Medieval Murals

 

These are from my 2018 road trip (I will go back to my Dunham Massey and Chirk photos in a day or so) and are from the Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg in Alsace which was the region I visited after Annecy. I have recently shared some photos of this castle take during a visit last year but on that visit I didn't get to take many internal views.

This magnificent castle sits high on a hilltop with panoramic views across the Rhine valley with vineyards all around and Germany on the horizon. It has seen conflict many times in its history and the castle as it stands today is the result of significant investment and skilful restoration.

One of the features that impressed me was the ornate artwork on the walls where, as in the first image you can see even the vaulted ceiling is decorated. The interior shots of the banqueting hall are quite stunning with the highly decorated ceiling and walls as well as the heraldry and impressive chandeliers. As a place where honoured friends and guests would be entertained it makes sense that no expense has been spared on the decoration however the murals on the covered walkway above the inner courtyard is even more showy and perhaps an even bolder statement of wealth. 

A Japanese Garden

Today's pictures are of the Japanese Garden set within Avenham Park in Preston. This garden even has its own facebook page where people post pictures of the garden and of themselves enjoying this tranquil spot.

On the day that I visited as you can see the surface of the pond is frozen and there were very few visitors but in spite of the cold it was nice to sit and enjoy the surroundings. I am sure that in the spring and summer there will be much more colour as the trees come into blossom and the flowers in the beds start to bloom so maybe I will be back one day for some more pictures.