A big watch tower, a photo from Menorca, Balearics

Photographer's Note

Fornells is a village located in a bay in the north of the Balearic island of Minorca, Spain. Fornells wants to be the ninth municipality of Menorca. Fornells is estimated to have a population of about 1000 people which increases in the summer due to tourism. Fornells' native people are known as Fornellers in the Catalan language and in Spanish.
The village was originally founded to serve the castle erected in the 16th century as a defence against the Barbary pirates for whom Fornells Bay provided the perfect safe haven. The castle was eventually demolished in the 18th century and all that is left of the military past of Fornells is the watch tower that you can see on the pic, on the headland, outside the village. From there to the west Cavallería Cape can be seen, and to the east the massive bulk of Sa Mola, forming the eastern side of the entrance.
In 1798 the village was a landing site during the Capture of Minorca by the British.
Fornells Bay is deep, measuring 5 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. The narrow entrance regulates the force of the open sea. Sufficiently narrow to offer protection, the entrance allows water to enter the bay while restricting the waves. The wind is not so easily restrained. The surrounding hills are not high enough to keep out the Tramontane (Tramontana in Catalan), which has shaped the rocks and bent the trees over until the branches almost touch the ground.

LA GRANDE TORRE DI AVVISTAMENTO

Sull'altopiano che domina l'entrata Ovest del porto di Fornells si erge maestosa ed enigmatica la Torre utilizzata come difesa e punto di avvistamento.
Per decenni č stata testimone delle furiose, inclementi sinfonie che la Tramontana, il vento del Nord, e il mare hanno composto per la gioia e la sofferenza dei pescatori dell'isola che hanno affrontato agguerriti le acque dell'imponente costa minorchina.
La Torre di Fornells č una delle piů grandi delle undici torri di difesa costiera costruite durante l'ultima dominazione inglese a Minorca (1798 1802) e vista l'importanza della posizione che occupa era stata realizzata come un piccolo, inespugnabile castello.
Per alcuni anni č stata zona di proprietŕ privata, ma poi il Consiglio di Fornells č riuscito ad acquistarla, restaurarla e convertirla in un museo ed inserirla nella legge del 1985 riguardante la protezione del Patrimonio Storico Spagnolo.
La Torre rappresenta non solo il simbolo dell'orgoglio dei cittadini di Fornells, che l'hanno sempre difeso e tutelato, ma anche una importante escursione, un luogo da vedere, per poter ammirare dalla sua posizione privilegiata l'impeto del mare che ha sempre protetto questo splendido porto.

aliabazari, SnapRJW, jjcordier, papagolf21, timecapturer, asajernigan, jhm, pierrefonds, photoray, adramad, adramad, Gigidusud, ikeharel, rychem, PaulVDV, mohammad_H, ourania, fritzi007, jcpix, macjake, Oceania, bukitgolfb301, gildasjan, Didi, pamastro, Uhu, clic, tatadalou, mcmtanyel oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

chris04stop (6805) 2014-09-29 16:28

Bella, possente, enigmatica, nasconderŕ chissŕ quali antichi segreti...Bravo Luciano! E con quelle nuvole sembra che fumi come un enorme camino...bel colpaccio|
Anna Paola

aliabazari (22281) 2014-09-29 20:33

Hi Luciano
Splendid shot of this beautiful landscape architecture by combining the tower. Very good sharpness and exposure. Lovely dyes.

Regards ...

Nicou (193806) 2014-09-29 20:55

Hello

quelle compo et vue superbe captage quelle tout elle est imposante ŕ sa base quelle rond et largeur et ce rendu sur la pierre petite en hauteur mais trčs cossue.
Bravo et amitié
Nicou

SnapRJW (31631) 2014-09-29 23:03

Hello Luciano - I really like this shot. It is simple and to the point but the light brings out colour and texture in the old tower and the contrast between the colours of the stone and blue sea and sky is super. I think the figured sky adds extra interest and is an important element in the shot.

