Walls of 1295, a photo from Beja, South

Photographer's Note

Hello friends, picture one of the entrances of the town of Serpa, many of the streets within the walls are quite narrow and dangerous for drivers with little practice :), the tree in front is olive tree must be very old lady :)

Serpa (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsɛɾpɐ]) is a municipality in Portugal, in Alentejo Region, with a total area of 1104.0 km² and a total population of 16,178 inhabitants. The Guadiana River flows close to the town of Serpa.
The present Mayor is João Manuel Rocha da Silva, elected by the Unitarian Democratic Coalition and the President of the Municipal Assembly is José Jacinto Sargento Valente, also elected by the Unitarian Democratic Coalition.
Serpa is of ancient origins and its establishment probably preceded the coming of the Romans to the area. After the Roman occupation, the neighbouring town of Beja (known as Pax Julia to the Romans) became the Roman capital of Pacensis (southern subdivision of Lusitania province) and Serpa was settled by Roman settlers. The archeological remains of a Roman Villa today lie close to Serpa.
The Moors settled in Serpa after their invasion of the Iberian Peninsula and remained until their defeat at the hands of Portuguese forces fighting their way south during the period of the Reconquista (the Christian re-conquest of Iberia).
As a result of Serpa's proximity to the Spanish border, the town has always been a defensive stronghold and today is still surrounded by thick castle walls. The town castle stands in the middle of town and is partly damaged as a result of the last Spanish invasion.
Owing to its rich past, Serpa offers much in historical interest to visitors, including archeological sites, the town walls, the castle, the aqueduct, the clock tower, the town's museum and numerous interesting old churches.
The area surrounding Serpa consists mostly of wheat farms and wheat has traditionally been the staple of the local economy employing many people. Due to the area's strong agricultural reliance much of the area's people have traditionally been peasants or sheep herders.
After the Portuguese Revolution of 1974 the Portuguese Communist Party gained strong support in the area and its popularity continues to this day.
Today many urban residents of Lisbon, Beja and other cities maintain country homes in Serpa or take weekend breaks to the area as a result of Serpa's rural location and laid back lifestyle.
Serpa is famous for its cheese, a spicy and strong-smelling cheese made in the area and eaten throughout Portugal, although a good one is now hard to find. Other local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries. Slightly to the northeast, Pias 38°1′16″N 7°28′39″W is known for its wine.
The municipal holiday is Holy Tuesday.

http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpa

Nikon D40X
2012/07/13 14:00:49.7
Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Image Size: Large (3872 x 2592)
Color
Lens: 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 G
Focal Length: 10mm
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Spot
1/125 sec - F/9
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Optimize Image: Custom
White Balance: Preset
AF Mode: AF-S
Color Mode: Mode IIIa (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: More Contrast
Hue Adjustment: +3°
Saturation: Enhanced
Sharpening: Medium high
Long Exposure NR: Off
VR Control: Off
High ISO NR: Off

Reserved copyrights: The present photograph is intellectual workmanship protected by law 9610/98 being forbidden to the reproduction for any way without the previous authorization in writing it author. Please contact Gonçalo Lopes

serp2000, ikeharel, pajaran, bukitgolfb301, bukitgolfb301, siamesa, pierrefonds, Sonata11, janraiski, Budapestman, annjackman, shevchenko, Hansaphotos, papagolf21, abmdsudi, adores, josepmarin, kato, kato, Didi, Cricri, Angshu, fritzi007, ahutchin ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

rbellemare (2109) 2012-07-20 10:38

Hi Goncalo,

What a great picture. The sharpness of this picture is perfect. The building is quite beautiful. The colours are part of the success of this picture. The perfect blue sky competes with green grass.

Very nice work.

Réjean

serp2000 (47063) 2012-07-20 10:43

What can Serp2000 say about photo from Serpa?
Excellent postcard! Very interesting and informative note and fine illustration. TFS!
My congratulations, Goncalo!
Serghei

Vato_Law (12732) 2012-07-20 11:15

Olá Gonçalo,

bonita foto com esta lateral da fortificação de Serpa. Gosto especialmente da presença das 2 torres com as suas formas arredondadas.
A luz e cor estão bem bonitas e criam belos contrastes.

É uma pena que não se dedique mais atenção a estes vestígios arquitectónicos que fazem parte da nossa história e cultura.

