Serbia year 2017 EUROPA Stamps – Palaces and Castles

Serbia year 2017 EUROPA Stamps – Palaces and Castles

The EUROPA stamps are special postage stamps issued by European postal administrations/enterprises under the aegis of PostEurop, which are intended to build awareness of the common roots, culture, and history of Europe. Each year, a different theme is chosen for the EUROPA stamp series. For the year that featured “Palaces and Castles,” various countries highlighted their own historic and architectural treasures.

EUROPA Stamps: Palaces and Castles

Here are some notable examples of EUROPA stamps featuring palaces and castles from different countries:

1. Austria

• Schönbrunn Palace: One of the most important cultural monuments in the country, Schönbrunn Palace is a former imperial summer residence located in Vienna. The palace is renowned for its beautiful architecture and gardens.

2. France

• Château de Chambord: This iconic Renaissance castle is one of the most recognizable in the world, noted for its distinctive French defensive architecture. It is located in the Loire Valley.

3. Germany

• Neuschwanstein Castle: Often known as the fairy tale castle, it is located in Bavaria and was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. Its picturesque beauty makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

4. Spain

• Alhambra: Located in Granada, this palace and fortress complex is a prime example of Moorish architecture in Spain. The intricate details and beautiful gardens are world-renowned.

5. Portugal

• Pena Palace: Situated in Sintra, this colorful Romanticist palace stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains. It is a national monument and one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism.

6. United Kingdom

• Windsor Castle: An official residence of the British monarch, Windsor Castle is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture.

7. Slovenia

• Predjama Castle: A Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth in southwestern Slovenia. It is a picturesque and unique historical site with a dramatic natural setting.

Collecting EUROPA Stamps

Design and Features:

• Artistic Representations: The stamps typically feature detailed illustrations or photographs of the palaces and castles, capturing their architectural splendor and historical significance.
• Information Sheets: Many of these stamps come with information sheets that provide historical context and interesting facts about the featured buildings.
• Special Formats: EUROPA stamps are often available in various formats, including single stamps, sets, souvenir sheets, and first-day covers.

Significance of EUROPA Stamps

Cultural Heritage:

• The EUROPA stamps featuring palaces and castles celebrate the rich architectural heritage and historical narratives of Europe, promoting a sense of shared cultural identity among European nations.

Tourism Promotion:

• These stamps also serve as a means to promote tourism, showcasing some of the most magnificent and historically significant sites in each country.

Philatelic Value:

• Collectors value EUROPA stamps for their thematic consistency, artistic quality, and the prestige associated with collecting stamps from multiple European countries under a common theme.

The EUROPA stamp series focusing on “Palaces and Castles” is a splendid way to appreciate and explore the architectural and historical grandeur of Europe’s royal residences and fortresses.