Egypt - Koum Ekshoukafa

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an ancient Roman burial site in Alexandria, Egypt. This archaelogical wonder is known for its unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic and architecturel styles.

The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (Arabic: مقابر كوم الشقافة, romanized: Maqābir Kūm al-Shuqāfah, lit. 'Mound of Shards') are an historical archaeological site located in Alexandria, Egypt, and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

The necropolis consists of a series of Alexandrian tombs, statues and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funerary cult with Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences. Due to the time period, many of the features of the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa merge Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultural attributes; some statues are Egyptian in style, yet bear Roman clothes and hairstyles whilst other features share a similar style. A circular staircase, which was often used to transport deceased bodies down the middle of it, leads down into the tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock during the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century CE). The facility was then used as a burial chamber from the 2nd century to the 4th century, before being rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell into the access shaft. To date, three sarcophagi have been found, along with other human and animal remains which were added later. It is believed that the catacombs were only intended for a single family, but it is unclear why the site was expanded in order to house numerous other individuals (read more).

Canada - Nova Scotia - Halifax Citadel

Aerial view of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is now a significant historic site operated by Parks Canada, restored to its Victorian-era appearance.

Sent by Kityu from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Citadel Hill is a National Historic Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Four fortifications have been constructed on Citadel Hill since the city was founded by the British in 1749, and were referred to as Fort George—but only the third fort (built between 1794 and 1800) was officially named Fort George. According to General Orders of October 20, 1798, it was named after King George III. The first two and the fourth and current fort, were officially called the Halifax Citadel. The last is a concrete star fort.

The Citadel is the fortified summit of Citadel Hill. The hill was first fortified in 1749, the year that Edward Cornwallis oversaw the development of the town of Halifax. Those fortifications were successively rebuilt to defend the town from various enemies. Construction and leveling have lowered the summit by ten to twelve metres. While never attacked, the Citadel was long the keystone to defence of the strategically important Halifax Harbour and its Royal Navy Dockyard.

Today, Parks Canada operates the site as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada. It has restored the fort to its appearance when built in the Victorian era (read more).

Finland - Uusimaa - Helsinki Cathedral

HELSINKI - FINLAND

The Cathedral (C. L. Engel 1852)

Statue of czar Aleksander II 

Sent by Anna-Mari who lives near Tampere, Finland.

The Cathedral, by Carl Ludvig Engel, rising on the northern side of the Senate Square is the stage of national and academic festive services and one of the most popular tourist sights.

The church is part of Helsinki’s Empire era centre and a landmark for those arriving by sea. It has become the symbol of the whole of Helsinki. Earlier called St. Nicholas Church and Great Cathedral, the current main church of the Helsinki Diocese was completed in 1852. Sculptures of the twelve apostles guard the city from the roof of the church (read more).

Japan - Nara Prefecture - Todaiji Temple

The hall for the great image of Buddha at night of New Year's eve, Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple is one of many sites under Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 1998.

Sent by Megumi from Nara, Japan.

Tōdai-ji (東大寺, Todaiji temple; "Eastern Great Temple") is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan. The construction of the temple was an attempt to imitate Chinese temples from the much-admired Tang dynasty. Though it was originally founded in the year 738 CE, Tōdai-ji was not opened until the year 752 CE. The temple has undergone several reconstructions, including one initiated by Minamoto Yoritomo in 1181 (entrusted to Chogen, a monk of the Jodo sect) which included the standardization of existing buildings and the strengthening of visible pillars. Since then, one of the most significant reconstruction (that of the Great Buddha Hall) took place in 1709. However, it was on the verge of collapse in the late 19th century due to the weight of its huge roof. The collapse was prevented through a first restoration (1904–1913), and its current appearance was completed using steel framing between 1974 and 1980. Its Great Buddha Hall (大仏殿 Daibutsuden) houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu (大仏). The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites (including temples, shrines and places) in the city of Nara (read more).

Japan - Okinawa Prefecture - Ryukyu Bingata

A traditional Okinawan dyeing technique known as Ryukyu Bingata.

Design name : "Hanazukushi Moyo" (花尽くし模様) meaning "A Pattern of Various Flowers".

Sent by Kaori from Okinawa, Japan.

As a centuries-old dyeing technique, Ryukyu bingata is an intangible cultural asset of Okinawa, representing the archipelago’s diplomatic history as well as its subtropical climate with vivid colors on natural fabrics.

Today, the passionate revival of Okinawa’s traditional stenciled dyeing technique expresses a new generation’s dedication to fine craftsmanship, from kimono and ryuso traditional dress of the Ryukyuan people to contemporary garments, accessories, and designs (read more).

