Monday, December 17, 2012

São Julião Fort


Carcavelos Beach
 
This fort dates back to 1553 and is considered to be the greatest coastal defense building in Portugal. During the French invasion, Napoleon troops have occupied it in the year of 1807, but British allies conquered it one year later and in 1809 the fort was again in Portuguese hands.
It currently is the official residence of the Minister of Defense.

20 comments:

Olivier said...

Superbe paysage, j'aime ce ciel qui annonce un orage.

Wayne said...

A fitting home for the Minister of Defense. Wonderful view, must be a great place to host visitors!

Halcyon said...

Beautiful atmospheric shot! Love the light.

Sami said...

Beautiful photo JM. Had no idea the Minister of Defence lived in that fort. A bit scary though with the waves lapping at the walls.

Babzy.B said...

very nice image , love the light and compo :)

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful and foreboding!

Lowell said...

Wow, what a superb photo...the light variation in the sky is almost frightening. And that fort - can't imagine it could possibly be someone's residence.

Re your question on Cedar Key: It's either a small shark or a catfish, and I think it's probably the latter.

Sharon said...

It has quite a history. I was surprised that someone actually lives there. I was thinking of it more as a historic sight. Since the Minister of Defense lives there, it must be still considered a defense building.

Sylvia K said...

A superb capture indeed, as always, JM! Incredible place!! I agree with Woody -- perfect home it would seem for the Minister of Defense!! Hope you and your family have a great week and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Good spot for the M of D JM, it seems pretty impenetrable! Looks wild, I bet in a storm it would be quite amazing out there.

RedPat said...

An amazing pic, JM. I love it with the wonderful light and tones.

Irredento Urbanita said...

OMG, the Minister of Defense will stay there for Xmas? Lucky him!! Hugs.

Val

Barcelona Daily Photo

VP said...

You know I like beaches and the coast in winter, but this is really awesome! I would really like to be Portugal's Minister of Defense...

Randy said...

The sky made this a perfect photo.

Jack said...

I hope the minister has an umbrella. There is going to be a downpour momentarily.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely moody shot!

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

Hi JM, I love the tone and feel of this picture. Great shot!
Duncan In Kuantan

Shaun said...

That is one moody shot JM, very nice work there. Have you managed to get into the fort to take photos?

Kay said...

Beautiful shot, well captured mood, and an interesting history. Seems a rather grand place for a minister to live, but these days nothing seems to grands for ministers, statesmen, and politicians.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Funny about the French and English connections to this spot. One look at the photo and I thought about the French Lieutenant's Woman. True it has nothing to do with this place, but for me, it has the right aura.