Portara Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

The Portara,or the big door

A different POV from the usual ones of Portara is this one that I present here, is taken from a distance,from the port, with a zoom lens at 190mm.

The most famous landmark of Greece's Naxos Island is the Portara, a massive 2,500-year-old marble doorway that leads nowhere.

History

The Portara stands on Palatia, which was once a hill but is now a separate little island connected to Naxos by a causeway. (The Mediterranean has risen significantly since ancient times.)

The Portara is the entrance to an unfinished temple that faces directly toward Delos, Apollo's birthplace. For this reason most scholars believe it was dedicated to Apollo, but some think it was built in honor of Dionysus, who was worshipped on Naxos Island.

Whichever god it was dedicated to, the temple was begun about 530 BC by the tyrant Lygdamis, who said he would make Naxos's buildings the highest and most glorious in Greece. Only the walls were mostly completed when he was overthrown in 506 BC; the temple was never finished. Evidence from pottery indicates the temple's cult was abandoned by the 5th century BC.

By the 5th and 6th centuries AD, the temple had been converted into a church. Under Venetian and Turkish rule the temple was dismantled so its marble could be used to build a castle. The doorway, however, was so large and heavy it could not be used, so it remains standing alone among the ruins.

Το μνημείο όμως που κάνει εντύπωση στον επισκέπτη και θεωρείται το «έμβλημα» του νησιού, είναι η Πορτάρα, στο νησάκι του Βάκχου, στην άκρη του λιμανιού. «Πορτάρα» τη λένε από παλιά οι ντόπιοι, για το μεγάλο της μέγεθος. Αυτό το μνημείο που ξέχασε εδώ ο χρόνος, είναι η γιγαντιαία, μαρμάρινη πύλη ναού, αφιερωμένου στον Απόλλωνα. Ο ναός κτίστηκε τον 6ο π.Χ. αιώνα, την εποχή του τύραννου Λύγδαμι, όταν η Νάξος ήταν μεγάλο ναυτικό, εμπορικό και πολιτιστικό κέντρο. Σήμερα το νησάκι που την φιλοξενεί λέγεται «Παλάτια». Οι χριστιανοί έκτισαν εκκλησία πάνω στα ερείπια του αρχαίου ναού, κατά τη συνήθεια της εποχής, ενώ γύρω από την εκκλησία αναπτύχθηκε ένας σημαντικός οικισμός. Την περίοδο της ενετοκρατίας πολλά κομμάτια του ναού χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για το κτίσιμο του Κάστρου.

Εδώ, σύμφωνα με την παράδοση, κάτω από τα «Παλάτια», ο Θησέας εγκατέλειψε την Αριάδνη και από εδώ την απήγαγε ο Διόνυσος με την ακολουθία του. Στον χώρο αυτό σύμφωνα με την παράδοση γιορτάστηκαν τα πρώτα «Διονύσια». Ο μύθος της αρπαγής της Αριάδνης από τον Διόνυσο στην ακρογιαλιά των «Παλατιών» ενέπνευσε μουσικούς, γλύπτες και ζωγράφους που με τα έργα τους, έκαναν γνωστή τη Νάξο σε όλο τον κόσμο.
Η θέα ενός ηλιοβασιλέματος από την Πορτάρα αποτελεί ανεπανάληπτη εμπειρία!

Περισσότερες γωνίες λήψης μπορείτe να δείτε εδώ.

bakes888, vmf-214, vasilpro, ymrk, Cricri, pierrefonds, ruisc_pt, jhm, ciakgiak, Vasa, Emile, yedirenk, paura, asajernigan, maloutim, Graal, dip, sandpiper, feather, ChrisJ, leonorkuhn, belido, papagolf21, shevchenko, gunbud, bobocortis, jafadabret, JCG, Didi, Angshu, plimrn ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

bakes888 (18037) 2009-07-04 0:36

Hi Danos. Nice capture, excellent POV. Good to see the tourists there to add scale to the scene. Superb sharpness and detail also. Nice work and thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

rodgerg (22813) 2009-07-04 0:47

Hello Danos,

Beautful colors and contrasts but here I like especially the very good balance of the composition. The aintik edifice is very well locatd on the left. The sea give a very well coloured FG which give a dpeht to the image. The peoles give an interesting idea of the scale of the place.
Have anice WE,
Roger

bema (8345) 2009-07-04 8:04

Danos, geia sou,

really a different view to that landmark of Naxos, fine pov and really great colors and depth..

wish you a fine weekend, Jassu Bernd

vmf-214 (1620) 2009-07-04 8:20

Hi Danos,

Excellent framing and capture, The colors and contrast are wonderful and very well done on the sharpness. The people give scale to this image. Have a great weekend Danos.

