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Badajoz - The Arab Castle


Badajoz - The Arab Castle
Photo Information
Copyright: Aires dos Santos (AiresSantos) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3849 W: 159 N: 6463] (22815)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-10-07
Camera: Benq DC C1000
Exposure: f/2.9, 1/955 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-03-06 23:09
Viewed: 1027
Points: 110
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Dear TE friend

I don't have time to update my new pictures and i decided to publish this one from Spain, taken with my old camera

I hope you like it !

Arab castle
The impressive military complex
It still retains remains from the Roman, Visigoth and Arabian eras in its interior. It was built by Abd-al-Rahman II as protection against foreign attacks and internal revolts.
The square based fortress is made up of granite stone ashlars and walls with square redoubts. It was given to the Order of Santiago after the Reconquest, and towers and other Medieval buildings were subsequently added thereby creating a convent and residency. The Roman underground reservoir still remains, with its barrel arch, lying next to the river, constantly filtering the water.

*****
Badajoz (formerly written Badajos in English), the capital of the Spanish province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura, is situated close to the Portuguese border, on the left bank of the river Guadiana, and the Madrid-Lisbon railway. The population in 1990 was 126,781; in 2002 it was 136,851.
Badajoz is the see of a bishop. It occupies a slight eminence, crowned by the ruins of a Moorish castle, and overlooking the Guadiana. A strong wall and bastions, with a broad moat and outworks, and forts on the surrounding heights, give the city an appearance of great strength. The river, which flows between the castle-hill and the powerfully armed fort of San Cristobal, is crossed by a magnificent granite bridge, originally built in 1460, repaired in 1597 and rebuilt in 1833. The whole aspect of Badajoz recalls its stormy history; even the cathedral, built in 1238, resembles a fortress, with massive walls.
The association football team in the city is Club Deportivo Badajoz who plays in Tercera División.

****

La Alcazaba de Badajoz está situada en el Cerro de la Muela rodeando la antigua Badajoz de la época musulmana. Tal y como se conserva hoy, fue construida por los almohades en el siglo XII, aunque tiene su origen en la cerca que ya en el siglo IX se construyó al fundar la ciudad. Es la mayor alcazaba de Europa.

El origen de la Alcazaba se encuentra en la fortificación que levantó Ibn Marwan en el Cerro de la Muela al asentarse en Badajoz, en el siglo IX. Se trataba de una cerca de argamasa de barro y ladrillo.
Esta obra fue consolidada en 1030 por Abdallah Ibn el-Aftas (Almanzor I de Badajoz) que la convirtió en una muralla de piedra y cal.
Posteriormente, sobre el 1170, fue definitivamente reparada, fortalecida y ampliada por orden del califa almohade Abu Yaqub Yusuf. En esta obra la Alcazaba adaptaría prácticamente el aspecto que presenta actualmente.
Puerta de la Coraxa o de la Traición: está situada en el sector noroeste de la alcazaba, próxima al río Guadiana. Tradicionalmente se la conoce por ser la puerta donde el rey portugués Alfonso Enríquez intentó huir del rey Fernando II de León en 1169, tras intentar capturar la ciudad, que estaba en manos de regentes musulmanes, feudatarios del rey leonés

Badajoz (do árabe Batalyaws; em português arcaico Badalhouce), capital da província do mesmo nome, é a maior cidade da comunidade autónoma da Extremadura, na Espanha. Localiza-se no sudoeste da Península Ibérica, junto à fronteira com Portugal. O município abrange uma área 1473,20 km² com população de 143135 habitantes (2004) e densidade populacional de 94,44 hab/km².
Foi fundada em 875 pelos mouros e tornou-se na capital do poderoso reino taifa muçulmano de al-Batalyaws. Passou para a soberania de Castela em 1230. Foi ao longo dos séculos prejudicada pelas lutas entre Portugal e Espanha, tendo sido ocupada pelos portugueses em 1386 e quase completamente destruída num cerco em 1705. É hoje um importante centro económico.

