India - Ellora Caves

"These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.” Source: UNESCO World Heritage" 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1

Ellora Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state are a cultural mix of religious arts of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Thanks to Bhat of India.

Postcard 2

Ellora Cave No. 16, Dhwajastambha in Kailash Temple, India. Thanks to Ivan of Czech Republic.

Germany - Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke

"The archaeological site of Hedeby consists of the remains of an emporium – or trading town - containing traces of roads, buildings, cemeteries and a harbour dating back to the 1st and early 2nd millennia CE. It is enclosed by part of the Danevirke, a line of fortification crossing the Schleswig isthmus, which separates the Jutland Peninsula from the rest of the European mainland. Because of its unique situation between the Frankish Empire of the South and the Danish Kingdom in the North, Hedeby became a trading hub between continental Europe and Scandinavia and between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Because of its rich and well preserved archaeological material, it has become a key site for the interpretation of economic, social and historical developments in Europe during the Viking age."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Viking golden disc brooch in Wikinger Museum Haithabu (Hedeby). Thanks to Christina of Germany.

Nepal - Kathmandu Valley

"The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. The seven include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan"

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Wanted: Postcard of Changu Narayan - anyone can help - thanks.

Postcard 1A

Kathmandu Durbar Square. I visited this square some years ago. Thanks to Ashwin of Kathmandu, Nepal for mailing this postcard to me.

Postcard 1B - Kathmandu Durbar Square

I visited the amazing Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Postcard 2 - Patan Durbar Square 

Palace Square of Patan, Nepal. I have visited Patan before - a short distance from Katmandu. Thanks to Heli of Kathmandu of Nepal for mailing this wonderful postcard. Thanks to Matthew of Malaysia for making this request for me.

Postcard 3 - Bhaktapur Square

Another town near Kathmandu that I visited.

Postcard 4A - Swayambhunath

Nice stupa of Swayanbhunath with those amazing watchful eyes. Thanks to Ayub of Kathmandu, Nepal. Received this postcard on July 12, 2018.

Postcard 4B - Swayambhu Stupa

Swoyambhu is one of the biggest Buddhist stupa in the world.

Postcard 5 - Bauddhanath Stupa

Built in the 5th century and the largest stupa in the world. Thanks to Grete of United Kingdom.

Postcard 6 - Pshupatinath Hindu Temple

Multi-view showing teh Pashupatinath Hindu Temple in the middle of the postcard. I went to the entrance of this sacred Hindu Temple but did not enter as non-Hindus are not allowed in.

USA - Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

"Cahokia Mounds, some 13 km north-east of St Louis, Missouri, is the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. It was occupied primarily during the Mississippian period (800–1400), when it covered nearly 1,600 ha and included some 120 mounds. It is a striking example of a complex chiefdom society, with many satellite mound centres and numerous outlying hamlets and villages. This agricultural society may have had a population of 10–20,000 at its peak between 1050 and 1150. Primary features at the site include Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, covering over 5 ha and standing 30 m high." Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1

Sunrise of Monks Mound from Woodhenge III - digital illustration. Thanks to Jim of Arizona, USA.

Postcard 2

Monks Mound at Cahokia Mounds is the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. Mississippi river in the background. Thanks to Leslie of Turkey.

Postcard 3

The winter view of Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the new world. Thanks to O'neal who lives near this region in Illinois, USA.

Postcard 4

An illustration of what settlements at Cahokia Mounds may have looked like. Thanks again to O'Neal of USA.

Australia - Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)

"Riversleigh and Naracoorte, situated in the north and south respectively of eastern Australia, are among the world’s 10 greatest fossil sites. They are a superb illustration of the key stages of evolution of Australia’s unique fauna."
1) Riversleigh - Queensland
2) Naracoorte Caves - South Australia

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1A - Naracoorte
Nice prepaid postcard of Australia Post of Naracoorte National Park. Additional postage stamps added. Thanks to Helen of Australia.

Postcard 1B - Naracoorte

A maxicard of fossil cave of Narcoorte, South Australia. Thanks to Nareeda of Australia.

Postcard 2A - Riversleigh

Riversleigh Fossil Fields, North Queensland. Thanks to Sharon of Australia.

Postcard 2B - Riversleigh
Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Site. Thanks to Alison of Australia.

Colombia - San Agustín Archaeological Park

"The largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America stands in a wild, spectacular landscape. Gods and mythical animals are skilfully represented in styles ranging from abstract to realist. These works of art display the creativity and imagination of a northern Andean culture that flourished from the 1st to the 8th century." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Templo Funerario, San Austin, Kuna Yala, Colombia. Thanks to Thibaut of Switzerland for mailing from Colombia. It was sent on April 12, 2018 and arrived in Penang island on July 10, 2018.

