deviantART: Popular Door Photography in the last 3 days

By the Door

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:08:14 PDT

HAHAHAHAHA.... (whats so funny?)

Back Door Girl

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:47:00 PDT

Another from the shoot: [link]

Obidos Old Door

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:13:19 PDT

Obidos - Portugal

- MY IMAGES MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT MY WRITTEN PERMISSION -

Histórica Vila Portuguesa, sede de concelho, Óbidos é como que um museu aberto, onde estão escritas páginas de história e se respira um ambiente medieval que faz pensar estar-se em tempos antigos.
Conquistada aos Mouros pelas tropas do primeiro Rei Português, D. Afonso Henriques, em 1148, foi doada em 1210 por D. Afonso II à Rainha D. Urraca, e posteriormente doada à Rainha Santa Isabel pelo seu marido, Rei D. Dinis, em 1281. Óbidos foi, até 1883, uma terra de rainhas, e talvez por isso tenha mantido o seu ambiente romântico e pitoresco tão bem preservado ao longo dos séculos.
As suas ruas estreitas, calcetadas, de casario branco com faixas coloridas e flores espalhadas por toda a terra, nomeadamente na fachada das casas, muros e portões, faz de Óbidos uma das mais alegres vilas do País.

This historical Portuguese village is like an open museum, where pages of history are and were written and a medieval environment always makes you feel like time has stopped.
Óbidos was captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148. In 1210 the kind Afonso the 2nd donated it to his wife, Queen D. Urraca and in 1281 it was also donated by king D.Dinis to his future wife: the Queen Santa Isabel. From then until 1883, the town of Óbidos and the surrounding land was always the property of the queens of Portugal, and maybe that is the reason why the town has maintained such a lovely, romantic and picturesque aspect all over the centuries.
Its narrow ancient streets, with white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle, small traditional shops and a relaxing environment, make of Óbidos one of the most lovely places in Portugal.
From the top of the Castle, one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in the country, a beautiful panorama over the surroundings areas, blessed by nature, is provided. This Castle also accommodates nowadays one of the finest and prestige hotels in Portugal.
in english [link]

MY BEDROOM DOOR

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:10:48 PDT

OH MY GOD. I CAME HOME THIS WEEKEND AND SAW THIS. I LOVE MY FAMILY. LOVELOVELOVELOVE

Nude at the Door

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:43:22 PDT

male nude at door

Tenby Door

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:34:52 PDT

We loved this door on a Grade II listed building in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Glass Door

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:27:14 PDT

Photo taken on the weekend of May 12th 2013

Cat in the Door.

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:35:20 PDT

See he is right there! I don't even know just felt like I should post something .n.

door frame

Sat, 18 May 2013 01:07:03 PDT

Red

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:22 PDT

Door in SC

Meeting In Doorways

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:40:35 PDT

Lynda posing at the living room door of our friends lovely home [link] in Scotland.

Lynda chose this version

The cat next door

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:23:59 PDT

Oh my gosh, it was so awkward taking this picture cuz it's my neighbor's cat and they were staring at me the whole time...
This cat is so frickin cute! Besides it's like best friends with my cat, and they just look perfect together! I have to take a photo of both of them sometime<3

The door to the Universe

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:35:09 PDT

Beautiful sky

In This River

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:24:44 PDT

Photo by Me *CrowsReign
Special thanx to ~BoozedArioch
Location Voidomatis River, Vikos Gorge [link]
Title by Black Label Society [link]

Defenetely one of my fav songs!!i could never listen to it without tears to come in my eyes....
Because we've all lost someone or something from our lives....

"I've been around this world
Yet I see no end
All shall fade to black again and again
This storm that's broken me
My only friend

In this river all shall fade to black
In this river ain't no coming back
In this river all shall fade to black
Ain't no coming back

Withdrawn I step away
Just to find myself
The door is closed again
The only one left
This storm that's broken me
My only friend"

Mini quiz....How many of you know for whom is this song written????

Windows and doors

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:07:27 PDT

Well, the windows were great... so here's more....

Sheer Thursday

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:53:52 PDT

Nothing to wear? Why not drape yourself in sheer fabric? Just unfold, wrap, tuck, drape, knot/anchor/secure private bits close to body and wa la! You're ready to head out the door.

Model: Kim Jonet
Photographer: Robert Katsel
Edited by: Kim Jonet with special thanks to Tom for crop and magical Photoshop tweak.