bakes888, marjan, besnard, Budapestman, mikolaj_kawa, John_F_Kennedy, Henryk_Bilor, Gerrit, Truja, lucasgalodoido, paura, ChrisJ, stego, japiey, ahmetgedikli, atus, pasternak, xuaxo, Bluejeans, ALIRIZA, Emile, Vato_Law, Charo, COSTANTINO, robertosalguero, salvator, Cretense, Atousa, Cricri, Tue, tober, ruisc_pt, Docarmo has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • aadilj Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1559 W: 62 N: 1209] (8967)
  • [2008-03-06 23:12]

Lovely dramatic vibrant skies withe clouds floating so nicely and some superb architecture and art in he foreground. good composition. lovely impact and wonderful composition

Hi Aires. Nice photo. Good colours and nice balance to the composition. Good texture in the sky also. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

Hola Aires.

No es nuevo pero...y que? Buenos colores y contrastes si señor!

Un saludo, Oscar

  • Great 
  • marjan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1145 W: 75 N: 875] (5450)
  • [2008-03-06 23:46]

hi Aires, good and interesting shot with nice coloures and superb introduction.
Marjan

  • Great 
  • carper Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 9330 W: 445 N: 14701] (51623)
  • [2008-03-06 23:48]

very nice castle here aire,
very nice point of view, good photo, i like the contrast in the shot here, well seen shot, fine photojob. have a nice day.
gr. jaap

Bonjour Aires
Joli cliché de ce château. Même pris avec un ancien appareil c'est très réussi.
Merci pour le partage et bonne journée.
Nicole

Good morning Aires,
both the foreground and the background are well exposed. The point of view is also well chosen, with the statue in front connecting the period of history with the castle. The olive trees and the turf compliment the scene!
Wonderful sky, beautiful image!
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice weekend,
Athanasios.

  • Great 
  • vincz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2999 W: 87 N: 5049] (17510)
  • [2008-03-07 0:52]

Nice one with great colors and lots of depth with the trees and the statue. Well done.

Hi Aires,
Splendid shot for this castle with spectacular composition, I like the impressive architectural details and the beautiful environment, colours are very nice. Great! Have a nice weekend
George

Ola Aires! Wonderful POV, wonderful composition. Original sculpture, very interesting castle. Good ligt and colors. Perefct capture. Well done! Saude!

An interesting photo with an interesting statue as well. Excellent composition and great capture of this beautiful scene.
Best wishes,
Achim

  • Great 
  • Paolo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4701 W: 146 N: 9014] (39619)
  • [2008-03-07 4:11]

Hi Aires, good onld one, with beautiful tones, good quality too and a good composition.
thansk, ciao

Hi Aires
Nice composition with the monument in the foreground. I like the perspective at the castle`s wall and good light.
Have a nice weekend

  • Great 
  • Gerrit Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4026 W: 86 N: 4872] (23821)
  • [2008-03-07 7:39]

Hi Aires,
great composition for olive trees and statue against this magnificient wall.Good work.
Regards, Gerrit

  • Great 
  • Truja Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 676 W: 95 N: 1459] (4934)
  • [2008-03-07 8:04]

Hola Aires,
excelentes colores y definición de imagen en la fotografía de este emblemático castillo.
Es genial la fuerza artística y expresiva de la fantástica image, gran POV!

Parabéns, un saludo, Jordi

Olá Aires,
uma foto muito bonita desse castelo mesmo, a estátua ficou ótima na foto e gostei das cores bem fortes, sobretudo do céu.
Parabéns e Abraço!

Helo Aires!

Interesting place and great military architecture. It's a part of fascinating history of Spain. nice shot and very usefull note! well done!

regards
Jacek

Oi Aires,

Amei esse céu pontilhado de nuvens. A composição está perfeita e as cores fantásticas.
Abraços
Maria

Beautiful view with nice green and blue , also fine composition and light condition Aires , thanks to share .
Stefano.

  • Great 
  • paura Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3823 W: 8 N: 2531] (20343)
  • [2008-03-07 15:04]

Aires,
As coresw são o ponto forte dessa bem tomada fotografia. A foto toda está boa. As cores, mais que isso, estao magníficas.