Abraço.
Paulo

pajaran (117077) 2012-07-20 12:28

Dobro vece.
Vrlo interesantan i dobar tekst o gradu, sa datim podacima ...
Lep pogled na zelenu travu i stare zidine.
Dobra ostrina snimka, kontrast i perspektiva, lepe boje.
Dobar rad i kompozicija, moje cestitke na dobrom prikazu.
Dobar tekst sa datim podacima o upotrebljenoj tehnici i elementima snimka.
Prijatno vece i sve najbolje za vikend.
Srecno.
Paja.

Boa noite.
Artigo muito interessante e bom sobre a cidade, com os dados fornecidos ...
Bela vista da grama verde e as paredes antigas.
Boa imagem de contraste, nitidez e perspectiva, belas cores.
Bom trabalho e composição, os meus parabéns em uma boa exibição.
Bom texto com os dados fornecidos para a técnica utilizada e os elementos da imagem.
Noite agradável e tudo de melhor para o fim de semana.
Boa sorte.
Paja.

dta (98848) 2012-07-20 12:46

Ola Goncalo ,
A very well chosen angle of view ,and an excellent framing . Effective contrast green grass-bleu sky-stoned walls .
Regards

marcan44 (6315) 2012-07-20 13:06

Ciao Goncalo,
stupefacente nitidezza dei dettagli con un cielo cobalto splendido per sfondo.
Eccellente la costruzione in verticale dell'immagine.
Veramente un magnifico lavoro.
Buona serata
Mario

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2012-07-20 13:26

Hi dear Goncalo

Sorry for my late reaction, as I was out of Tokyo for another festival shoting.
Yes this is greatly wonderful shot via panfocus appraoch to makes so clear and sharp description as always. The best contast of the yellow-green graces and blue sky and the combination with historical architectures are so marvelous indeed. Best balanced framework shot! Thanks for your good work and have a good weekend!
Best reagrds,

Takero from Tokyo, why rain again here?

Gigidusud (21679) 2012-07-20 13:37

Hola Goncalo
Beautiful architectural composition with nice colors and splendid light.Excellent POV and framing.I like it!
Thanks for sharing.
Ghislaine

mauro61 (53429) 2012-07-20 14:15

ciao Goncalo,
mi piace il taglio verticale e l'inquadratura scelta per il soggetto.
Belli i colori dalla grande e perfetta vividezza,
saluti
maurizio

siamesa (28231) 2012-07-20 14:32

Boa noite Gonçalo

Incrivelmente bela.As muralhas imponentes e esse verde cheio de luz enche os olhos de beleza. Parabéns.
Abraços
Maria

pierrefonds (115572) 2012-07-20 16:08

Hi Goncalo,

The length of the wall is giving depth to the composition. The point of view is showing the details and colors of the architecture of the wall and of the towers. The afternoon light is bringing out the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

emka (158860) 2012-07-20 23:43

Hola Goncalo, I have never heard of serpa and it seems a very interesting place. fantastic old wall, superb presentation. Perfect colours and sharpness. Masterful composition with diagonal lines.

warm regrads

Malgo

dkmurphys (79209) 2012-07-21 1:39

Ola Goncalo,
Very fine POV to capture those ruins. I like the fresh green and the textures. Well taken.

Daniel

marabu61 (11587) 2012-07-21 3:44

Hi Goncalo
Great composition with nice diagonal lines, warm colors and good sharpness from front to back makes this historical architecture very pleasing to look at.
Daniel

Sergiom (117241) 2012-07-21 5:05

Bonjour Goncalo,

J'aime beaucoup la profondeur que donne la diagonale de la construction dans l'image. On voit nettement la texture de la pierre et le bleu du ciel est impeccable.

Amicalement

Serge

andrzej_nitecki (129) 2012-07-21 6:43

Hello,

I love Portugal and shots from this country. Very nice view. Well done.

BR
Andrzej

jmdias (116511) 2012-07-21 7:03

gonçalo

um adendo curioso aqui são estes arcos, que se me recordo bem são de um aqueduto, infelizmente nunca visitei este local, só conheço por fotos. muito boa a imagem que mostra bem a textura das belas muralhas que se parecem com as de ávila, e a velha oliveira. linda foto.

abraços

jorge

Sonata11 (34119) 2012-07-21 8:23

Hello Concalo,
what a lovely POV and DOF as well. This point of view which let us see the magnificent old architecture. We can admire its beauty. Wonderfully executed photo with fabulous colors, light are wonderfully menage. I really enjoy this pictuture to look at. Perfectly well done. Thanks for sharing.
All the best and have great WE,
Barbara

janraiski (558) 2012-07-21 8:46

Hello Goncalo,

great composition, perfect colors & contrast. I like the old tree, which gives the life to the stone architecture.