Colony

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:54:16 PDT

Motukiekie Beach
New Zealand

A brief FAQ:
1) Where is this ? West coast of new zealand a few miles north of Rapahoe
2) How do you get down to this beach? Just past the 10 mile creek bend heading north, there's a small pullout with a fisheries sign. A short steep path gives access to the southern end of the beach
3) Is the beach always like this ? Nope - it is very tide dependent and views like this are only possible at the nadir of low tide - and try to make sure it's a very low tide!
4) Will I get wet? Yes! despite low tide, waves will still come at you over this shelf submerging it entirely and jumping off means you will be even deeper.
5) Was it worth it? YES!
6) Are there nudists in the area? ummm yea, on our first visit we were leaving after dark with our 2 year old on my back. Instead of clambering up, we knocked on the door of someone's house to ask if we could walk through their nicely stepped backyard. We were greeted with a friendly but bottoms down nude guy ushering us through......

A video of Charlotte's wanderings in New Zealand can be found here :
Charlotte walks New Zealand and Sydney

[Flickr] [Facebook] [Web Gallery] [500px]

Sweet Killer

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:57:52 PDT

Model: Céline [link]

Glass texture by

If you like my work, you can see more by following me on:

Facebook
Flickr
500px

Thank you very much for your support !

Vintage Vanilla

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:19:46 PDT

Model - Aleksandra Klačar // Styling/design - Arnel Vucic // Make-up & Hair - Sanjin Egon // Photo/retouch - Nađa Berberović

Open the Door

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:09:17 PDT

But I turned the wrong key
Now I open the door
The one that I've gone through many times before

Turn the Wrong Key by The Hellacopters

By the Wooden Door

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:07:33 PDT

the door is open

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:53:14 PDT

close the door

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:34:50 PDT

Or that... Can be arranged.

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:20:11 PDT

Chloe Frazer from Uncharted 2. ~♥

"Nathan Drake: Sully, kick her out and shut the door. We're safer in here. "

Facebook

Background by:

Baby Blackbird

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:19:19 PDT

Blackbird nest in a Holly bush next to the front door of my parents house

The wish to be free

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:08:51 PDT

He wants to be an out door kitty so bad. But nope. Mommy loves him too much. Please he has a stomach allergy. If he ate a bird he'll probably die from it. I still let him out though. He's pretty good on a leash believe it or not.

Quinta do Pasmar

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:15:10 PDT

Castelo de Vide - Distrito: Portalegre - ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL

- MY IMAGES MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT MY WRITTEN PERMISSION -

Castelo de Vide - History
The Romans first settled here in 44 BC being an important point in the road from Merida in Spain across to the west coast. The Vandals conquered and destroyed the town in the 4th Century. It was later rebuilt by the Moors in the 7th Century until 1148 when it was taken by forces led by Gonçalo Mousinho who then became its governor. The town's first Royal Charter was issued in 1180 and unlike other places it was required to organize its own defences and in return the young men of the town were not by law automatically obliged to be soldiers. It is unknown when Vide as it was originally known was first fortified. On the orders of Dom Dinis the castle was rebuilt in 1310 and its name was prefixed by the word Castelo. When Afonso IV ascended to the throne he gave the town to his younger brother. This same brother later laid claim to the throne and an imminent battle for the castle was only avoided by the clever intervention of the ambassadors sent by the future to be Queen of Portugal, Dona Isabel de Aragon. Its protection and close border location was to attract many Jews from Spain during 1492 that escaped from the severe persecution handed out by the Catholic Church. In 1704 the Spanish attempted unsuccessfully to capture the castle but later fell to the attack of the Duke of Berwick who threatened to put all in the town to the sword. The defending Portuguese then placed all their gunpowder for protection in a well but a year later an explosion of this powder destroyed a great part of its fortifications. When they proceeded to rebuilt and extend the walls they included the houses that had grown up around the castle in the outer walls.

Castelo de Vide - Description
It is a most attractive small Spa Town with lots of fascinating architectural character. Sitting on the northern edge of the Serra de São Mamede it is a popular place for passing tourists due to its natural welcoming charm and the claimed healing powers of its Spa waters. Within the castle walls there stands the 17th Century Capela de Nossa Senhora da Alegria that also contains attractive tiles of the same period. The old part of Castelo de Vide has lots of character with small typical houses of the region lining the steep very narrow cobbled streets. This is the Judiaria Quarter and on the corner of one of these streets there still stands a 13th Century synagogue. Many of these modest homes together with the grander houses have door and window surrounds artistically worked in the local granite. The church of Salvador do Mundo is also from the 13th Century but it underwent some interior changes in the 18th Century amongst which is the addition of some attractive tiles.

