the theme for this Sunday is public architecture, esp. bridges....so i stuck to that, instead actually interpreting the theme broadly...and i was about to go with those Russian bridges' stamps...but then i thought I could actually contribute with something different with which i have much less of a chance to overlap and have a double post with someone else, since I dont think that many today would go with something Macedonian...and Ill leave the Russian ones for some other time :)
well, I have two FDCs for today which I think fit in well into the theme, even though their initial subject is something totally different.
Each year, the Macedonian postal service issues stamps dedicated to the European Union...I dont know why it is called Macedonian in EU, when we still arent an EU member state (frankly I dont even want to be part of EU, but it is not like anyone is asking me or the public, those things are already settled behind the scenes about when and how are they going to happen).
Anyways, as I said, these stamps are issued each year, when some capital of the EU is presented on those stamps. In 2009, as you can see above, it was Prague (Czech Republic) that was chosen, and here you can see among else the very famous Charles' bridge in Prague, over the Vltava river.
Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava until 1841, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas (you can also see those on the FDC).
Unfortunately I havent yet been to Prague, though Id really love to...and feel the bustling atmosphere of this place.
this second FDC was issued in 2011 and here you can see Budapest...well Budapest is famous for its numerous bridges over the Danube river but the Chain bridge is probably the most famous and widely known among the bridges of Budapest (and I must say that Ive actually been here and crossed this bridge! And Budapest is a beautiful place....though Id need to go there again coz that was like 10 years ago, so Im sure Id see Budapest with different eyes nowadays than back then).
The Chain bridge was the first permanent stone-bridge connecting Pest and Buda, and only the second permanent crossing on the whole length of the river Danube, opened in 1849. The portals are decorated with lionhead-shaped capstones and the coat of arms of Hungary with the crown and a wreath of leaves.
The bridge has the name of István Széchenyi attached to it actually, a major supporter of its construction, but is most commonly known as the Chain Bridge.
And on the stamp, you can also see the famous Hungarian Parliament building.
so, I hope you liked my pick for the day...to see what others have chosen, click on the button below...and have a great day :)
These are great FDCs!
ReplyDeleteYour link on Viridian's blog doesn't go to your blog post--I found your post from the link on my blog's comments.
ReplyDeleteBridges from two great cities I would love to see in person and, as you say, feel the atmosphere of the place.
ReplyDelete(I think I can understand your not wanting to be part of the EU, too)
Prague is really a wonderful city! I haven't been to Budapest yet so I cannot comment. What did people do before the bridges were built? there must have been plenty of ferrymen.
ReplyDeletethank you for participating.
Lovely FDCs, I haven't visited Prague or Budapest, I imagine them both to be such beautiful destinations.
ReplyDeleteLots of bridges today and all different. The bridge in the town near us was built in 1410 and was the crossing nearest the mouth of the River Tees until the 1700s so I made an immediate link to the bridges you have decribed. Two great FDCs.
ReplyDelete