Best regards
Jason.

vasilpro (7843) 2009-07-04 8:57

Γεια σου Δάνο,
Από τη Δευτέρα θα φωτογραφίζω και εγώ στη Νάξο. Πολύ καλό το πλάνο από τη θάλασσα με την Πορτάρα σε όμορφες καλοκαιρινές αποχρώσεις.
Καλό καλοκαίρι, Βασίλης.

danyy (67784) 2009-07-04 10:04

Bonjour Danos,
La Grece a peu de pays rivaux pour exposer des ruines millénaires, l'histoire grecque d'ailleurs reste enseignée lors des études seondaires.
Une photo bien cadrée qui montre ces structures qui attirent tant de touristes.
Les personnages recadrend un peu les dimensions de cette 'arche' restée miraculeusement debout.
Bien à toi.
Daniel.

ymrk (8223) 2009-07-04 11:16

Kalimerhaba file Mou!
Are you thinking come for Turkey in again?This idea might very good...:)
That seeming big building view is really good,also there are wonderful graphical details there.Well management and edits...
Take care of yourself!

Yağmur

coco (27508) 2009-07-04 14:24

Kalispera Danos.

This is a very good photo. Of course, only you are able to do with a long lens. And I like it a lot.
Excellent work with the composition, the DOF, and the sharpness (and I think it was not easy).

WEll done.

Cricri (42605) 2009-07-04 14:38

Hi Danos
Un lieu historique qui attire le touriste, intéressant POV et couleurs, bonne note et lien très intéressant
Have a nice week end
cricri

Charo (31651) 2009-07-04 16:35

Hello Danos,
Very nice this composition where the big door blends ancient with modern life by the sea, great contrast.
Excellent perspective and great details and colors.
Best wishes,
Charo

stego (22290) 2009-07-04 19:27

Γειά σου Danos,
It may be less usual, but it is certainly a great POV. The great arch really stands out, but the rest of the image is equally interesting. I like the layered compo, the repetitive pattern of the cafe below and the presence of the people, which would be a nuisance if the POV was in the middle of them.
Χαιρετισμούς,
José

pierrefonds (25821) 2009-07-05 4:13

Hi Danos,

The pressence of the people has an effect of scale. The principle of the thirds is respected, the sea, the island and the sky. The point of view is showing the details and colors od the area of the island. The good luminosity is enhancing the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

ruisc_pt (6206) 2009-07-05 4:13

Hi Danos
Thank you for your remarkable note and astonishing image.
Rui

jhm (81531) 2009-07-05 10:18

Hello Danos,

Thank you very much for your interesting note.
The colours and contrast are wonderful and very well done on the sharpness.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice sunday,
John.

ciakgiak (9932) 2009-07-05 13:20

Hello Danos,
Colors and contrasts are really superb in this shot, and all the composition is perfectly balanced. The building is well placed on the left. I like a lot the sea on FG which give a depht to the image. The presence of the people is really amazing and give an idea of the scale of the place.
Have a splendid week.
Giorgio

Silvio1953 (40517) 2009-07-05 13:32

Ciao Danos, wonderful composition with fantastic big door, splendid light and colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

Fis2 (45074) 2009-07-05 13:40

Witaj Danos!
A very interesting place and object (big door).
I like the composition and super colors.
The persons add savor of photo.
Well done.
Warm greetings
Krzysztof

Vasa (4692) 2009-07-05 15:14

Hi Danos, friend,

your note and your picture are the complete information about this corner of Kyklades. Could be the best position for your shot. Many thanks friend, and have the best summer far away from Canada...