Castelo de Vide - Nearby Locations
To the northwest is the town of Nisa that acts as a contrast to Castelo de Vide as the streets are in comparison open and un-crowded by the local buildings. The Templars constructed this present version of the town as its original site that was destroyed by invading vandals whom invaded Portugal from the north.

To the south is the town of Marvão, another very attractive fortified location that is perched on a spectacular ridge some 862 mts. above sea level. This strategic factor influenced the Romans to fortify the location in the 1st Century. Its present name probably originates from its ruler, Ibn Maruán in the 10th Century. The castle was originally built round 1299 and crowns the enclosed hamlet that has panoramic views to the south and east across towards Spain. Due to its high position and well built fortifications the castle was only once conquered which was in the Civil War of 1833 when the Liberals achieved access by a secret entrance. In the 15th Century Chapel is a Visigoth statue that was surprisingly discovered after being hidden for 300 years during the town occupation by the Moors. A dramatic yet harsh location that often features in Portuguese poetry and sonnets. Surprisingly, close by in this hidden corner of Portugal there is an enjoyable 18-hole golf course and bordering it is a signs of a Roman ruins from 45AD.

Slightly further to the south is the commercial town of Portalegre that grew to prominence in the 16th and 17th Centuries. To the southwest the small town of Crato belies its historic past. In the 13th Century this town was given to the powerful Order of Hospitaliers who originally assisted in the fight against the Moors in the reign of Dom Sancho II. The town was to become their headquarters when in 1356 Dom Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira ordered the building of the nearby Monastery of Santa Maria da Flor da Rosa. It later was to enjoy the patronage of both Dom Manuel I and Dom João III. The order was located in the Monastery that in the reign of Dom Luís in 1527 was replaced by the Order of Malta. The structure was virtually destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 but was partially rebuilt by the order of the Marquês de Pombal and now it has been converted into an attractive Pousada. The Spanish in 1662 sacked and destroyed the fortifications of Crato and its importance was to diminish thereafter.

To the northeast of Castelo de Videis the Spa Fadagosa. Also, close to the town are a number of Antas (Dolmans) from the Megalithic times and the Menhir de Meada is claimed to be the largest one in the Iberian Peninsular. [link]

The cat next door #2

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:48:16 PDT

Omg it's just so damn cute<3

Narrow Door

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:32:52 PDT

Red Door

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:35:20 PDT

Behind Closed Doors

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:01:29 PDT

door

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:53:00 PDT

dry eyes

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:31:31 PDT

Eden

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:39:04 PDT

Keep Your Head High

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:49:35 PDT

Did you already recognize how I love this tom?
He's adorable... I feel totally addicted to him since I started feeding the wildcats. I kinda tamed him; when I started feeding his family and him, I couldn't even open the door without him running away into the next garden or bush. And now, a few months later, he sometimes touches my hand and starts 'testing' what I actually am. I think he's quite confuzzled about meeting a human who's giving him food and tries to play with him.

Doctor Who Collection 5/16/13

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:13:44 PDT

This is all the stuff I have so far (more in the mail that hasn't arrived yet, and also a lot that's pre-ordered and doesn't come out until November). So far I have:

(PICTURED)

3 24x36in posters, 2 full size door posters, a few variously sized prints I've purchased, Doctor Who complete series 1-6, Torchwood Seasons 1-3, Doctor Who Series 7 collection of 6 buttons, a TARDIS pillow, two TARDIS tanks from Hot Topic, TARDIS blue shorts from Hot Topic, a few of my OWN drawing of Doctor Who, the Doctor Who Encyclopedia, the Doctor Who Doctionary, Doctor Who Adventures in Time and Space Roleplaying Game, the TARDIS Handbook, 3 Doctor Who Adventure Books (The Dalek Generation, Plague of the Cybermen, Shroud of Sorrow), a TARDIS christmas stocking, 3 official art cards (framed), a marker board drawing I did with a few small custom made prints, A TARDIS blue heart necklace, 11th Doctor's sonic screwdriver, a poster from Barnes and Noble advertisement standee, ETC. ETC.