Abraço

Paulo

  • Great 
  • ChrisJ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 8647 W: 911 N: 11403] (55282)
  • [2008-03-07 17:08]

Hi Aires

Good overview of the castle, with excellent symmetry between the dual rectangular shapes, of the fg pedestal, & bg tower. Tfs!

  • Great 
  • stego Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3438 W: 584 N: 4487] (13694)
  • [2008-03-07 17:25]

Olá Aires,
Aqui está uma cidade onde fui vezes sem conta e que afinal não conheço assim tão bem... 8-)
Fizeste uma bela compo com as oliveiras, estátua, muralhas e torre. As cores, luz e nitidez tb. estão excelentes.
Bom FDS.
Um abraço, José.

  • Great 
  • Graal Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4632 W: 120 N: 429] (40749)
  • [2008-03-07 23:14]

Hi Aires,
an interesting view on the castle and sculpture. Fine composition and colours, good informations. Well done documental photo. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

Hi Aires,

Beautifull shot where the colours dominate all, yet the composition is dreamy.
All the best, dear friend.

jp

Merhaba Aires,
Beautiful shot. Great POV, good colors and superb light. Thanks for sharing.
Best regards,
Ahmet

  • Great 
  • Gustaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2262 W: 695 N: 181] (18636)
  • [2008-03-08 10:57]

Hi, my friend!
And next interesting photo in your collection. I like your composition, very interesting art, architecture and nature. Good colours and light. Well done.
Marek

  • Great 
  • atus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2278 W: 200 N: 4321] (14508)
  • [2008-03-08 17:34]

Hi Aires,
well captured and nicely composed interesting shot of a good perspective and sense of depth. The light is well managed and the sharpness is very good.
Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

good shot taken from a good pov... i always love olive trees and they are the most beautiful elements here i think... all the best aires...

korkut

Well built composition, Aires, the sculpture looks a bit funny amid the olives... :)

Cheers
Alexander

Oi Aires,
Que beleza de fotografia um belo contraste entre verde e azul as cores ficaram bem vivas , gostei do teu ponto de visão com o castelo de fundo e a estátua em primeiro plano , bom enquadramento da foto , parabéns!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Hi Aires,
An excellent shot for this castle with impressive cloudy sky, details and colours. Well done my dear friend...
Have a nice week...

  • Great 
  • Emile Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3967 W: 137 N: 4242] (15553)
  • [2008-03-09 13:55]

Hola Aires.
Magnifica composicion con la estatua frente a la fortaleza Romana, la presencia de los olivos y el cielo azul producen una excelente fotografia. Muy buen POV ademas de estupendos colores y definicion. Gracias por tu nota informativa.
Felicitaciones.
Abrazos y espero que tengas una buena semana.

  • Great 
  • Charo Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2185 W: 14 N: 4055] (15994)
  • [2008-03-09 17:18]

Hola Aires,
Buena toma de la alcazaba con estupendos colores. Yo también tengo una de allí, pero el día no me acompañó, estaba gris y lluvioso. Estupendo encuadre y muy buena nota.
Cordialmente
Charo

  • Great 
  • TopGeo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1839 W: 78 N: 2388] (10975)
  • [2008-03-10 1:22]

Hi Aires! Your old reception and the subject are enough good the castle the statue the olivestrees and the sky create in the composition your good interesting and note enough informative!
Georgios

HELLO AİRES
ı really lıke your photos,
ıts perfect
WONDERFUL congratulatıons
LEYLA

Hello Aires,
Again a wonderful picture with this
majestic castle,well done...one of your
most beautiful captures,a well composed
presentation

Bravo
Costantino

Ola Aires,
the statue, the olive trees and the castle make a great composition, very very good seen from you.
This lightness gives a wonderful impression and the sky comes excellent.
Cheers
Evangelos

Olá Aires,
Gosto deste PDV e destas cores e luz muito naturais. O enquadramento é muito interessante e com belos detalhes.
Gosto da forma como a estátua e arvores criam profundidade na foto e conferem interesse à frente da mesma.
O castelo e este céu magnifico completam de forma soberba esta bela composição.
Um abraço.
Paulo

Ciao Aires ,
nonostanta la foto sia stata fatta con la vecchia fotocamera hai ottenuto un buon risultato ,
il castello e' molto bello e il cielo con le nuvole arricchisce la scena
ottimo lavoro
Giorgio

Ola Aires,

Interesting colours. Your old camera did a nice job and you framed the image very well. The statue is very interesting and drws good attention on the left of the image. The sharpness is good and there is good contrast of colours. This seem like a beautiful place. Thanks Aires.