Postcard 2

Megaliths of San Agustin Archaelogical Park, Colombia. Postmarked July 23, 2010 in Colombia and arrived in Penang on August 10, 2010. Nice stamps used. Thanks to Jose of Colombia. Muchas gracias.

France - Chaîne des Puys–Limagne fault tectonic area

"Situated in the centre of France, the site comprises the long Limagne fault, the alignments of the Chaîne des Puys volcanoes and the inverted relief of the Montagne de la Serre. It is an emblematic segment of the West European Rift, created in the aftermath of the formation of the Alps, 35 million years ago. The geological features of the property demonstrate how the continental crust cracks, then collapses, allowing deep magma to rise and cause uplifting at the surface. The property is an exceptional illustration of continental break-up – or rifting – which is one of the five major stages of plate tectonics."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

This green surreal view is in France! Le Puy de Dome of Dpeartment 63 in the region of Auvergne. Great stamp of Year of the Rat. Reminds me of the movie of the French rodent chef "Ratatouille". Thanks so much Valerie of sending this great card with cool stamps from Paris. Merci beaucoup.

China - Fanjingshan

"Located within the Wuling mountain range in Guizhou Province (south-west China), Fanjingshan ranges in altitude between 500 metres and 2,570 metres above sea level, favouring highly diverse types of vegetation and relief. It is an island of metamorphic rock in a sea of karst, home to many plant and animal species which originated in the Tertiary period, between 65 million and 2 million years ago. The site’s isolation has led to a high degree of biodiversity with endemic species, such as the Fanjingshan Fir (Abies fanjingshanensis) and the Guizhou Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), and endangered species, such as the Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus), the Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii) and Reeve’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii). Fanjingshan has the largest and most contiguous primeval beech forest in the subtropical region."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage 

Postcard 1

Mount Fanjingshan in Guizhou is one of of the well preserved sub-troupical forest ecosystems and also being sacred place for Chinese Buddhism. Thanks to Wei of Nanjing, China.

Postcard 2

Bizarre rocks on Fanjing Hill, Guizou. A postcard from the postcard set of "A Scene of Guizhou" that I bought in China.

Germany - Naumburg Cathedral

"Located in the eastern part of the Thuringian Basin, the Cathedral of Naumburg, whose construction began in 1028, is an outstanding testimony to medieval art and architecture. Its Romanesque structure, flanked by two Gothic choirs, demonstrates the stylistic transition from late Romanesque to early Gothic. The west choir, dating to the first half of the 13th century reflects changes in religious practice and the appearance of science and nature in the figurative arts. The choir and life-size sculptures of the founders of the Cathedral are masterpieces of the workshop known as the “Naumburg Master”." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage 

Postcard 1

Naumburg Cathedral, Germany with a matching stamp. Thanks to Michele of Germany.

Postcard 2

Dom St. Peter and Paul of Naumburg. Thanks to Simone of Germany.

Italy - Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century

"The industrial city of Ivrea is located in the Piedmont region and developed as the testing ground for Olivetti, manufacturer of typewriters, mechanical calculators and office computers. It comprises a large factory and buildings designed to serve the administration and social services, as well as residential units. Designed by leading Italian urban planners and architects, mostly between 1930 and the 1960s, this architectural ensemble reflects the ideas of the Community Movement (Movimento Comunità). A model social project, Ivrea expresses a modern vision of the relationship between industrial production and architecture."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Ivrea plant at night mailed from Belgium. Thanks to Chiara of Italy.

South Korea - Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea

"The Sansa are Buddhist mountain monasteries located throughout the southern provinces of the Korean Peninsula. The spatial arrangement of the seven temples that comprise the site, established from the 7th to 9th centuries, present common characteristics that are specific to Korea – the “madang” (open courtyard) flanked by four buildings (Buddha Hall, pavilion, lecture hall and dormitory). They contain a large number of individually remarkable structures, objects, documents and shrines. These mountain monasteries are sacred places, which have survived as living centres of faith and daily religious practice to the present."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage


Beopju Temple of Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do is one of the seven traditional Buddhist Mountain Temples in South Korea. Thanks to CYL who bought this postcard in South Korea.

Japan - Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region

"Located in the north-western part of Kyushu island, the 12 components of the site consist of ten villages, Hara Castle and a cathedral, built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Together they reflect the earliest activities of Christian missionaries and settlers in Japan – the phase of encounter, followed by times of prohibition and persecution of the Christian faith and the final phase of the revitalization of Christian communities after the lifting of prohibition in 1873. These sites bear unique testimony to a cultural tradition nurtured by hidden Christians in the Nagasaki region who secretly transmitted their faith during the period of prohibition from the 17th to the 19th century."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1 - Oura Church

Oura Church of Nagasaki. Thanks to Kenji of Japan.

Postcard 2 - Oura Church

Oura Church - interior view. Thanks to Kenji-san of Japan.