(NOT PICTURED - due to amazon/itunes digital copies or dirty laundry)

ALL of my Doctor Who E-Books (Seriously. I'm missing like, 6 ebooks.) from the 1st Doctor through the 11th Doctor (I'm now buying the hardcovers, even though I've bought and read all the ebook versions), two more Doctor Who shirts (one blue tee with the TARDIS on it - and a green tee that reads [] single, []taken, []waiting for a mad man with a box), DOZENS of audio books DOZENS, aaannddd last but not least DOZENS of all the comic strip magazines.

I feel i'm forgetting things... but i'm having a hard time sorting through all my doctor who stuff... to remember what it is i'm forgetting....

BOW BEFORE ME HUMANS!! FOR I AM ON MY WAY TO BEING THE ULTIMATE DOCTOR WHO COLLECTOR!! (or... at least... I'm trying. I'm a pretty shit Whovian. I look at a lot of the stuff and think 'that is the stupidest thing i've ever seen' or, more frequently 'what the hell is the point of that? Hrm, I can spend all my money on this worthless [insert DW whatever] ORR I can buy three doctor who shirts for the same price. Oh, gee. what will I choose?'

Cozy cozy

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:44:02 PDT

I was dealing with my own business and I figured the house was unusually quiet. So I searched for my pets and... They requisitioned my bed for an important meeting.

That's what happen every times I leave my door opened.

Chicopee Memorial State Park

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:29:53 PDT

I was the Photographer for the SJB "We Are ALL Family 5K Walk/ Run Race" and before the race I took some photos. Hope to go back and get more shots. the place was gorgeous

Castelo de Vide II

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:56:02 PDT

Castelo de Vide - Dist. Portalegre - Alto ALENETJO / Portugal

- MY IMAGES MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT MY WRITTEN PERMISSION -

Castelo de Vidde em posição dominante no alto de uma colina a norte da serra de São Mamede, revestia-se de importância estratégica devido à sua proximidade com a fronteira.

O carácter romântico da vila de Castelo de Vide, associado aos seus jardins, clima ameno e proximidade da serra de São Mamede, tornou-a conhecida por "Sintra do Alentejo".

Historia
Perde-se nas brumas do tempo e das lendas a razão pela qual foi criada uma praça-forte neste local. Esta dúvida que só a arqueologia poderá esclarecer com segurança, estaria possivelmente relacionada com a morfologia dos solos que juntamente com factores de estratégia de ordem territorial, uma vez que era necessário consolidar as recém conquistadas terras, levaram a que se fixasse um espaço defensivo e criar condições para possivelmente existentes e novas populações.

Sabe-se por Rui de Pina que em 1299 Castelo de Vide era ainda "lugar etã maís chão q forte" ainda que desde essa data seja apelidado de "Castel da Vide" e que Afonso Sanches, filho de D. Afonso III, iniciou obras de reconstrução das muralhas que foram continuadas pelo seu irmão, D. Dinis , ficando finalmente concluídas no reinado de D. Afonso IV.

Estes melhoramentos dotavam esta praça de melhores condições defensivas alargando a cintura de muralhas, abrangendo o poço inicialmente de fora protegendo a sua entrada que era feita pelo interior do burgo. Uma linha de novas muralhas englobou a cidadela e o aglomerado populacional que já se havia estabelecido fora dela. Foi construída uma importante torre de menagem, periférica e saliente relativamente aos muros, para melhor defender o lado Sul, de mais fácil acesso e ataque. Todos estes reforços no sistema defensivo são indicativos da crescente importância que Castelo de Vide representava em termos estratégicos, tendo o s seus muros experimentado as máquinas de guerra e os assédios durante os conflitos com Castela, em que o nosso país foi fértil durante a Idade Média, como na manutenção municipalidade, adquirida em 1276 quando Castelo de Vide se libertou do termo de Marvão para formar o seu próprio concelho.

Lentamente ocorre a expansão urbana fora das muralhas do castelo, ainda durante o século XIV. As condições da encosta Sul, com boa exposição solar e um declive mais suave, em detrimento das vertentes Norte e Oeste, mais escarpadas e ventosas, determinaram a expansão deste arrabalde. A fundação de várias igrejas e ermidas extramuros estabeleceram com o castelo eixos preferenciais de estruturação da paisagem. Assim aconteceu com o eixo de comunicação que desde a entrada do castelo procurou encosta abaixo a ermida de Santa Maria, fundada em 1311 no local da actual Matriz. Este eixo foi certamente uma das mais antigas vias de expansão, estabelecendo ainda a separação entre as duas vertentes da encosta e também entre o outro arrabalde onde a nascente, a fonte de água, já utilizada pelos habitantes do burgo em tempo de paz, determinou a expansão urbana para esta vertente, compensando assim, os declives mais acentuados e a exposição solar menos privilegiada. Não se sabe ao certo se um dos arrabaldes terá surgido primeiro que o outro, mas o mais provável será terem-se desenvolvido na mesma época vindo este a ser paulatinamente utilizado pelos judeus que de Castela e Aragão procuravam refúgio após a sua expulsão do reino vizinho. Muitos se terão estabelecido em Castelo de Vide por estar próxima da fronteira e da portagem de Marvão, fazendo aumentar a comunidade judaica aqui existente e certamente contribuindo para o desenvolvimento que iria caracterizar a Vila.