Warm regards

Rosemary

carlo62 (81265) 2014-09-29 23:09

Ciao Luciano
una torre/fortezza che sembra molto solida e dalla tua descrizione lo č.
Non si vede molto mare, ma quello che si vede č piů che sufficiente per innamorarsi. Foto di grande qualitŕ, come del resto ci hai abituato.
Buona giornata
Carlo

HimalAnda (10671) 2014-09-29 23:26

Hello Luciano,

The light and the saturated colors of this picture are beautiful. The composition is good too, with a great sharpness which allows us to see many details on the tower.

Stéphane

jemaflor (147224) 2014-09-29 23:28

Salut Luciano,
Bien cadré cette tour, jolie lumičre et couleurs avec ce ciel uniformément bleu. Intéressante contribution historique.

jjcordier (79299) 2014-09-29 23:40

Luciano
Les nuages semblent s'échapper de cette impressionnante tour de guet comme d'une immense cheminée. Excellente et lumineuse photo.
Amicalement
JJ

Fis2 (170861) 2014-09-29 23:41

Witaj Luciano!
Curious watch tower.
I like frame, colors and sharpness.
Nice place.
Have a nice day
Krzysztof

emka (158204) 2014-09-30 0:02

Ciao Luciano,

Interesting construction near the beach. Usually watch towers are high and narrow, this one is rather low and wide. Nice picture with excellent colours and sharpness.
You posted a lot of photos from Menorca on FB!!
Warm regrads Malgo

papagolf21 (152607) 2014-09-30 1:00

Bonjour, cher Luciano,
Une note d'accompagnement trčs documentée et édifiante.
La tour restante est impressionnante, elle semble défier le temps.
Trčs bonne réalisation, comme d'habitude.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Royaldevon (85932) 2014-09-30 2:42

Ciao Caro Luciano,

This has never been posted before!
It is a very unusual feature and has been clearly captured and nicely positioned in your photograph.
It shows up well against the blues of the sky and sea, whilst the clouds add a little extra interest.
What a pity that the rest of the castle has been demolished!

Have a lovely day,
Bev :-)

timecapturer (49288) 2014-09-30 3:08

Hello Luciano
been to Menorca a few times and yet I have no memory of this amazing structure - must have been the wine! It looks so imposing and impressive in this perfect capture.

Brian.

asajernigan (21427) 2014-09-30 3:27

Hello Luciano,
This is an interesting tower! Your composition is nice placing the tower off center giving the shot a sense of direction. The lighting is nice and the photo has excellent sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

jhm (211736) 2014-09-30 3:31

Ciao Luciano,

You placed the tower excellent to the left side this gives more space to the right side and the river in background.
Your picture is very well taken and lovely presentation with pleasant colours.
Composition and colours make these picture very attractive.
Very done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

jacquest (19269) 2014-09-30 3:54

Bonjour Luciano,

Une tour qui ressemble ŕ s'y méprendre ŕ une cheminée de refroidissement d'une centrale nucléaire et le nuage blanc accentue cet effet. Bien décentrée sur l'image elle laisse une ligne de fuite vers l'eau. La bonne luminosité donne des détails trčs clairs.

Meilleures salutations

Jacques

dta (98848) 2014-09-30 3:57

Ciao Luciano ,
Cette tour est magnifique et présentée de la plus belle des maničres . On dirait un peu une tour de centrale nucléaire (en plus beau bien sűr) , avec la vapeur qui s'en échappe .
Amicalement

Cricri (176) 2014-09-30 4:20

Ciao Luciano
Belle lumičre qui rend bien la texture des pierres, cette tour est comme une cheminée qui fume des nuages :-), trčs belle qualité et présentation
Belle journée
cricri

pierrefonds (114536) 2014-09-30 4:30

Bonjour Luciano,

La distance ente la tour et la rive au loin donne de la profondeur ŕ la composition. La prise de vue permet de voir les détails de l'architecture de la tour d'observation. La qualité de la lumičre embellit les couleurs de l'image.

