You only see what you know (Goethe)
The church with the name Koptische Kirche der Heiligen Jungfrau von Zeitoun was inaugurated by Pope Shenouda III in 2004. Parts of the interior originate from old Egyptian monasteries. I am impressed by its architecture, which reminds me of the ancient basilicas.
Villa Excelsior has already hosted famous guests. For example, Sigmund Freud spent several summer holidays here. My tour guide told me it was here where the Austrian neurologist was thinking about the concept of Eros and Thanatos.
Interesting detail seen at the Baroque church of Haus im Ennstal: Gentlemen are sitting at the right pews, for the ladies are the left pews reserved. On the right side, there is one row less than on the left side. That means: Gentlemen have more space between the rows.
Do you know this phenomenon: You can only spot things you know they are around you – If you don’t know their existence you’ll overlook them. After many years leaving my train at railway station Meidling the sound of church bells made me aware there is a church next to me. Well, do you see the church?
I took this photo on a train journey from Vienna to Linz. The church located in Lanzendorf (Böheimkirchen) was first mentioned in 1248. Interesting detail: The tower is tilted. I am also impressed by the fact that one can still see this pretty old church on a free field next to a high speed railroad.
Parish church St. Peter in Retz first mentioned in the year 1200. By the way have you ever seen a roundabout with the figure of a saint in its middle?
I was told this part at the tympanum of St. Lorenz is showing the ‘Ascension of Jesus’. For me this is really an odd illustration as one can see only the feet of Jesus.
The golden angel on top of the church Santa Maria in Castello made me think he is pointing me to anything special. A hint for a treasure? A mystery Dan Brown would love to unravel? After some research the answer was pretty simple: He is constructed like a weather vane and just show the direction of the wind.
This photo shows the Cathedral of Udine (Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata) in the light of the noonday sun. Inside, you find works created by Giambattista Tiepolo. Another good place to learn more about this artist is the Diocesan Museum of Udine.
The pilgrimage church Maria Straßengel stands in Judendorf-Straßengel, a place 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.
In Weißenkirchen, a place in the lovely Wachau region, there is still a fortified church (Wehrkirche) from the 14th century to see. The big tower was built as a defence structure against the Ottomans in the 16th century.
The church named Bergkirche (Hill Church) was founded in 1715. Today, it houses the mausoleum of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn. Therefore, people also call it Haydnkirche.
A strange detail is the fact that Haydn was buried without his head, as the skull had been stolen. After finding his skull in Vienna, his body was completed in 1954.