É possível ter uma ideia, ainda que um pouco falível, do desenvolvimento urbano que a vila apresentava até ao século XVI pelos desenhos de Duarte d' Armas, as mais antigas representações que se conhecem da vila, onde se pode verificar que no primeiro quartel do século XVI, ambas as vertentes da encosta se encontravam construídas.

A população dedicava-se à agricultura, cultivando a vinha, o linho, a oliveira, frutas e cereais e também à criação de gado. Também a indústria da moagem aqui se desenvolveu, com várias azenhas a funcionar ao longo das ribeiras de Vide e de Nisa, assim como a indústria da fiação de lã, tendo como suporte os gados que eram criados no termo da Vila. A partir dos finais do século XV, princípios do XVI, a fiação da lã adquiriu uma tal importância, que já anteriormente a D. João III (1521-1557), era um dos principais mesteres de Castelo de Vide e os seus habitantes passaram a ser apelidados de "Cardadores," Os 885 vizinhos que possuía em 1527 subiram para 1400 em 1572, e para 1600 em 1603. Na base deste surto populacional esteve o incremento da produção agrícola, da tecelagem e do comércio com Espanha.

O foral novo (D. Manuel, 1512) determina as normas sob as quais a vila deveria ser administrada. Não apenas novas leis são estabelecidas como também a administração dos espaços públicos e a organização dos respectivos limites. É neste momento que a instalação do mercado na grande praça (Rossio) foi regulamentada. Esta área, uma vez integrada no tecido urbano, cedo adquiriu o estatuto da praça principal que manteve até aos nossos dias, determinando as referências para o desenvolvimento dos novos bairros.

O sistema de ruas paralelas que cresceram na encosta de São Roque a partir dos finais do século XVI, prova com clara evidência esta relação com o "Rossio" e os sinais de um esquema preconcebido.

Apesar dos frequentes conflitos com Espanha, nos princípios do século XVI, a vila não viu as suas fortificações serem ampliadas. A fortaleza medieval assegurou até bastante tarde a protecção e a defesa do território adjacente.

Contudo, o conflito que se seguiu aos 80 anos de domínio espanhol (de 1580 a 1640) trouxe de novo a necessidade de novas muralhas. Os trabalhos da fortificação de Castelo de Vide fizeram parte de uma campanha global de visava a renovação da totalidade da linha de fronteira.

A guerra com Espanha durante 28 anos (de 1640 a 1668), foi tempo suficiente para a organização de uma operação efectiva conjunta do governo, do exército e com o precioso conhecimento de diversos engenheiros militares que introduziram as inovações da arte de fortificar francesa e inglesa.

1641 foi o ano do início de uma longa campanha de trabalhos em Castelo de Vide, no entanto, só após uma década decorrida a linha fortificada por bastiões começou a ter forma, repondo uma frágil barreira de paliçadas que, em muitos pontos, constituía a única forma de defesa.

A realização destes trabalhos, nos princípios do século XVIII, teve como consequência, a partir de então, uma forte restrição da expansão urbana da vila. O tecido urbano foi crescendo gradualmente preenchendo o centro com casas senhoriais que foram construídas pela aristocracia e nobreza.

Além da longa linha de muralhas abaluartadas, os trabalhos incluíram o envolvimento da antiga fortaleza medieval com uma linha de baluartes e revelins, a construção de uma outra fortaleza (1705) na colina de São Roque e a adaptação da antiga cidadela às exigências da artilharia e aos novos sistemas defensivos.

De 1704 a 1708 outro conflito com Espanha infringiu diversas destruições na região. Em Castelo de Vide a fortificação serviu novamente os seus desígnios, no entanto, muitas partes ficaram bastante destruídas, em particular a torre de menagem medieval que ficou muito arruinada.