Friendly

Branko

Emile (19745) 2009-07-05 21:55

Hola Danos.
Very well captured from a good POV, the blue sky enhances the interesting entrance to the unfinished temple, the red colors of the restaurant's door really calls the attention creating a nice color contrast in your wonderful composition. The tourists add scale to your shot.
TFS.
Best regards.

delkoo (33828) 2009-07-05 23:47

hi danos
I definitely like your POV in this shot with the sea on the foreground as well as the well-placed doorway dominating the landscape.

didier

yedirenk (7093) 2009-07-06 1:16

Hi Danos,
very nice atmosphere with sea,peoples and ancient details.framed,colours and light are excellent.very well scene.TFS
Greetings

Cevdet

anducina (8060) 2009-07-06 2:46

Hi Danos,
Very interesting photo and note. A door that leads to nowhere--a very poetic and melancholic object. It makes you meditate about time, history and destruction.
TFS and have a nice week !
Andreea

paura (37628) 2009-07-06 3:05

Danos,
Absolutamente interessante seu post. A fotografia está excelente e a nota acompanha em qualidade. Beleza de trabalho.

Abraço

Paulo

asajernigan (13843) 2009-07-06 4:05

Danos,
This is a nicely composed shot with the doorway placed off center and the tables and umbrellas in the foreground. The lighting and colors are great with excellent sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

maloutim (3883) 2009-07-06 6:29

Hi Danos!
A beautiful POV and interesting post of this archway leading to nowhere! Your POV makes it stand out very well on top of this hill!
Good historical note going with it!
TFS. Best regards.
Marie Louise.

jmcl (13721) 2009-07-06 7:29

Hi Danos,

I really like the compressed feeling of the zoom .. I love the scale provided by the people and the tables and chairs .. I think the graphic feel of the sections (water, hill, Portara, sky) goes well with the Portara itself .. very nice. take care, John

darek1978 (11020) 2009-07-06 10:08

Hi Danos,
I like this one for the ancient and precious subject. Thanks a lot for your useful and inforamtive note. Well done!
Best regards,
Darek

clio (22246) 2009-07-06 22:39

Geia sou Dano,
I like very much the composition of the photo. The geometry is very present with the Portara but also construction below, parasols and well arranged up chairs.
Rocks in diagonal make a beautiful break.
The tourists, as ants, give a good idea of the vastness of the construction.
Bravo, se xereto
Diane
Normally, I have to go to spend some days in Naxos at the end of August with a friend.

Graal (57072) 2009-07-06 23:58

Kalimera Danos,
an interesting historic place, good presentation and well informations in note. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

Waylim (10623) 2009-07-07 0:02

Hi Danos,
I like this POV, it give a really great impression of the overall area, the restaurant below with tables and chairs and umbrellas lining up very nicely, na dthe hil on top wiht the monument and tourist enjoying the view and scenery. Very nice texture overall. All the little people gives a really great sense of scale and perspective. I like it. Thanks
Way

dip (12398) 2009-07-07 0:12

Geia sou Dano,
tin Portara tin ksero mono apo fotografies,alla apo auto to simeio tin vlepo proti fora,
poli oraia foto me kali eukrineia kai fusika xromata!
Xaireto,
Dimitris.

patdeph (17308) 2009-07-07 1:51

hello Danos
the ruins you have in Greece are always beautiful and spectacular!I like here your POV showing the sea and this rocky "hill" with the arch at the top!The colors are superb!I have been to Naxos a few years ago,it was a really nice place that I liked very much!
Regards
Pascale

sandpiper (1559) 2009-07-07 2:55

Hi Danos

Good POV of this unusual relic from the past with an interesting history. I was surprised to read that the sea has risen here. Good colours too.

Chris

John_F_Kennedy (30486) 2009-07-07 3:53

I like the good perspective shot, good colours and a excellent composition.

