A voyage across Europe through its most beautiful stamps
In this fourth issue of our blog The World of Stamps, we explore several new philatelic releases, always guided by our philosophy: through stamps we travel across art, time and space, culture and nature, telling humanity’s most beautiful stories — even in these difficult times. Indeed, every drop of culture we manage to share with you is our small antidote to incivility.
Today we land in a truly extraordinary place: the Faroe Islands. We will then look at the latest Croatian issues, which continue to impress with their beauty and quality. For the first time, we will also feature the prestigious issues of Liechtenstein, renowned for their excellence. Finally, we will fly to the Principality of Monaco, another nation of outstanding philatelic tradition and increasingly committed to environmental sustainability thanks to the initiatives promoted by Prince Albert II.
But before reaching the Mediterranean, we begin our journey in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago in the North Atlantic, halfway between Norway and Iceland. Eighteen islands dominated by steep mountains, deep valleys and dramatic fjords, alternating with tranquil havens worthy of a postcard. In this small yet rich universe, the postal administration issues beautiful stamps that narrate the life and history of the archipelago.
Abandoned Villages: Skarð
The people of the Faroe Islands have always lived in close contact with a nature that is both magnificent and harsh, and with a sea that for centuries has been a source of life, sustenance, adventure and tragedy. One of the most dramatic stories is that of the abandoned village of Skarð, featured in a recent stamp issue. Skarð lies beneath 800‑meter mountains on the island of Kunoy. The village was accessible only by sea — with a difficult landing site — or via two trails, one of them extremely dangerous. Life here was shaped by nature: fertile pastures, limited agriculture due to shade, and fishing made difficult by high cliffs and one of the worst surf zones in the Northern Isles.
The village’s history is marked by maritime tragedies:
– In 1835, six men died at sea.
– In 1872, three more perished returning from a whale hunt.
– On 23 December 1913, a sudden storm overwhelmed three fishing boats, killing 19 men — seven of them from Skarð.
The village never recovered. The last families left in 1919.
Skarð was also the birthplace of Símun av Skarði, principal, author and poet, composer of the Faroese national anthem Tú alfagra land mítt.
100 Years of Scouting in the Faroe Islands
Although scouting existed earlier in informal forms, the movement was officially established in 1926 and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Today it is a respected and influential part of Faroese society. Worldwide, scouting counts more than 60 million members across over 200 countries.
Famous Pilots: Wolfgang von Gronau & Parker Cramer
Among the many stories of the Faroe Islands, two stamps pay tribute to two true pioneers of aviation who wrote epic pages in the international aeronautical history of the 19th century.
Mythical Animals
A beautiful issue dedicated to mythical creatures — illustrated by Edward Fuglø — takes us into the world of legends: the artist’s compositions echo mosaics, medieval manuscripts and classical iconography.
Vatican City
We stop in Rome, caput mundi, and in particular in Vatican City. The Vatican Post has issued a series of special postmarks to commemorate the apostolic journey of His Holiness Leo XIV to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea (13–23 April 2026). Four special cancellations mark this important journey dedicated to peace and prosperity among peoples.
Principality of Monaco
With this issue, we begin exploring the postage stamps of the Principality of Monaco — a truly unique place with a history unlike any other, tied to the ancient Grimaldi family since 1297. Today, Monaco is ruled by Prince Albert II, who ascended the throne in 2005.
On 13 June 2026, the Office des Timbres will release a souvenir sheet dedicated to the 7th Meeting of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, held on 13–14 June on the Place du Palais, with the participation of French and Italian municipalities historically linked to the Grimaldi family.
Visitors will be welcomed by the Mediterranean light, colours and atmosphere of a place with an extraordinarily ancient history, connected to Greeks, Romans and much more.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein continues to distinguish itself for the exceptional quality of its philatelic production.
Fine Arts from Liechtenstein
A new issue honouring the country’s artistic creativity through works by Hugo Marxer and Sunhild Wollwage.
SEPAC – Iconic Landmarks
The chosen motif is the historic Oath Site of Bendern, a key location in the creation of the Principality.
Music – Songs from the Attic
A unique playable vinyl‑record stamp dedicated to traditional folk music and the research of Josef “Pepi” Frommelt.
Liechtenstein’s Mountain World
Four iconic mountains represent the alpine character of the country.
Orchids
A delicate issue celebrating the hidden beauty of Liechtenstein’s wild, strictly protected orchids.
Croatia
Croatia continues its rich 2026 philatelic programme. We focus on two remarkable issues: protected food products and monumental trees.
Croatian Protected Agricultural and Food Products
Three gastronomic treasures are featured:
• Slavonski kulen / kulin – a traditional dry sausage with over 200 years of history
• Lički škripavac – a fresh cheese known for its characteristic “squeak”
• Ludbreški hren – an indigenous horseradish variety from Varaždin County
Each product is protected by EU quality schemes (PDO/PGI), safeguarding tradition, origin and authenticity.
Croatian Flora – Monumental Trees
Three extraordinary trees tell the story of Croatia’s natural and cultural heritage:
Gubec Linden Tree (Gornja Stubica)
Over 450 years old, linked to the Peasant Revolt of 1573. A national symbol, now preserved through a genetic conservation project.
The Old Olive Tree of Brijuni
More than 1,600 years old, dating back to Roman times. Still produces around 30 kg of olives each year.
Oriental Plane Tree in Trsteno
Monumental trees planted in the early 15th century, among the largest in Europe. True guardians of Croatia’s landscape heritage.
Sovereign Military Order of Malta
On 31 March 2026, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Magistral Post, established in 1966.
More than 650 issues have been released to date, promoting the history, traditions and spiritual, social and humanitarian values of the Order — a true unicum in the philatelic world.
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Editorial Contact
We remind all postal administrations of our editorial address for press releases and images:
Roberto Giannotti Philatelic journalist – Member of AIJP
info@robygiannotti.com