Em 1710, sendo governador da praça militar Manuel de Azevedo Fortes, uma outra linha abaluartada foi terminada com vista à protecção do Convento de São Francisco, de duas igrejas e de um pequeno bairro que ficou exterior aquando da primeira fortificação.

Durante o século XVIII a vila sofreu um desenvolvimento urbanístico lento, com a maior parte das construções a tornarem-se compactas uma vez que, eram constrangidas no interior das muralhas. O número das residências e o conjunto da população atingiu o seu máximo no fim do século (1700 fogos com 7000 habitantes).

Embora não ocorram novas obras de conservação nas muralhas a partir do século XVIII, Castelo de Vide continuou até meados do século XIX com a imagem inalterada, passando por um período de declínio das industrias de tecelagem (em parte devido à criação das manufacturas em Portalegre), com as ocupações militares e consequentes destruições espanholas e francesas e a guerra civil, tendo tido um papel activo na nossa história militar, erguendo-se contra os franceses e participando nas lutas civis que avassalaram Portugal durante o século XIX

Quando, em 1823, a guarnição militar saiu definitivamente de Castelo de Vide, os baluartes e muralhas foram abandonados ou vendidos a proprietários privados.

Em 1836 é suprimido o município de Póvoa e Meadas que passa a estar integrado no de Castelo de Vide.

A situação foi invertida quando alguns factores de progresso produziram novamente um impulso no desenvolvimento, algumas vezes a custo de destruição de elementos com valor como é o caso de em 1852 justificaram, a demolição de um imponente arco romano da Aramenha, o qual tinha sido trazido do concelho vizinho de Marvão e reconstruído para ser a principal entrada forte do séc. XVIII no perímetro fortificado. Algumas obras públicas, que passaram pela construção das novas estradas para Marvão, em 1878, para a estação do caminho de ferro que ligava Lisboa a Madrid e a que fazia a circunvalação à Vila e que passava pela Quinta do Prado onde eram aplicadas novas tecnologias na agricultura e no fabrico de "champanhe" por parte da família Le Coq.

Um novo período de ascensão económica e social começa a perceber-se em meio do século XX, com um aumento do turismo nesta região tendo por base as águas minerais abundantes e diversificadas das várias nascentes que traziam os forasteiros a esta Vila, bem como a posterior engarrafamento e comercialização da água proveniente da Fonte da Mealhada. Pela primeira vez desde o meio do século XVIII cresce o tecido habitacional com a construção de vários bairros extramuros.

O casario branco, as inúmeras fontes, os solares oitocentistas, os portais góticos, as 12 igrejas (das 31 existentes no Concelho), os parques e jardins, os recantos pitorescos de construções de arquitectura modesta mas sóbria, a Judiaria, o Canto da Aldeia... são alguns dos singulares valores que tornaram a Notável Vila de Castelo de Vide conhecida mundialmente, sendo hoje o Turismo o sector principal do seu desenvolvimento social e económico.[link]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Castelo de Vide - History
The Romans first settled here in 44 BC being an important point in the road from Merida in Spain across to the west coast. The Vandals conquered and destroyed the town in the 4th Century. It was later rebuilt by the Moors in the 7th Century until 1148 when it was taken by forces led by Gonçalo Mousinho who then became its governor. The town's first Royal Charter was issued in 1180 and unlike other places it was required to organize its own defences and in return the young men of the town were not by law automatically obliged to be soldiers. It is unknown when Vide as it was originally known was first fortified. On the orders of Dom Dinis the castle was rebuilt in 1310 and its name was prefixed by the word Castelo. When Afonso IV ascended to the throne he gave the town to his younger brother. This same brother later laid claim to the throne and an imminent battle for the castle was only avoided by the clever intervention of the ambassadors sent by the future to be Queen of Portugal, Dona Isabel de Aragon. Its protection and close border location was to attract many Jews from Spain during 1492 that escaped from the severe persecution handed out by the Catholic Church. In 1704 the Spanish attempted unsuccessfully to capture the castle but later fell to the attack of the Duke of Berwick who threatened to put all in the town to the sword. The defending Portuguese then placed all their gunpowder for protection in a well but a year later an explosion of this powder destroyed a great part of its fortifications. When they proceeded to rebuilt and extend the walls they included the houses that had grown up around the castle in the outer walls.