Jan

Fis2 (171961) 2012-07-21 9:23

Witaj Goncalo!
Piêkny mur i baszty.
£adny kadr i kolorystyka.
Lubiê takie klimaty.
Pozdrawiam
Krzysztof

Budapestman (82620) 2012-07-21 10:59

Hi Goncalo,
a very spectacular photo of this imposing view, the composition is superb, very nice lights and colours. Great shot, Tfs! Have a nice weekend! Kellemes hétvégét kívánok!
György

macjake (98544) 2012-07-21 21:30

Hi Goncalo
its great that you mentioned the olive tree in your note, now for some reason it really stands out among the other subjects.
fine vivid colors, bright warm light and an ancient and historic subject make for a memorable photo.
I like it, especially with the tree.
cheers
craig

annjackman (23019) 2012-07-21 21:49

Hello Goncalo,
I like the clean lines and perspective that you show. Lovely detail can be seen on the old walls. A lovely uncluttered image that has been very well taken.
Kind Regards, Ann

Royaldevon (86480) 2012-07-22 2:08

Good Morning Goncalo,

Those Romans were a force to be reckoned with! They got everywhere! We often say in our country pre or post Roman occupation!
You have chosen a fine viewpoint, using the converging lines of the walls to draw the viewers towards the focal towers and the ancient olive tree.

Just look at that wonderful sky and light!
We have had little other than cloud and rain for the most part of our summer. It must change soon!!!

Have a lovely Sunday,
Bev :-)

ikeharel (114629) 2012-07-22 2:10

Impressive side view on the ancient walls, Goncalo.
The archs and round big turrets are most magnificent.
Excelent light, contrast and clearity managed.
Bom Domingo,
Ike

timecapturer (49288) 2012-07-22 2:52

Hi Goncalo
a shot full of wonderful lines and colours that just all come together so harmoniously. Great use of the diagonal which makes this composition work so gracefully. Bravo!

Enjoy your Sunday - regards Brian.

plimrn (21344) 2012-07-22 5:49

Ola Goncalo,
I see your family and your photographic skills are growing together. You capture splendid detail here and the framing is very effective with repeating geometry of diagonals and curves popping out of the contrasting blues and greens. The note is very informative, I particularly like your comments about food specaities of the area.
SAA, Pat

jemaflor (148260) 2012-07-22 9:30

Hi Goncalo,
Well composed with the tower on a facal point of the picture, perfect management for colors and light, tfs.

gunbud (34066) 2012-07-22 17:41

Ola, Goncalo,
The very green foreground gass contrast beautifully with the vivd blue sky which makes the ideal backdrop for this richly texture old castle walls to stand out against.
Regards, Tom

shevchenko (20560) 2012-07-22 19:55

Hi Goncalo,
Good vertical format to frame the old wall and old tree, clear to show the protection wall that built by stones, nice design that completed with towers and arches, tidy shot, distinct photo, good shoot.
Ally

Hansaphotos (11381) 2012-07-23 0:40

Hello Goncalo

A very good shot of these ancient walls. A nice composition in this vertical format where the green lawn in the fg creates a nice contrast. Splendid details too. Very well done:) TFS. Have a nice week.

Best regards, Erling

jimkil (1706) 2012-07-23 2:28

Ola Goncalo
Fine fresh colours with Blue and green, the angle looks well composed with fine details and exposures. the tree is nicely tucked into the image and does hinder the overall impression.
Regards
Jim

papagolf21 (152607) 2012-07-23 2:49

Bonjour, cher Goncalo,
Ce mur d'enceinte monumental est impressionnant. Les tours rondes crénelées ressortent magnifiquement sur ce ciel d'un bleu très pur.
Très bonne mise en image.
Amitiés.
Philippe

abmdsudi (95869) 2012-07-23 7:36

Hi Goncalo
I like the layout taken from good viewpoint with lovely diagonal touch leads to the significant bold structures. Finely detail with some nice fresh looking colors and shaded by beatiful clean blue sky. The textures of the rustic stoneworks make the shot for me. Great works and fine write up, Congrats.
Best regards

eldancer1 (36343) 2012-07-23 9:37

Very nice capture of this old ruin and thanks for the wonderful information. Good dof with details and good textures. Great lighting and wonderful colors. Well done, tfs.

cornejo (61504) 2012-07-23 10:42

Oi Gonçalo, excelente fotografia deste muro interessante, com a vegetação eo céu azul claro faz uma bela composição. Boa imagem muito clara e muito bem feito, muito bom e bom trabalho meu amigo, parabéns.
Boa tarde e começo feliz para a semana.
Com os melhores cumprimentos e melhores votos.
Angel.

adores (46979) 2012-07-23 18:12

Olá Gonçalo!
Boa foto das muralhas de Serpa, com uma das oliveiras centenárias. Gosto da perspectiva, das cores e da nitidez!

