Lloyd De Jongh 797

Warsaw, Poland

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This wing was once a Gothic gallery, designed by Christian Aigner, an Italian-trained Polish architect.On the wall above is a mysterious composition, Death removing Cupid’s wings.

Wilanów Palace

Poland

This monumental gravestone, a stone sarcophagus on a raised platform, is dedicated to Aleksandra and Stanisław Potocki. Aleksandra Potocki inherited the palace from her mother, Izabela Lubomirska.After the death of King Sobieski, the palace was inhabited by many aristocratic families: the Sieniawskis, Czartoryskis, Branickis and the Potockis. Numerous upgrades were supervised by the best architects.The couple owned Wilanów from 1799 to 1821. They designed the decorative garden we'll see today and restored the former glory of the palace. This mausoleum was built at the request of their son Alexander in 1836.It resembles the tomb of King Casimir the Great at Wawel Cathedral in Krakow. The sarcophagus case is decorated with 16 pointed arches, signifying the virtues, interests, and actions of Count Potocki. The tomb is decorated with family crests and orders awarded to him, including The Order of the White Eagle, The Order of St Stanislaus and The Legion of Honour.The canopy is supported by 12 columns. In 1843, the lions holding the the coats-of-arms of the Potocki and Lubomirski families were placed at the corners.

Wilanów Palace

Poland

The Polish Eagle. Bought in 1858 by August Potocki, it was destroyed during the German occupation.The Eagle is the emblem of Poland - for patriotism, Polish identity and connection to their homeland. In Greek mythology it was a divine bird, symbolising power and strength, and a symbol attributed to Zeus, the Thunderer. The Roman Emperor carried a scepter topped with a Golden Eagle, and it topped the banner carried by Roman legions.Wilanów has 22 objects identified as “terracotta” German garden ceramics, bought from “Tonwarenfabrik Ernst March & Söhne” in Charlottenburg, near Berlin. These date from 1842 to 1859.Ernst March was a ceramic master born in Panknin, now Pękanino, Poland. Today the village has a population of 40.The factory specialised in terracotta. During several experiments, March developed a new off-white ceramic material called “Chausseestaub”.Made by famous German sculptor Christian Daniel Rauch, what remained of the original was the trunk without head, wings or claws. After years of research, a breakthrough came when two similar sculptures were found in Germany in 2011. It became possible to reconstruct the Eagle.Today, the column is crowned with a ceramic white-tailed eagle made using the same technique.

Wilanów Palace

Poland

The Palace CourtyardThe courtyard was once a work area with granaries and stables. A decorative fence with a central gate led to the honour court where King Jan would greet guests and parades were held. This 19th-century courtyard design is by Potocki.The guardhouse on your right holds museum offices, though was once where the palace guard and sentries lived. The coffee shop is in the former kitchen annexe, built by Izabela Lubomirska, owner from 1778-99. In her time, it had a bakery, coffee roastery, kitchens, pantries, stores and more.To the right of the main gate, by the small guardhouse, is a well in the form of a shrine. Immediately to the left of the gate, is the King's Linden tree.This Wilanów Linden is a national monument. To earn protected status, it had to be the right size. This Linden is 21 metres tall, with a circumference of 20 metres at the crown.It's a valuable honey plant, important to bees and beekeepers. It is a softwood tree and excellent for use in the production of musical instruments.Linden trees were important culturally. In Middle Ages villages they were the centre of public life. People gathered under them to dance and celebrate. This is where legal matters took place, judgements were made, and public punishments delivered.

Wilanów Palace

Poland

Built between 1805 and 1812 by Potocki, it was a meeting point, and an element of park symmetry.It is raised on 8 brick columns to support its roof, with a lantern crowned with 2 crescents and a Turkish cap.References to Turkey at Wilanów are distinctive, they relate to King Sobieski's defeat of Turkish forces in Vienna. It was his greatest military victory, and one of Europe's most famous battles.On the roof are frescoes painted between 1806 and 1809 by Antoni Dąbrowski and his assistant, Stankiewicz.19th-century Europe had a fascination with objects of Far East art and culture, which had appeared in the Polish Commonwealth in the 1600s. King Jan liked Chinese art, he created a Chinese room in the palace with a collection of exotic items brought from China.King Augustus II also had a similar interest. He collected the objects made of Eastern lacquer seen in the palace.