Castelo de Vide - Description
It is a most attractive small Spa Town with lots of fascinating architectural character. Sitting on the northern edge of the Serra de São Mamede it is a popular place for passing tourists due to its natural welcoming charm and the claimed healing powers of its Spa waters. Within the castle walls there stands the 17th Century Capela de Nossa Senhora da Alegria that also contains attractive tiles of the same period. The old part of Castelo de Vide has lots of character with small typical houses of the region lining the steep very narrow cobbled streets. This is the Judiaria Quarter and on the corner of one of these streets there still stands a 13th Century synagogue. Many of these modest homes together with the grander houses have door and window surrounds artistically worked in the local granite. The church of Salvador do Mundo is also from the 13th Century but it underwent some interior changes in the 18th Century amongst which is the addition of some attractive tiles.

Castelo de Vide - Nearby Locations
To the northwest is the town of Nisa that acts as a contrast to Castelo de Vide as the streets are in comparison open and un-crowded by the local buildings. The Templars constructed this present version of the town as its original site that was destroyed by invading vandals whom invaded Portugal from the north.

To the south is the town of Marvão, another very attractive fortified location that is perched on a spectacular ridge some 862 mts. above sea level. This strategic factor influenced the Romans to fortify the location in the 1st Century. Its present name probably originates from its ruler, Ibn Maruán in the 10th Century. The castle was originally built round 1299 and crowns the enclosed hamlet that has panoramic views to the south and east across towards Spain. Due to its high position and well built fortifications the castle was only once conquered which was in the Civil War of 1833 when the Liberals achieved access by a secret entrance. In the 15th Century Chapel is a Visigoth statue that was surprisingly discovered after being hidden for 300 years during the town occupation by the Moors. A dramatic yet harsh location that often features in Portuguese poetry and sonnets. Surprisingly, close by in this hidden corner of Portugal there is an enjoyable 18-hole golf course and bordering it is a signs of a Roman ruins from 45AD.

Slightly further to the south is the commercial town of Portalegre that grew to prominence in the 16th and 17th Centuries. To the southwest the small town of Crato belies its historic past. In the 13th Century this town was given to the powerful Order of Hospitaliers who originally assisted in the fight against the Moors in the reign of Dom Sancho II. The town was to become their headquarters when in 1356 Dom Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira ordered the building of the nearby Monastery of Santa Maria da Flor da Rosa. It later was to enjoy the patronage of both Dom Manuel I and Dom João III. The order was located in the Monastery that in the reign of Dom Luís in 1527 was replaced by the Order of Malta. The structure was virtually destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 but was partially rebuilt by the order of the Marquês de Pombal and now it has been converted into an attractive Pousada. The Spanish in 1662 sacked and destroyed the fortifications of Crato and its importance was to diminish thereafter.

To the northeast of Castelo de Videis the Spa Fadagosa. Also, close to the town are a number of Antas (Dolmans) from the Megalithic times and the Menhir de Meada is claimed to be the largest one in the Iberian Peninsular. [link]

029

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:41:45 PDT

Ghost of Middle Schooler's Past - 2

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:02:28 PDT

the next installment in my ghost series.

Hope you enjoy, comments appreciated!
CurlyQue

Castelo de Vide III

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:48:11 PDT

Lets just open our doors.

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:33:31 PDT

neanderthals are not extinct!

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:50:45 PDT

yup, i got a shot of my neighbor,the one holding the beer with the long hair is the drunk next door! he's the one who callled the cops on me and went on a drunken tirade three years ago and trashed his things with a 2x4, right here he just returned from the supermarket with guess what? MORE BEER! he goes three or four times a day for beer, and i call him the neanderthal because he looks like one, at the supermarket people move out of his way because his appearance scares them!

and he does'nt have gieco insurance either! apparently this caveman could'nt do it!

Dandelion's And Red Gravel

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:39:34 PDT

My 1973 Ford Gran Torino sedan "Sexxy 73," as you can see Herbie is peeking in from the garage. I have been working on these two cars (well, my friends have taken over the Torino on me and left me to work on Herbie myself, no complaints), and Sexxy will be going in for an out of province inspection and will be getting whatever is needed to done by the mechanic. Herbie will be getting some more work done by me hopefully when I actually am able to get the damned parts (stupid cheap parts keep breaking, "it's all the same" says my dad).

More of Sexxy 73: [link]

More of Herbie: [link]

Door to the Sea

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:04:35 PDT

Break the Wall

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:34:40 PDT

Cameron Breaks down a door.
Cameron Philips cosplay.

Out the door

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:38:04 PDT

Model Saige

Watching

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:49:34 PDT

creepy cat

Totally Driving

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:41:42 PDT

Couldn't resist now, could I?