USA - Oregon - Eugene

EUGENE

Oregon

Full moon over the city of Eugene.

Sent by Honey from Eugene, USA.

Eugene (/juːˈdʒiːn/ yoo-JEEN) is a city in and the county seat of Lane County, Oregon, United States. It is located at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, near the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, about 50 miles (80 km) east of the Oregon Coast and approximately 110 miles south of Portland.

The second-most populous city in Oregon, Eugene had a population of 176,654 as of the 2020 United States census and it covers city area of 44.21 mi² (114.5 km²). The Eugene-Springfield metropolitan statistical area is the second largest in Oregon after Portland. In 2022, Eugene's population was estimated to have reached 179,887.

Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, Bushnell University, and Lane Community College. The city is noted for its natural environment, recreational opportunities (especially bicycling, hiking trails, running/jogging, rafting, and kayaking), and focus on the arts, along with its history of civil unrest, riots, and green activism. Eugene's official motto is "A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors". It is also referred to as the "Emerald City" and as "Track Town, USA". The Nike Corporation had its beginnings in Eugene. In July 2022, the city hosted the 18th World Athletics Championship (read more).

USA - Missouri - Gateway Arch National Park (2)

GATEWAY ARCH NATIONAL PARK - ST. LOUIS - MISSOURI

Sent by Kirsten from Oklahoma, USA.

Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, and Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse (read more).

USA - Connecticut - Constitution State

CONNECTICUT
Constitution Sate

Sent by Susan from Connecticut, USA.

Connecticut’s official nickname is the “Constitution State”. 

“Connecticut was designated the Constitution State by the General Assembly in 1959. As early as the 19th Century, John Fiske, a popular historian from Connecticut made the claim that the Fundamental Orders of 1638 and 1639 were the first written constitution in history. 

Some contemporary historians dispute Fiske’s analysis. However, Simeon E. Baldwin, a former Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, defended Fiske’s view of the Fundamental Orders in Osborn’s History of Connecticut in Monographic Form by stating that ‘never had a company of men deliberately met to frame a social compact for immediate use, constituting a new and independent commonwealth, with definite officers, executive and legislative, and prescribed rules and modes of government, until the first planters of Connecticut came together for their great work on January 14th, 1638-39.’

- Connecticut State Register and Manual (1998), p. 832 (read more).

USA - Florida - Biscayne National Park

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1980, this watery wonderland - within sight of downtown Miami, Florida - protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejewel coral reefs. From pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents, some 10,000 years of human history can be found here. Outdoor enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife ... or simply relax and enjoy.

Sent by Nancy from Iowa, USA.

Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and peaceful scenery (read more).

USA - Nevada - Great Basin National Park (2)

NEVADA

49th National Park, established in 1986.

Sent by Diana from Washington, USA.

From the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the sagebrush-covered foothills, Great Basin National Park hosts a sample of the incredible diversity of the larger Great Basin region. Come and partake of the solitude of the wilderness, walk among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the darkest of night skies, and explore mysterious subterranean passages. There's a lot more than just desert here (read more).

Germany - Bavaria - Town of Bamberg (2)

Various landmarks in the German city of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sent by Michelle who lives near Erlangen, Germany.

My another postcard of Bamber is here.

Bamberg is located in southern Germany in the north of Bavaria. It is a good example of a central European town with a basically early medieval plan and many surviving ecclesiastical and secular buildings of the medieval period. When Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, became King of Germany in 1007 he made Bamberg the seat of a bishopric, intended to become a 'second Rome'. Of particular interest is the way in which the present town illustrates the link between agriculture (market gardens and vineyards) and the urban distribution centre (read more).

Germany - North Rhine-Westphalia - Aachen Cathedral (4)

Aachen Cathedral, view from the north side.

Sent by Monika from Würselen in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

My other three postcards of Aachen Cathedral are here, here, and here.

Taiwan - Dragon Tiger Tower

Dragon Tiger Tower, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

Sent by Yi Ling from Taipei, Taiwan.

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (Chinese: 龍虎塔; pinyin: Lónghǔ Tǎ) is a temple located at Lotus Lake in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The temple was built in 1976. One of the towers is the Tiger Tower, the other one being the Dragon Tower.

Both towers are seven storeys tall and have yellow walls, red pillars and orange tiles. A zigzag bridge connects the towers to the shore.

There are paintings inside the temple depicting Ksitigarbha. In the Tiger Tower, there are paintings of twelve Magi and the Jade Emperor's thirty palaces as well as paintings of Confucius. The towers have a double spiral staircase, one each for ascending and descending visitors.