Pierre

Gerrit (62042) 2014-09-30 6:02

Hello Luciano,
what a remarkable and beautiful architecture. Ansd a great settiong too.
It somehow looks like a Medieval powerplant.
regards, Gerrit

Sergiom (117241) 2014-09-30 6:38

Ciao Luciano,

J'aime beaucoup cette composition. Une belle tour ŕ eau que l'on ne voit pas souvent . L'architecture est différente et elle parait bien dans ce paysage. J'aime les couleurs et la lumičre.

Amicalement

Serge

photoray (13981) 2014-09-30 7:07

Howdy Luciano,

Excellent resolute and saturated color view of the 16th century Fornells watchtower, revealing the details and textures of its rock construction, and dominant position overlooking the bay.

Good job,
Cheers,
Ray

holmertz (102774) 2014-09-30 8:07

Hello Luciano,
This is a very impressive watchtower of a remarkable design. Looking at it I get an impression that the clouds are actually smoke coming out of a huge chimney :-). I love the superb light and colours.
Kind regards,
Gert

adramad (73006) 2014-09-30 8:11

Hello Luciano.
A superb and original image, this so unusual defensive tower, I have to write up my list of trips Minorca, where I am seeing great photos.
This large composition is one of them, fantastic sky, beautiful blue sea and especially the curious construction.
Very good color, very natural.
Superb management of both the brightness and sharpness.
Well done. I love it.
I wish you a good day.
Best wishes.
Luis.

Gigidusud (21679) 2014-09-30 8:31

Bonsoir Luciano,
Une belle présentation de cette tour avec une note trčs intéressante. Les nuages accumulés au dessus me font penser ŕ une cheminée fumante. Bravo!
Amicalement,
Gigi

NorthernLight (2383) 2014-09-30 8:44

Hello Luciano,

like a picture postcard. A little mysterious seems this round, windowless building. Very beautiful are the clouds on this deep blue sky.

Again a very successful picture!

Have a nice evening

Peter

rychem (72187) 2014-09-30 9:00

I think it is a strange and at same time beautiful form of the tower, I like the texture of the stone wall, it is maintained in ideal conditions, very well captured
regards Ryszard

stego (24132) 2014-09-30 11:44

Ciao Luciano,

Curious and original (at least to me) watch tower, with that large diameter compared to the height. You chose a good POV to present it and you had the "help" of the light, the blue sky and sea and the photogenic clouds, which gave you a great looking image with a not so impressive subject.

TFS, regards, José.

PaulVDV (62978) 2014-09-30 11:46

Hello Luciano,
An original view from Menorca.
Beautiful textures of the tower wall.
Very nice with the thick cloud formations just above the tower.
The glimpse of the sea makes an attractive background.
Best regards, Paul

Silvio1953 (221729) 2014-09-30 11:53

Ciao Luciano, gran bella, favoloso cielo, sembra quasi che le nuvole escano dalla torre, magnifica luce, splendida nitidezza e bei colori naturali, bravo, ciao Silvio

dkmurphys (79209) 2014-09-30 11:59

Ciao Luciano,
What a beautiful capture of this old fortified tower. I like the colors and the textures, great catch!
Have a good night.

