic nativity scenes from her. [German]
Manhole cover in Mannheim
An Museum of Buttons (Knopf & Knopf Museum) advertises on this manhole cover in Mannheim. Together with a brasserie and a hotel, it fills a former railway station building in Warthausen. The building is located directly on the Öchsle Heritage Railway. [German]
Manhole cover in Leipzig
The manhole covers in Leipzig display the local city arms. The lion represents the Margraviate of Meissen (Markgrafschaft Meissen). The Landsberg Pales (Landsberger Pfähle) represent the Margraviate of Landsberg (Markgrafschaft Landsberg). [German]