ROMANIA - Monastery of Horezu

"Founded in 1690 by Prince Constantine Brancovan, the monastery of Horezu, in Walachia, is a masterpiece of the 'Brancovan' style. It is known for its architectural purity and balance, the richness of its sculptural detail, the treatment of its religious compositions, its votive portraits and its painted decorative works. The school of mural and icon painting established at the monastery in the 18th century was famous throughout the Balkan region." -http://whc.unesco.org

Postcard 1

Thank you so much Danut for sharing with me this wonderful postcard showing the infirmary of Horezu Monastery!
Thank you for using colorful stamps too! =)

Postcard 2

An aerial view of Horezu / Hurezi Monastery.
Thank you so much, Ovidiu for sharing this awesome postcard with me!

ROMANIA - Churches of Moldavia

"These eight churches of northern Moldavia, built from the late 15th century to the late 16th century, their external walls covered in fresco paintings, are masterpieces inspired by Byzantine art. They are authentic and particularly well preserved. Far from being mere wall decorations, the paintings form a systematic covering on all the facades and represent complete cycles of religious themes.Their exceptional composition, the elegance of the characters, and the harmony of the colors blend perfectly with the surrounding countryside. The interior and exterior walls of the Church of the Suceviţa Monastery are entirely decorated with mural paintings of the 16th century, and this church is the only one to show a representation of the ladder of St John Climacus." -http://whc.unesco.org

Postcard 1: Multiview

"On this postcard are the four of the eight churches included on the WHS of UNESCO named Churches of Moldavia (the one in which isn't is Putna). I saw humor and Voronet many years ago and they impressed me in a special way", shares Danut.

Thank you so much Danut for sending my wish postcard and finally completing my UNESCO card collection from your country! =)

Postcard 2: The Church of the Annunciation of the Moldoviţa Monastery

A really nice postcard from Jean Pierre...
Thank you so much for being so thoughtful!

Postcard 3: Church of the Assumption of the Virgin of the former Humor Monastery

Another great postcard, Jean Pierre! And with very clear postmarks!
Thank you so much for your BIG BIG contribution on my blog!
Take care always on your trips!

Postcard 4: Multiview

The postcard includes Voronet Monastery, Sucevita Monastery and Moldovita Monastery.
Thank you so much for this postcard, Victor!

THE 8 CHURCHES:

1. Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Arbore

2. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin of the former Humor Monastery, Humor

3. The Church of the Annunciation of the Moldoviţa Monastery, Moldovița

4. Church of the Holy Rood of Pătrăuți, Pătrăuți

5. Church of St. Nicholas and the Catholicon of the Probota Monastery, Probota

6. Church of St. George, Suceava

7. Church of St George of the former Voroneţ Monastery, Voronet

8. Church of the Resurrection Suceviţa Monastery, Sucevita

ROMANIA - Wooden Churches of Maramures

"These eight churches are outstanding examples of a range of architectural solutions from different periods and areas. They show the variety of designs and craftsmanship adopted in these narrow, high, timber constructions with their characteristic tall, slim clock towers at the western end of the building, either single- or double-roofed and covered by shingles. As such, they are a particular vernacular expression of the cultural landscape of this mountainous area of northern Romania." -http://whc.unesco.org

Postcard 1

Thank you Mircea for sharing this postcard with me! ^-^

THE 8 CHURCHES:

1. Bârsana

2. Budesti

3. Desesti

4. Ieud

5. Plopiş

6. Poienile Izei

7. Rogoz

8. Şurdeşti

ROMANIA - Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania

"These Transylvanian villages with their fortified churches provide a vivid picture of the cultural landscape of southern Transylvania. The seven villages inscribed, founded by the Transylvanian Saxons, are characterized by a specific land-use system, settlement pattern and organization of the family farmstead that have been preserved since the late Middle Ages. They are dominated by their fortified churches, which illustrate building styles from the 13th to the 16th century." -http://whc.unesco.org

Postcard 1

Another beautiful UNESCO card from Daniela

 which shows some fortified Churches in Transylvania...

Thank you so much, Daniela! =)

Postcard 2

From my Slovakian thoughtful friend Zuzana who went for a touristic trip to Romania and visited nice places around the country.
Thank you so much Zuzana for thinking of me during your trip there!

The 7 Villages Inscribed:

1. Biertan - Sibiu County

2. Câlnic, Alba - Alba County

3. Dârjiu - Harghita County

4. Prejmer - Braşov County

5. Saschiz - Mures County

6. Valea Viilor - Sibiu County

7. Viscri - Braşov County

ROMANIA - Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains

"Built in the 1st centuries B.C. and A.D. under Dacian rule, these fortresses show an unusual fusion of military and religious architectural techniques and concepts from the classical world and the late European Iron Age. The six defensive works, the nucleus of the Dacian Kingdom, were conquered by the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century A.D.; their extensive and well-preserved remains stand in spectacular natural surroundings and give a dramatic picture of a vigorous and innovative civilization." -http://whc.unesco.org

Sarmizegetusa Regia, one of the 6 Dacian Fortresses.

Thank you so much for sharing with me this postcard, Morcan! =)

And it's a cute sheep on the stamp! =)

ROMANIA - Historic Centre of Sighişoara

"Founded by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons of Transylvania, Sighişoara is a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town which played an important strategic and commercial role on the fringes of central Europe for several centuries." -http://whc.unesco.org

Thank you so much Daniela for this beautiful card of Sighişoara!

ROMANIA - Danube Delta

"The waters of the Danube, which flow into the Black Sea, form the largest and best preserved of Europe's deltas. The Danube delta hosts over 300 species of birds as well as 45 freshwater fish species in its numerous lakes and marshes." - http://whc.unesco.org

"The pelicans are some of the nice birds in the Delta", says Violeta.
Maraming salamat! =)