Daniel

berek (50518) 2014-09-30 20:18

Ciao Luciana (rhymes)

Tower of the Clock Tower or Tower of the clouds Tower ? blue sky, clouds and interesting structure looks very different from this angle. congratulations.
friendly Regards
Burak

williewhistler (16606) 2014-10-01 2:20

Hello Luciano,
you have taken full advantage of the lovely light to show the watch tower in all of it`s glory,it stands out very well against a very interesting sky.
A simple but strong image.
Best wishes Les.

pajaran (115989) 2014-10-01 7:04

Dobar dan, popodne.
Lep pogled na kulu, dobar tekst o selu sa opisom ...
Dobar trenutak snimka, kontrast i perspektiva, lepo pokazana arhitektura i detalji na fasadi, lepe boje.
Dobra kompozicija, lepo uhvacen trenutak sa oblacima i svetlom koje je istaklo lepotu arhitekture.
Lepa kula.
Lepo popodne i sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good afternoon, this afternoon.
Nice view of the tower, a good article about the village with a description ...
Good time recording, contrast and perspective, beautiful architecture and details shown on the facade, beautiful colors.
Good composition, well captured the moment with clouds and light that pointed out the beauty of the architecture.
Beautiful tower.
Nice afternoon and all the best.
Paja.

ikeharel (113427) 2014-10-01 8:27

Buona sera Luciano,
I found that there are many old towers in diff. shapes along the Mediterranean coasts, from Spain north border down to Gibraltar, and also the Sardinia "Tuaregs", I think they called.
Fine clear details of every decorated stone and bricks. Contrastagainst the blue sea and sky is a great bonus here. Fine shot.
My best regards,
Ike

wolf38 (30) 2014-10-01 8:46

Hello Luciano. What an interesting photo. It looks as if the clouds from the chimney of the building. The title and text explain everything perfectly. The technical quality is striking. Overall a masterful shot.
Best rgds, Wolfgang.

mohammad_H (10178) 2014-10-01 8:49

Hi dear friend
Amazing pool with a sky blue background, there seems a beautiful day with good weather for photography
Details and photos of a broad view of the environment.
Excellent sharpness and clarity
Best wishes to you

ourania (51103) 2014-10-01 8:49

Ciao Luciano,
la torre e' davvero maestosa e misteriosa, senza aperture. Mi piace molto come la tua composizione semplice e' arricchita dalle ombre atmosferiche, che danno anche volume, e dalle nuvole che aggiungono un senso di drama che affascina. Il bagliore della luce nelle nuvole sembra forse un po' strano a giudicare del angolo della luce, fa' pero' un effetto impressionante. I colori sono stupendi. Complimenti e grazie!
Tanti saluti e buona serata,
Ourania

fritzi007 (14698) 2014-10-01 8:58

Hallo Luciano,
super Foto und sehr gute Information, gratuliere!
Viele Grüße
Wolfgang

jcpix (14030) 2014-10-01 9:39

Ciao Luciano,

Quite a big watch tower for such a small town. Must be a cozy place, and I have to assume it's easy to find with this giant landmark. :) Love the big, bold and curved shape...you've utilized it to make a solid subject. The clarity, definition and textures are sharp...and with the clouds positioned where they are, almost makes this look more like a smokestack. lol Enjoy the rest of your day. Take care.

Friendly wishes,

Jason

PiotrF (54788) 2014-10-01 13:15

Hello Luciano,
This is an interesting tower.Good framing, clarity and sharpness.Very well composition, lovely presentation. Interesting notes about Fornells.
Regards
Piotr

macjake (98456) 2014-10-01 20:53

Hi Luciano
this is an awesome shot my friend!
what stands out so well is the overall sharpness of the stonework.
that, and the exposure/lighting and vivid colors.
its outstanding.
love the addition of the royal blue water on the right too.
beauty!
cheers
craig

Oceania (5202) 2014-10-02 5:58

Hi Luciano,

The watch tower? If I do not read your note, I can not guess anything about this structure. The grey cloud over the tower makes the picture more enjoyable. I like it.

Have a nice weekend!

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2014-10-02 16:09

Hi Ciao dear Luciaono, how are you?

