Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery / Mânastirea Sâmbăta de Sus

In the midst of the summer heat another winter shot: Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery is one of the oldest orthodox monasteries in Transylvania being build in the 17th century. As a result of a conflict between the (catholic) Habsburg empire and the orthodox church the monastery was demolished in the 18th century and consecutively rebuilt later. Till today it remains a strong place of worship for the Orthodox community in Transylvania.

This HDR shot was taken last December with early snow.

Deva in December

Thought it is very hot outside right now here is a shot from Deva, Romania from December 2009. That particular day was very cold and the grey of the sky revealed the grey of the city's housing blocks (full-screen here).

Besides the ruin of the royal castle there's is not too much to see here - but it is worth a short stop when you pass through the city. Deva is known in Romania to host the famous Romanian national gymnastics team.