It seems that class 218/225 locomotives have a rather obvious design flaw. The doors can be locked, to keep unauthorized people out. But the windows don't have any sort of locking mechanism, which means that you can just slide them back from outside, unless of course your hands are all greasy and slippery. Once you've done that, some semi-acrobatic moves are required, climbing up the handrails at the front, holding on to the rain gutter, swinging one leg across to the window and somehow making it inside without falling down. Well worth the effort I'd say.

Taken by the same guy:

Funny fact: That leather jacket was once part of my Indiana Soma costume at a dress party. One was supposed to dress up as some legend, and seeing how I could dress up as my own character, I managed to get a neat costume together. Should post some pics of that sometime, complete with whip, revolver and fedora... Anyways, since the jacket was extremely cheap and is already quite worn, I often use it for such tours, since I wouldn't want to ruin my normal clothes when crawling through under parked trains.

Funny fact 2: Held my official presentation about my master thesis today. The presenting part went very well, but the questions I got asked afterwards were often difficult to answer. Oh well, it doesn't get graded, so nothing happened, but it left a bad feeling on my side. Still, this was the last thing I had to do for my degree, so now I'll just have to wait for the thesis to be graded.

Hallway reflections

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:27:55 PDT

Many reflections, several signs, uniform tiles and two doors speak more than words

By the Wooden Door II

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:57:05 PDT

Key of life

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:22:22 PDT

"This is the key of life. It is still unknown as to what this key does. Wheather it opens the door to life, or creates it. We do not know."

Paybacks

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:39:38 PDT

I guess this bee was bugging this Scion XD (yes, it's called an XD look it up) and it just shut the bee in its door to get rid of it for good. I couldn't miss the opportunity to take a picture of it. Never seen something like that before.
A car kills a bee. Lol
I need one of them at my house which has a lot of yellow jackets at it.
~Blazefire

My Camellias

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:38:28 PDT

More pictures of my garden can be seen in my DA "Photography" gallery:

[link]

This is what the camellia bush looks like in spring glory at my front door.

photo (c) John P. Alexander

either way

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:32:23 PDT

(15/05/13)

Intact

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:25:40 PDT

The complete and intact cab of a class 628 DMU, many of which are currently stored in Hamm after being retired. They are of the subtype 628.2, with 628.0 being the prototypes (12 built), 628.1 being what one could call pre-series models (3 built) and finally 628.2, the first serial production models, which were made in the late 1980s (150 built).

There was a pullover draped over the backrest, as if the driver had just walked out. o.o

You can see the two most important controls, one being the power controller sticking out of the dash, the other being the brake valve to our right. Everything is intact and undamaged, the only thing missing being the direction selector lever, which would go just left of the power controller. The driver always removes that when he leaves the cab, so it's a bit like an ignition key of sorts, the train not moving off without it. On the left, you can also see the train radio and the large flatscreen of the EBuLa computer, which is used to display the timetable. All the other stuff is pretty much self explanatory, such as the clock, the speedo and the brake line/reservoir tank air pressure gauge.

Just left of the brake valve, we can also see the door control switch, allowing the driver to select on which side the doors will open. Looking down at the floor, you can see the small pedal that operates the horn, as well as the dead man's switch in the shape of a large pedal that you have to keep depressed while driving. When the white SiFa indicator light goes on, visible below and right of the clock, you have to lift your foot off for a moment and then depress it again. If you fail to do so, a horn will sound a few seconds after the light comes on. And if you still don't react, a valve pops open and drops your brake line pressure to zero, fully applying the brakes, as well as disconnecting the transmission and sending the prime mover to idle. The driver can also initiate a rapid emergency braking by turning the brake valve past its fully applied position. In addition to cutting traction power and fully applying the brakes, this also deploys the magnetic rail brakes for maximum stopping power.

More pics of class 628s, so you know what they look like from outside:

Personally, I never really liked these. I didn't hate them, but they were just really boring trains. Technically, they are very robust and reliable, economical to run, with very few technical problems being known, though they're also a bit underpowered. Self-leveling air suspension makes for a smooth ride, the interior is quite pleasant, especially on modernized ones, the seats are comfortable, with only the area directly above the prime mover being a bit noisy. Other than that, they do exactly what they were made for, though they do lack modern day features such as air conditioning or low floor entrances for wheelchairs.

Little Red 2

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:40:05 PDT

Back to vintage

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:44:03 PDT

...