Best wishes,
Achim

feather (49848) 2009-07-07 5:54

Unusual view of the Portara; most people use it to frame the sunset. It was a good idea to use the telephoto lens to shoot from this angle. The people give the scale and the rows of tables, chairs and umbrellas add extra interest.
Kath

ChrisJ (69340) 2009-07-07 8:03

Hi Danos

Good repetition of the tiny tables & chairs, along the distant waterfront, with excellent sharpness, colour & contrast. Tfs!

leonorkuhn (13249) 2009-07-07 12:36

Hi Danos,

Great composition. The zoom lens makes a big difference in the quality of the photo. Very good colors, excellent details.

Greetings
Leonor

belido (15933) 2009-07-07 13:47

Hi Danos,

there is something in this photo that makes me feel I'm there and I guess it's the natural lighting and the 3d effect. It's a very well executed composition. An unique place, a great photo. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

papagolf21 (55826) 2009-07-07 13:52

Bonsoir, cher ami Danos,
Merveilleux vestiges de la Grèce Antique, j'aime beaucoup le contraste entre la partie basse (moderne) et la partie haute (civilisation du passé.
L'image est comme d'habitude très bien présentée et le vestige placé sur un point fort de la composition.
Un grand merci du partage.
Excellente semaine.
Amitiés.
Philippe

jemaflor (38801) 2009-07-08 10:35

Hi Danos,
Original pov for the famous Portara, well framed, nice blue sea in the fg, a good memory for me ..

shevchenko (9694) 2009-07-08 20:21

Hi Danos,
Useful zoom len allowed every things clear to see in a far distance, good comparation of size between the giant frame and visitors, clear to see grasses and rocky surface too, distinct photo, good shgoot.
Ally

gunbud (27435) 2009-07-08 20:52

Hi Danos,
Lovely capture of this beautiful ancient scene of marble ruins that look so impressive against the cloudless blue sky.
A stark contrast between the modern tables and the ancient ruins.
Regards, Tom

pablominto (39792) 2009-07-08 23:21

Hello Danos,

This is an interesting remain from the past, both for the size and for the well visible location!
The ancient structure contrast with the modern facilities in front, showing two colliding eras...
Well framed, good details and vivid colours!

Greetings,
Pablo -

bobocortis (14068) 2009-07-09 4:24

Hello Danos.
This image is full of themes and geometric right angles. People give movement to the shot.
Best regards.
Bobo.

jafadabret (38789) 2009-07-09 11:17

Kalispera Dano.
J'aime cette photo de cette porte gigantesque qui vient de l'époque hellénistique. Elle est dans son contexte et la présence des visiteurs en donne l'échelle.
Une photo qui fait plaisir à voir !
Jacques

marietom (31756) 2009-07-09 13:40

hello Danos

Jolie vue sur ce paysage historique.
Bonne soirée
Marie

JCG (24703) 2009-07-11 7:35

Hello Danos,

A note on the history of these vestiges very interesting. I like this catch of sight which just includes the modern life and commercial in lower part… The remainder of this door is monumental and the tourists bring an appreciable scale. Beautiful quality of image as well in the colors as the light, thank you Danos.

With all my friendships and a very good WE,

Jean-Charles

Didi (35582) 2009-07-11 7:44

Yassou Danos
Perhaps a stargate ?
Interesting view on theese old ruins, very nice point of view.
Perhaps a closer view for the next time ?
Best regards.

Angshu (33155) 2009-07-15 23:00

Hello Danos
As always your note is very informative & makes me learn something new whenever I see one of your wonderful pictures. This is a nicely composed shot with the marble doorway off center with the open air restaurant, tables, chairs and umbrellas in the FG. the ant sized people allow us to understand the size of the doorway. Well done!
Regards
Angshu

foozi (4541) 2009-07-24 1:29

Hi Danos,
excellent sharpness. People could be seen clearly. The lines and colours is so pleasant. Well composed shot with great visula beauty.

regards,
Foozi

plimrn (19514) 2009-07-28 13:26

Kalispera Danos,
I really do like this more distant POV, it includes and interesting waterfront and frames the doorway against the sky. You capture it all with great detail and color. Your note is fascinating as well, the rising sea and the details about construction are all interesting, new information to me.

Thanks for your comments about the Denmark scene, it's one I like a lot.
HLJ, Pat