Szigliget Fortress

Remnants and ruins of Szigliget fortress remain on Várhegy hill's summit, located on the skirt of Lake Balaton. 

The castle was built between 1260 and 1262 as a siege against the Ottoman Empire's invasion. Hungary suffered tremendously from the Ottoman Empire's occupation. Indeed villages of Szigliget were destroyed, however, the castle contested and hadn't fallen down to the Turks. 

The irony is that the castle was ordered by Leopold I in Holy Roman Empire to be demolished, which caused a Hungarian rebellion against Austrian rule.

Castle has been under renovation. Cannons and several armors are exhibited there. 

Above all, the most impressive fact is the stunning panoramic view from the summit. 

It's definitely worth climbing a hill to indulge yourself in breathtaking scenery!!!

Zsámbéki Öregtemplom

Excursion from Budapest downtown!

I am obsessed with the beauty of destruction and have wanted to visit Zsámbék Premontre monastery church (English Wiki available).

The history of the Romanesque-early Gothic style church dated back to 1220 AD. It was built and owned by a single family, the gens Smaragd (the family of Aynard).

In the 15th Century, Hungarians had been in torment, due to the invasion of the Ottoman Empire. The monastery's been used as a fortress. The suffering era had eventually come to an end at the Battle of Buda in 1686.

However, here comes another ordeal after the retreat of the Ottoman. On June 28, 1763, the church collapsed in an earthquake and has been abandoned since then.

Around 150 years after the earthquake, the monastery had partially fixed up to the present looking.

A stunning place to visit and spend a serene time as there aren't many tourists!

Bolton Abbey

Here is another entry of ruins in England!

Bolton Abbey was founded by the Augustinian order in 1154 on the banks of the River Wharfe. Well, Bolton Abbey was technically a priory. In the early 14th Century, Scottish raiders caused the temporary abandonment of the site and serious structural damage to the priory.

Bolton Abbey has been managed by the Devonshire family since 1755 and remains the Yorkshire seat of the 12th Duke of Devonshire. It is still a working priory holding service.

The estate is open to visitors and includes many miles of all-weather walking routes and a variety of attractions for people of all ages. 

Bolton Abbey churchyard contains the war grave of a Royal Flying Corps officer of the First World War (WWI).

17 Years After NATO Bombing of Belgrade

In May 1999 the heart of Belgrade was on fire. Several buildings such as the Yugoslav Ministry of Defense, Avala TV tower (destroyed on 29th of April, 1999) as well as Chinese Embassy, were targeted by cruise missiles under the name of "Operation Allied Force - official NATO code name" or "Operation Noble Anvil - called by the US". In Yugoslavia, the operation was incorrectly called "Милосрдни анђео (Merciful Angel in English)". Please see this link for background.

Former Yugoslav Ministry of Defense

Based upon this website, the demolition started in May 2016. I am lucky to be able to eye-witness the ruins before it's fixed...

If you want to see NATO bombing scars in Belgrade, you gotta hurry up!!! 

On the other side of the street

To be continued...

Kirkstall Abbey Part Two

This is a part two entry of Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds. Only photos.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kirkstall Abbey

Long time no see. Sorry for that...

Yes, I am still alive.

Western Elevation

As you're already aware of, I am obsessed with ruins - a beauty of destruction... 

Lay brothers' dormitory

Kirkstall Abbey, founded in AC 1152 by Abbot Alexander, is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall northwest of Leeds city center in West Yorkshire, England. It is fortunate that the abbey buildings escaped the wholesale destruction and plunder that took place elsewhere, which made Kirkstall abbey the most complete set of Cistercian ruins in Britain. 

Novices' quarter

The abbey today is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is now home to a visitor center with interactive exhibits after a £5.5m renovation program.

Unlike most of the famous abbeys, it is free of charge!!!

It's open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 16:30 (April to September), and from 10:00 to 16:00 (October to March).

Infirmary

It is situated in a public park on the north bank of the River Aire. For more info, please visit the visitor's information.

Whitby Abbey Part Three

This is the last entry of Whitby Abbey!

This is The Weekend in Black and White entry, 15th May 2015. 

   

Have a wonderful weekend.

Whitby Abbey Part Two

This is a part two entry of the beloved Whitby Abbey ruin in England.

Whitby Abbey Part One

I love ruins. I don't know why I am more attracted by ruins than fully restored structures... 

Taken by Infrared camera

The ruined Whitby Abbey belonged to the Benedictine monastery that was a center of prayer and study for over four centuries. It is located on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England.

The first monastery was founded in 657 AD by the Anglo-Saxon era King of Northumbria. In the 7th and 8th centuries it was the site of a thriving Anglian town and a famous religious community.

Again, taken by Infrared camera

Open from 10:00 to 18:00, 7.5 £

To be continued.