I am so sorry for so dull action/reply du to some bunisness troubles.
Your subject has so muc diversity, I admire your capability again. This is so amazing and intersting regacy indeed. So clear, sharp and also fresg/comfortable image at all!
All the best and thanks a lot. Takero from Tokyo

gildasjan (43826) 2014-10-04 10:18

Bonsoir Luciano
On a l'impression que les nuages sortent de cette tour!
Trčs bel équilibre des couleurs entre celles des pierre et le bleu de ce ciel.
Bonne soirée
Amicalement
Gildas

SWEETFREEDOM (24623) 2014-10-04 23:37

Ciao Luciano,
bella la luce sulla torre di guardia ed i colori delle pietre e del mare sullo sfondo.
mi sembra che il posto sia rinomato per la cucina del polpo.
ciao
Alessandro

fds (9963) 2014-10-05 2:37

ciao luciano rimango sempre ammaliato dalle tue foto qui hai messo un poderoso bastione in primo piano sotto un cielo stratosferico...anzi sembra che quelle bellissime nuvole escano da quella ciminiera
colori bellissimi dettagli super

alvaraalto (42804) 2014-10-05 13:05

Hi Luciano,
This looks like a factory of clouds. You waited long enough to make us think that the dark clouds comes out of the watch-tower. Interesting architecture too.
Groet Rob

jmdias (115252) 2014-10-06 17:38

Luciano

very beautiful the shapes of this lower tower, looks like a giant cup. I liked the precious light and the way you framed the image. good details to enjoy. TFS.

hugs

jorge

Didi (61589) 2014-10-07 4:30

Ciao Luciano
A l'époque il ne connaissaient pas les centrales nucléaires :)
Un trčs beau vestige historique
On dirait de la vapeur qui sort par le haut
Bon cadrage
Amitiés

pamastro (7296) 2014-10-07 18:55

The point of view combined with the clouds gives it the look of a giant industrial age cooling tower. Add to that the colors and sharpness and detail you've captured and its surroundings gives it the powerful fortress like feeling that it should project.

nikkitta (17070) 2014-10-09 12:40

Ciao Luciano

Very good composition of contrasts between the tower and the nature formed by blue eye catching sky and sea
Very well done along with informative note
Maria
Buona settimana

Uhu (8609) 2014-10-12 11:15

Hi!
Wonderful place and a great photo - clarity and details are just perfect.
Great work.

Periko (9107) 2014-10-15 19:58

Hi Luciano
Interesting presentation of this rare building. Bright colors, sharp image and a great sky.

TFS
Pedro

adidas5nb (5743) 2014-10-15 20:06

lovely minimalist shot,with great light , amazing natural colors and clouds and framing.
regards
dwaipayan

clic (76) 2014-10-18 12:39

Ciao Luciano
Merci de nous faire connaître avec un rendu impeccable ce souvenir de l'histoire ancienne de Fornells.
Je me suis permis un petit voyage virtuel sur Google Earth pour une vue générale de cette petite ville balnéaire d'aspect désertique et j'ai bien vu d'en haut cette ruine isolée appellée Torre de Fornells, surveillant la Baie du haut de son promontoire.
Les nuages ressemblant ŕ de la fumée s'échappant du haut lui donnent un air de central électrique nucléaire, telles que vues en Amérique!
Ciao.
Robert

tatadalou (7459) 2014-10-27 22:42

Ciao Luciano,
Questa torre mi ricorda torri genovesi di Corsica, anche se lo stile architettonico č un po 'diverso qui. Una bella luce illumina l'architettura di pietre bionde, che contrastano bene con il cielo azzurro e il Mediterraneo.
Salve,
Delphine

mcmtanyel (68623) 2017-05-01 20:54

Hello Luciano,
A big watch tower or an ancient atomic power plant. And it has the radioactive steam coming right out of it! I hope you ran away quickly.
Cheers,
MT

mkamionka (74535) 2021-11-18 3:43

Ciao Luciano,
wow, this looks so pretty! I think the clouds in the sky made a really great difference because it looks as if the clouds were coming from the big chimney.
Great composition with also some view to the sea in the distance.
Excellent work!
M