The Origin of Postcards

04 Jun The Origin of Postcards

Postcards emerged as a quick and affordable way to send greetings from distant places. The first officially printed postcard was sent in Austria in 1869. The idea was simple: a card with space for a short message and the recipient’s address.

Soon, other countries adopted the trend, but it was in the late 19th century that images of landscapes, monuments, and everyday scenes began to dominate the design. During the Victorian era, postcards became true collectibles, and tourists started sending them as proof of their adventures.

Today, although instant messages and social media have largely replaced them, postcards remain a nostalgic symbol of travel.