Wilanów Palace

Poland

Diaz Beach and Cape of Good Hope. Located between Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, is a hidden gem that offers a secluded and romantic experience. With its sandy patch and spectacular cliffs, it is one of the most spectacular beaches on the Cape Coast. You won't find many people here, making it a perfect spot for those who want to escape the crowds. The beach is accessible via a small unpaved path that leads south towards the ocean. Diaz Beach is a great spot for photography, with its stunning scenery and breathtaking views. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some memories, Diaz Beach is a must-visit destination.

Cape Point, Cape Town

South Africa

The newer, lower Cape Point Lighthouse is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Africa. Located 700 meters away from the old lighthouse, the new lighthouse is 162 meters lower in altitude to remain visible during low cloud.The lighthouse is the most powerful on the South African coast, with a range of 63 kilometers and an intensity of 10 megacandelas in each flash.You can ascend the short but steep walk to the old lighthouse, or take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the viewing platform around the base of the lighthouse.The lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and cliffs, making it a great spot for photography. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some memories, the newer, lower Cape Point Lighthouse is a must-visit destination.

Cape Point, Cape Town

South Africa

The Cape Point Lighthouse, located at the highest point (262 meters) of the Cape, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Africa. The lighthouse is not operational, but it is still a beautiful sight to behold. The new lighthouse, located at 34°21′26″S 18°29′49″E, is the most powerful on the South African coast, with a range of 63 kilometers and an intensity of light that can be seen from far away. You can ascend the short but steep walk to the old lighthouse, or take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the viewing platform around the base of the lighthouse. The Cape Point Lighthouse is a great spot for photography, with its stunning scenery and breathtaking views. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some memories, the Cape Point Lighthouse is a must-visit destination.

Cape Point, Cape Town

South Africa

A lizard sunning itself on a rock at Cape Point, on the way to the new lighthouse

Cape Point, Cape Town

South Africa

Malbork Castle is a stunning photography location that offers a wealth of opportunities for capturing beautiful images. Here's a description of the exterior and walls of the castle:The castle walls: The exterior view of the castle walls is a sight to behold. The walls are made of red brick and are several meters high, with towers and turrets that provide a dramatic backdrop for photography

Malbork Castle

Poland

Gothic architecture: Malbork Castle is a classic example of Gothic brick-built castle complex in the unique style of the Teutonic Order. The castle is an architectural work of unique character, and many of the methods used by its builders in handling technical and artistic problems greatly influenced not only subsequent castles of the Teutonic Order, but also other Gothic buildings in a wide region of northeastern Europe

Malbork Castle

Poland

The river Nogat: The castle is located on the low-lying bank of the river Nogat, which forms a natural barrier around the castle. The view of the castle from the riverbank is fantastic and provides a unique perspective for photography.

Malbork Castle

Poland

The river Nogat: The castle is located on the low-lying bank of the river Nogat, which forms a natural barrier around the castle. The view of the castle from the riverbank is fantastic and provides a unique perspective for photography.

Malbork Castle

Poland

Gothic architecture: Malbork Castle is a classic example of Gothic brick-built castle complex in the unique style of the Teutonic Order. The castle is an architectural work of unique character, and many of the methods used by its builders in handling technical and artistic problems greatly influenced not only subsequent castles of the Teutonic Order, but also other Gothic buildings in a wide region of northeastern Europe.

Malbork Castle

Poland

The castle walls: The exterior view of the castle walls is a sight to behold. The walls are made of red brick and are several meters high, with towers and turrets that provide a dramatic backdrop for photography.

Malbork Castle

Poland

The New Lighthouse is placed lower than the old lighthouse.

Cape Point, Cape Town

South Africa

Maclear's Beach

Cape of Good Hope - Maclear's Beach

South Africa

A wooden walkway leading to the beach.

Cape of Good Hope - Maclear's Beach

South Africa

Buffels Bay, looking towards Cape Point

Cape of Good Hope - Buffels Bay Beach

South Africa

Buffels Bay, looking towards Cape Point

Cape of Good Hope - Buffels Bay Beach

South Africa

This pagoda accompanies the Chinese Pavilion, an is a point of interest for the pond and surrounding garden.

