Napoleonic war memorial in Loiben

Napoleonic war memorial in Loiben, Austria

Riding the Wachau Railway I always wondered about the meaning of this big memorial just next to the tracks. After a visit at the Domäne Wachau I had the chance to learn more about it: It is a memorial about an engagement between French, Austrian and Russian troops during the Napoleonic Wars on Nov 11th, 1805.

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Domäne Wachau in Dürnstein

Wine label Katzensprung, Austria

At the Domäne Wachau I learned about a wine which was served for a very important moment in Austrian history. The wine label Katzensprung was proffered at that banquet celebrated after signing the Austrian Independent Treaty in the year 1955.

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Pillory at the main square of Retz

Pillory at the main square of Retz

A pillory (German: Pranger) built in 1561. I was surprised to read that this pillory had been destroyed in 18th century but people of Retz were able to reconstruct the pillory in 1962 after finding the most parts in different places nearby.

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Scraffito Haus in Retz

Scraffito Haus of Retz, Austria

The Scraffito – Haus named after a Scraffito covering two sides of the building reminded me a little of a big comic strip but with a serious topic. Which building covered with fascinating Scraffito do you know?

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Town hall of Retz

Town hall of Retz, Austria

The very special town hall of Retz: Originally built as a church it turned into the office of the mayor after some war destruction. The most interesting detail is beneath the town hall: A huge wine cellar system named Retzer Erlebniskeller!

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Parish church St. Peter in Retz

Parish church St Peter of Retz, Austria

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?

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Emblem at industrial hall in Retz

Emblem at an industrial hall in Retz, Austria

Impressive emblem seen at an industrial hall near the railway station of Retz. Well, can you read the ‘deleted’ text below the emblem? It is written ‘K.u.K. Hoflieferant’ which indicates this factory was a supplier of the Imperial court before 1918.

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Photos of school classes in Sopron

Photos of school classes in Sopron, HungaryPhotos of school classes in Sopron, Hungary

An interesting detail one can often see in Hungary: Public viewed photos of school classes. Does anyone know if this tradition is limited to certain classes, e.g. senior years?

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