Wednesday 25 January 2017

USSR 1969 - 20th Anniversary of the World Peace Movement



Stamp issued in 1969 in the USSR to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the World Peace Movement.  

The stamp depicts various world monuments such as Big Ben (London), the Eiffel Tower (Paris), the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin), the Spasskaya Tower (Moscow) and, partially hidden by the banner, the Colosseum (Rome).

Saturday 29 March 2014

Magyar (Hungary) 1990 - FIFA World Cup



Souvenir Sheet issued in Hungary in 1990 (Michel BL210A) to commemorate the Football World Cup in Italy.  It is part of a set which also includes 6 football-themed stamps.

Poland 2000 - National Pilgrimage


Two stamps issued by Poland in 2000 (Michel PL3844-5).

The Latin inscriptions read:  
"Thee, O God, we praise"
and
"The cross stands while the world keeps turning".

On Good Friday, at 9.15pm, the "Way of the Cross" starts at the Colosseum.  The Pope, and onlookers, follow the Stations of the Cross from the Colosseum to the Palatine Hill in a torch-lit procession.  
This is a spectacular event to attend if you happen to be in Rome at that time, regardless of your religious affiliation.


UNESCO Campaign for Venice - Vatican


A beautiful, large FDC issued by the Vatican on 06 June 1972 with the Mini Souvenir Sheet MS 580.

Friday 26 July 2013

UNESCO Campaign for Pompeii - Dahomey (Benin)

 SG 463

SG 464

SG 465
 
Stamps issued in 1972 in Dahomey (now Benin).  They depict mosaics from St Mark's Basilica.

UNESCO Campaign for Venice - Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances (France)


Proof of stamp SG 497 issued in New Caledonia (French territory) in 1972 for Venice.

The stamp depicts the front of St Mark's Basilica.

UNESCO Campaign for Pompeii - France

SG U49.  Stamp issued in Paris on 24 October 1998 for  the UNESCO.

It depicts a fresco of Flora, goddess of flowers and spring, and dates from circa 1AD.  It was found in the Villa of Ariadne, in Stabiae, approximately 4.5km away from Pompeii.  Stabiae was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius, at the same time as Pompeii in 79AD.
The fresco measures H39.5cm by W32.5cm and is part of the collection of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Naples, Italy.

Until 29 September 2013, you can see it at the British Museum in London.  If you have the opportunity, do go and see it and hundreds of other artefacts from Pompeii - really fascinating.

Below a First Day Cover and Postcard showing a view of Pompeii now.