Royal Łazienki Park

Poland

The Chinese Garden was opened in 2014, in cooperation with architects from Prince Kung’s Mansion. This Chinese Pavilion symbolises masculinity, and the Chinese Arbour across the small pond symbolises femininity. They are connected with the marble bridge, which represents the Milky Way. The roofs are made of hand-glazed tiles produced in China, in the colour of ochre. This colour was reserved for the Chinese Emperor, and in Royal Łazienki it is symbolic of King Stanisław. The tiles, in thirteen different shapes, are rare masterpieces. Like the marble bridge, they are made by Chinese masters of masonry from families working in the trade for 2000 years. Eight paintings are displayed in this pavilion, a tale with traditional Chinese themes. Winding paths, found in original Chinese gardens, lead from bridge to pavilion and arbour. Chinese lanterns have been installed; and around the pond, plants of both local and of Chinese origin are planted.

Royal Łazienki Park

Poland

the Temple of the Sybil with its imposing white columns. It's in the 19th Century Romantic Garden, and previously known as the Temple of Diana. It was built in 1822 entirely from wood, according to a design by Jakub Kubicki. Its style is copied from the Roman temple in Garni, Armenia, from the 1st century. Such architecture was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. There's even an Egyptian temple in the park, once used as a fig pavilion - a place where figs matured, constructed during the expansion of the Royal Łazienki by the Romanov dynasty.

Royal Łazienki Park

Poland

Another angle on the Temple of the Sybil

Royal Łazienki Park

Poland

King Sigismund's Column. Erected in 1644, the 22-meter column was designed by Italian architects Augustyn Locci and Constantino Tencalla. It is Poland's second oldest monument. Legend says Sigismund rattles his sabre when Warsaw is in trouble, first reported in 1794 and WWII. During the Warsaw Uprising, a tank shell hit the column.

Castle Square, Warsaw

Poland

The historic National Bank of Poland site, near the Old Town, with its scarred, bullet-pocked walls and war memorial.

Castle Square, Warsaw

Poland

Warsaw's best loved monument - Syrenka. Cast in 1855 this mermaid's form graces every bus, tram and coat of arms you'll find in the capital. A bronze sculpture by Konstanty Hegel, it has stood as the symbol of Warsaw since 1855.

Warsaw Old Town Square

Poland

Castle Square, Warsaw

Poland

Castle Square, Warsaw

Poland

The Rynek, or Old Town Square, at dusk

Warsaw Old Town Square

Poland

The Royal Castle

Castle Square, Warsaw

Poland

Warsaw's best loved monument - Syrenka. Cast in 1855 this mermaid's form graces every bus, tram and coat of arms you'll find in the capital. A bronze sculpture by Konstanty Hegel, it has stood as the symbol of Warsaw since 1855.

Warsaw Old Town Square

Poland

Looking from the hill with 3 crosses, towards the town and river.

Hill of Three Crosses, Kazimierz Dolny

Poland

The Town Square (Rynek)

Kazimierz Dolny Market Square

Poland

The chapel and its two towers

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

The chapel and its two towers

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

The hotel rooms

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

The entrance gate to the monastery

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

A scene in the monastery garden

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

The monastery from along the river

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

A scene in the garden

Tyniec Benedictine Monastery

Poland

Directly behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is the Great Fountain. The Great Fountain in Warsaw's Saxon Garden was commissioned in 1855 and designed by Polish sculptor Henryk Marconi. It is located in the center of the Saxon Garden, Warsaw's oldest public park. The fountain features a large granite basin, and is considered an excellent example of neoclassical sculpture. The fountain underwent restoration in the late 1990s. It remains an iconic landmark of the Saxon Garden and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is bottom-lit at night, so can be quite bright. I had to wait to get a few moments without passersby.

Piłsudski Square

Poland

A short walk from the mermaid is the Świętokrzyski Bridge, the first cable-stayed bridge in Poland. It was built between Powiśle on the left bank and Praga Północ on the right bank of the Vistula river. The cornerstone was laid on 28th September 1998. The opening of the bridge took place on 6th October 2000.

Warsaw Mermaid

Poland