Roberto

Hi Aires!

Excellent composition and two diferent levels of interest in this great photo! The statue and the castle are "competing" to gain our atention and you have managed to give equal "power" to both. Great composition and framing, beautiful colours! Congratulations!

Hercules

Salam Aires,
Very nice POV with the statue in the FG..beautiful colours n beautiful shadows n great depth..tfs

Best wishes,
AtousA

Superb scene in blue and green, excellently framed and composed--I like the statue, those unusual trees and the walls of the castle under the blue sky.

TFS,
Andreea

Maybe one day you'll join one of our meetings too...

  • Great 
  • Cricri Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4220 W: 226 N: 5696] (27626)
  • [2008-03-11 11:26]

Ola Aires,
Intéressante image du château et statue entourer d'olivier, une trés belle lumiére qui met en valeur l'ensemble, compliment
Have a nice evening for you
cricri

  • Great 
  • Tue Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5114 W: 56 N: 7203] (23065)
  • [2008-03-11 16:07]

Hi Aires,
A good view on the castle and an excellent compostion; very good inclusion and placement of the statue and trees in the foreground. Pleasant colours too and the partly cloudy sky is nice as the background. Well done!
Regards,
Lars

Hi Aires,
Wonderful sharpness and details and superb colors. The blue sky and clouds look absolutely wonderful.
Best regards. Salvator.

Hello Aires,

Jolie composition, avec cette statue devant ce vieux château. Joli ciel.
Marie

Hola Aires,
Bonita composición, con un cielo estupendo!
Bravo.
Marianne

Hi Aires,
This picture is a masterpiece,very nice scenery.Beautiful clouds and sky.Good colour,nice angle and detail.
Georg

  • Great 
  • jasmis Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2849 W: 611 N: 3031] (36671)
  • [2008-03-13 2:49]

Interesting place, fine composition and amazing, detailed note.
Superb.
Regards my dear friend.

  • Great 
  • tober Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 241 W: 0 N: 128] (1381)
  • [2008-03-13 4:52]

The effect of the semi-cloudy but beautiful weather, inclusion of the statue and olive trees make a very beautiful composition. I also liked the contrast between tha walls of the castle and the blue sky. Well done ! Tolga

  •      
  • xuaxo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2503 W: 163 N: 2313] (3971)
  • [2008-03-13 14:30]

Olá Aires,
É curioso que recentemente reparei que há relativamente poucas fotos ilustrativas de Badajoz (a maior parte das poucas poderiam ter sido fotografadas em qualquer parte de Espanha ou do Mundo). Então pensei que um dia destes poderia publicar aqui alguma das minhas.
Esta tua é um excelente contributo para retratar e dar a conhecer algo desta cidade. Dos milhões de portugueses que já foram a Badajoz, quantos já subiram ao castelo?
Um abraço,
F
Edit: já publiquei uma com o palácio/museu.

Ou é do meu monitor ou as cores estão um bocado estranhas, especialmente no céu/nuvens. Mas a composição é muito boa com uma colacação excelente de todos os elementos. Há mais de 20 anos, fui duas ou três vezes a Badajoz mas, sinceramente, nunca reparei no castelo.Eu ia directo às compras e não via mais nada!!!
António

  • Great 
  • Stepan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4874 W: 93 N: 3789] (24868)
  • [2008-03-15 0:02]

I imagine I'm walking there, in the garden, around the castle. And that walk would be cool. Good crop, especially with the statue.
Stéphane

Oh Elvas Oh Elvas,,,,
Um registo muito bem cuidado e com um descritivo excelente.
Obrigado
Rui

Olá Aires,
Óptima composição onde as cores chamam a atenção e a nitidez e a profundidade são notáveis.
Parabéns!
MCV

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