Silvio1953 (222959) 2012-07-24 1:11

Ciao Goncalo, great perspective on lovely architecture, excellent clarity, splendid light and colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

danyy (0) 2012-07-24 5:47

Ola Goncalo,
incontestablement le matériel est d'une grande qualité, l'utilisateur chevronné et la maîtrise des outils graphiques acquise. Cela donne une photo vraiment soignée et très agréable à regarder malgré sa simplicité.
Mes amitiés.
Daniel.

Robert1969 (7160) 2012-07-24 8:19

Ciao Goncalo,

Leuk om de meningen van de anderen te lezen.
Deze foto kan zowel zo in deze kleuren, het
kan ook in sepia en ook in zwart-wit.
Heel prachtig vind ik de belichting en de
gekozen standpunt en verdeling: alles
komt fris, helder, rustig over en de foto
heeft een mooie diepte (dankzij de diagonale
lijnenspellen).

Vriendelijke groeten,
Robert

josepmarin (59385) 2012-07-25 5:33

Olá, amigo Gonçalo,
elegante fuga de líneas en diagonal hacia la izquierda del encuadre, que potencian el bonito grafismo de las murallas y las torres medievales.
El tono dorado de sus piedras tiene un agradable contraste con el verde de la hierba y el azul del cielo, y da una alta calidad cromática a tu nítida foto.
Es un bello trabajo.
Um abraço,
Pili e Josep

kato (11630) 2012-07-25 6:23

Hello Goncalo,

You're capturing well this place by a good composition and excellent tone/clarity, so it's interesting and impressive to see the medieval wall with an interesting shape and olive tree. It seems to so strong wall. The entire colors are balanced well.
Have a nice week.

Kind regards,
mikio

Didi (61589) 2012-07-25 9:25

Olà Goncalo
Interessant perspective; good sharp picture
I don' know if it was possible to have an horizontal frame for giving more field.
Best regards

Cricri (176) 2012-07-25 11:30

Hola Goncalo
Vraiment une très belle réalisation, bon POV, composition et contraste magnifique des couleurs, très jolie et note intéressante
Belle soirée
cricri

Angshu (56760) 2012-07-26 5:33

Ola Goncalo
The diagonal enhances the depth! The colours are lovely & the contrast is beautiful. The texture of the walls have come out well. Nice work!
Um Abraco
Angshu

kiks (12805) 2012-08-17 4:06

This is a place that i still want to visit at Portugal. Lovely composition with the green/yellow gras at the fg contrating well with the old intersting walls.
Best regards
KIKs

No_One (4) 2012-08-18 9:50

Hi Goncalo
I love these medieval castles, as the history is so rich. This looks to bea beautifully maintained. The tree is in the centre of the fram is fascinating, and makes for me a wonderful focal point, while surrounded by lush greens, blues and that orange brick work. Wonderful shot.
Best wishes
Noel

fritzi007 (14698) 2012-09-18 11:45

Hallo Goncalo,
Perfektes Foto und interessanter Kommentar, gratuliere mein Freund!
Viele Grüße
Wolfgang

ahutchin (9) 2013-04-20 21:09

Caro Gonçalo,
Os amigos do TREKEARTH já disseram tudo. Mas desejo apontar o valor histórico e documental, o qual me leva a fazer um pedido:
Sou Directora de um projecto de pesquisa cujo objectivo é a primeira tradução integral das crónicas de Fernão Lopes para inglês. O projecto conta com a colaboração de colegas de várias universidades e outras instituições em Portugal, Inglaterra, Canadá e Estados Unidos. Também tem um website complementar no qual tentamos providenciar imagens de todos os locais e castelos mencinados pelo cronista. Agradecia que nos desse autorização de usar a sua fotografia do castelo de Serpa no website do projecto. Por favor, responda para [email protected] para lhe dar informações mais detalhadas e responder a quaisquer perguntas que tenha. Agradecendo desde já a atenção,
Amélia Hutchinson