Interesting spot on the maps, virtual sign seeing on the net.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Liechtenstein, the fourth smallest country of Europe.


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is a doubly landlocked alpine microstate in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and by Austria to the east. The capital of the country is Vaduz. It is the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire, having been acquired to enable entry to the Imperial Diet.[4][5]

Much of Liechtenstein's terrain is mountainous, making it a winter sports destination, although the country is also known as a tax haven. Many cultivated fields and small farms characterize its landscape both in the north (Unterland) and in the south (Oberland). It is a member of the European Free Trade Agreement and is the smallest German-speaking country in the world.

Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country of Europe, after the Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino.

from Wikipedia

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), Berlin


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The Brandenburg Gate (German: Brandenburger Tor) is a former city gate and one of the main symbols of Berlin and Germany. It is located west of the city center at the intersection of Unter den Linden and Ebertstrasse, immediately west of the Pariser Platz. It is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. One block to its north lies the Reichstag. The gate is the monumental entry to Unter den Linden, the renowned boulevard of linden trees which formerly led directly to the city palace of the Prussian monarchs. It was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a sign of peace and built by Carl Gotthard Langhans from 1788 to 1791. The Brandenburg Gate was restored from 2000 to 2002 by the Stiftung Denkmalschutz Berlin (Berlin Monument Conservation Foundation). Today, it is considered one of Europe's most famous landmarks.

Brandenburg Gate@Wikipedia