Overlooking the towers are the Small Tortoise mountains, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, 5-mile Pavilion and Pei Chi Pavilion, as well as a surrounding lake (read more).

Taiwan - Jinshui Road

Jinguashi, New Taipei - Twisting and turning as it follows the contour of the mountainside, the Jinshui Road resembles a great snake winding its way up the slope.

Sent by Abby Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Jinshui Road winds up from the ocean up to Jinguashi. Even though it is one lane, buses still come up and down this thing constantly. From the mountains above you can enjoy views of this unique, steep, winding road in northern Taiwan (read more).

Swimwear #20

POSTCARDS FROM VOGUE : 100 ICONIC COVERS

JULY 1, 1932. EDWARD STEICHEN

Sent by Iiris from Tampere, Finland.

Bicycle (75)

A bicycle parked in front of a bookshop.

Sent by Amy from Texas, USA.

Postcrossing Meetup - Luna Moth, 16 August 2025

POSTCROSSING MEETUP

AUGUST 16, 2025

Sent by Bingye Yu from Branson in Missouri, USA.

Postcrossing Meetup - 22th Meetup in Dalian, 2022.7.23

22th Meetup in Dalian, China.

23rd July 2022.

Sent by Li from Shenyang, China.

Postcrossing Meetup - @Stubenschick ninety one in Hagen, 7 December 2025

Nikolaus Meetup @Stubenschick ninety one, in Hagen, Germany.

Sent by Jutta from Tönisvorst, Germany.

Postcrossing Meetup in Fukuoka, Japan - 17th November 2024

Postcrossing Meetup in Fukuoka, Japan.

17th November 2024

Sent by Chiyo from Fukuoka, Japan.

France - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - Nice

Nice By Night.

Sent by Eliette from Nice, France.

Nice (/niːs/ NEESS; French pronunciation: [nis]) is a French city located in the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department. The Nice agglomeration extends far beyond the administrative city limits, with a population of nearly one million on an area of 744 km² (287 sq mi). Located on the French Riviera, the southeastern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the French Alps, Nice is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast and second-largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region after Marseille. Nice is approximately 13 kilometres (8 mi) from the principality of Monaco and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the French–Italian border. Nice's airport serves as a gateway to the region.

The city is nicknamed Nice la Belle (Nissa La Bella in Niçard), meaning 'Nice the Beautiful', which is also the title of the unofficial anthem of Nice, written by Menica Rondelly in 1912. The area of today's Nice contains Terra Amata, an archaeological site which displays evidence of a very early use of fire 380,000 years ago. Around 350 BC, Greeks of Marseille founded a permanent settlement and called it Nikaia, after Nike, the goddess of victory. Through the ages, the town has changed hands many times. Its strategic location and port significantly contributed to its maritime strength. From 1388, it was a dominion of Savoy, then became part of the French First Republic between 1792 and 1815, when it was returned to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, the legal predecessor of the Kingdom of Italy, until its annexation by France in 1860 (read more).

Estonia - Estonian Song Festival

Estonian Song Festival, also known as the Estonian Song Celebration (Eesti Üldlaulupidu). The massive choral event is one of the largest in the world and is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. 

Sent by Carmen who lives near Talinn, Estonia.

Both a repository and a showcase for the region’s tradition of performing folk art, this cultural expression culminates in large-scale festivals every fifth year in Estonia and Latvia and every fourth year in Lithuania.These grand events, held over several days, assemble as many as 40,000 singers and dancers. For the most part, the participants belong to amateur choirs and dance groups.Their repertories reflect the wide range of musical traditions in the Baltic States, from the most ancient folk songs to contemporary compositions. Directed by professional choir conductors, bandleaders and dance instructors, many singers and dancers practise throughout the year in community centres and local cultural institutions.

Choirs and musical ensembles first became institutionalized in Estonia during the eighteenth century. Subsequently, choir singing spread throughout rural and urban areas, spurred by the growing popularity of choral music, singing societies and song festivals in Western Europe (read more). 

Belarus - Museum-estate of Adam Mitskevich

Museum-estate of Adam Mitskevich (Mickiewicz), a literary museum in Navahrudak, Belarus.

Sent by Vladimir from Brest, Belarus.

The Adam Mickiewicz Museum is housed in a two-story white building and displays personal belongings, manuscripts, photographs, and documents from the early life of the celebrated Polish poet. The collection also includes period furniture that provides insight into his world before his studies at Vilnius University.

The building was the residence of the poet during his formative years from 1807 to 1815. He then moved on to Vilnius University, which marked a turning point in his life.

The museum offers guided tours in Belarusian, Russian, and Polish that lead through six exhibition rooms. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, making them better for a more relaxed visit (read more).