The fortress of Kamerlengo (Tvrđava Kamerlengo) saw its construction by the Venetians in the 15th century. At that time, it extended existing structures in the old town of Trogir. This town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. [German]
Administration of Zeche Zollern
The Zollern colliery (Zeche Zollern) in the Bovinghausen district of Dortmund is also known by the nickname “Castle of Labour”. The brick-stone architecture of this administration building may answer the question of where this title comes from.
Lindworm Fountain in Klagenfurt
The lindworm fountain (Lindwurmbrunnen) is the landmark of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. In addition, the lindworm is also part of the local city arms. The sculpture dates back to the 16th century and refers to the foundation legend of the city. [German]
Kinizsi Castle in Nagyvázsony
This tower is part of a former stronghold owned by the legendary Hungarian military leader Pál Kinizsi. By climbing up Kinizsi Castle (Kinizsi-vár), I learned something new about the interior of tower houses in the medieval ages. [German]
Tempelherrenhaus in Weimar
Many years ago, I came across an old ruin in Weimar. Its name – Tempelherrenhaus – made me think of the mysterious templars. But I was wrong. The building was a former ducal venue that transformed into a ruin after an air raid in 1945. [German]
The Golden Calf by Hollein
During one of my urban walks, I saw this artwork near the Neue Galerie in Graz. The creator of this piece was Hans Hollein (1934-2014). The striking name of this work with several profound allusions: The Golden Calf (Das goldene Kalb). [German]
Art Nouveau station hall in Prague
The Art Nouveau hall in Prague’s Central Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) gives a glimpse of the former splendour and glory of the Habsburg Empire. It was designed by Josef Fanta (1856-1954) and opened in 1909. [German]
Tucher Mansion in Nuremberg
The Tucher Mansion (Tucherschloss) dates back to 1544. It served as a summer residence for the Tucher, a patrician family in Nuremberg. The museum inside shows how such a family lived in those times.
Praying mantis vs. Styrian praying lacewing
I am a sucker for wrought ironwork. On a walk through Graz, I discovered this image of a praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) as a decoration on a house entrance. What might have been the motivation for this work of art? [German]
Klopotec in Slovenia
An iconic rural element in Slovenia is the Klopotec. It is a sort of bird-scaring rattle. You find it in many traditional Slovenian wine-growing areas. They are also common in some parts of Austria (esp. Styria) and Croatia (esp. Zagorje).
TAKRAF cranes in Rostock
Do cranes own personality? I asked myself this question while strolling around the city harbour of Rostock. There, I found two port cranes nicely coloured blue and yellow. They saw their completion in a GDR combine named TAKRAF in 1960.
Saint John of Nepomuk
This statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands at a building named Eheschmiedhaus. The building dates back to the 13th century. The sculpture saw its completion in the first half of the 18th century. I love the levitating angel above his head. [German]