The facade of the Vorarlberg Museum in Bregenz is decorated with 16,656 concrete blossoms. The blossoms were formed by the bottoms of simple PET bottles. But this is not the only architectural peculiarity of this museum in the Vorarlberg capital.
Čachtice Castle in Slovakia
Čachtice Castle (Čachtický hrad) was the residence and later the prison of “Blood Countess” Erzsébet Báthory. She became imprisoned after having been accused of being a serial murderer. She died there in the year 1614.
Icebreaker “Stephan Jantzen”
This icebreaker was built in 1967 and is named after the sea rescuer Stephan Jantzen (1827-1913). The ship is off duty now. Although plans were to convert the vessel into a luxury icebreaker for private tours, it is still waiting for a new assignment at Rostock City Harbour.
Piber Castle in Köflach
Piber Castle (Schloss Piber) is a palace in the Austrian state of Styria. It stands next to the Federal Stud Piber. This stud is known for breeding the famous Lipizzaner stallions you see at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Laubengasse in Merano
The Laubengasse in Merano saw its construction around 1200 at the request of Meinhard II. Since then, this arcaded alley has been considered the longest lane of its kind in Tyrol. Today, the Merano arcades are widely known for their shopping opportunities.
Benrath Palace in Düsseldorf
Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath) saw its construction between 1755 and 1773. The number of floors differs between the outside and the courtyard side. The servants’ rooms on the inside are lower than the staterooms on the outside.
Maria Straßengel Church
The pilgrimage church Maria Straßengel stands in Judendorf-Straßengel, a site in the Austrian municipality of Gratwein-Straßengel. A famous exhibit in this church is a fir root in the shape of a crucifix. Visitors can see this piece on request only.
Holy Trinity Church in Hrastovlje
The Holy Trinity Church (cerkev sv. Trojice) in Hrastovlje formed a fortified church earlier. Today, it offers an outstanding range of frescoes inside. The depictions show both biblical events and a dance macabre.
Marienburg Castle near Pattensen
Marienburg Castle (Schloss Marienburg) saw its completion in 1867 and was a birthday present by King George V of Hanover to his wife, Marie of Saxe-Altenburg. You find the Gothic revival castle 20 km south of Hanover.
Dürnstein Castle in Wachau Valley
Hikers get this view of Dürnstein Castle (Burgruine Dürnstein) after taking the trail up from Dürnstein. Legend says Richard I of England, aka King Lionheart, was imprisoned here for a short period. Several info boards inform about this story next to the castle walls.
Sculpture L’Ange Protecteur
Walking through Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Central Station), I came across this public art created by Niki de Saint Phalle. The sculpture, dating back to 1997, is titled L’Ange Protecteur. That literally means Guardian Angel.
Lockheed Super Constellation
The Lockheed Super Constellation, aka “Super Connie”, formed one of the highlights at the Hamburg Airport Days 2007. The plane was presented by the Swiss-based Super Constellation Flyers Association.