August 25, 2009

Additional defense

One side of the outer wall of the Spanish colonial era Fort Santiago in Intramuros overlooks the Pasig River. Just outside the high walls is a lower wall for additional defense called a falsabraga. There are two of these overlooking the river and this one, which is at the very tip of the fort, is called the Falsabraga de Santa Barbara. I can almost imagine a guardia civil standing watch in that tiny guardhouse.

Falsabraga de Santa Barbara in Intramuros

23 comments:

Steve Harris said...

Hi Hilda,

That's a great picture. I like the subject matter - I've always been a bit of a history buff - and you've displayed it using a very unique perspective.

Clueless in Boston said...

Great composition. Forts are always great spots to get pictures.

Don and Krise said...

Great shot and subject Hilda. There are a few forts here in the Pacific Northwest along the coast. They are great places to explore and take tons of photos.

Amit Gupta said...

damn nice....looks ancient...

VP said...

Love the image, the angle and the story. I knew nothing of a falsabraga, which even in Italian means a funny 'fake panties'.

Olivier said...

belle photo et belle perspective.

Cezar and Léia said...

Oh Hilda this post is really cool, I love your shot, with an special angle!
Wonderful post.
Léia

Dina said...

So good when you can imagine your history like that.
It's fun to say falsabraga. :)

Elaine Yim said...

Some many great cities have forts. Forts are a reminder of historic battles won and the glory attained.

Buck said...

A unique angle on a piece of history. The soldiers who stood there were probably glad to be out of the rain.

brattcat said...

Great angle on this, Hilda. You make us slow down and really look at where we are and where you were when you took it.

Lois said...

That is a nice angle! It must have gotten a little lonely in there at times.

Halcyon said...

I love old stuff. This looks like a cool place. I wouldn't have liked to stay there alone though!

Ken Mac said...

Terrific angle! Can't tell which way us up...

Minsk said...

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hadv said...

How do you ever know of such things? Falsabraga?? We have a Spanish history, so it must mean a low wall outside. Definitely not fake panties. Hahaha..

marley said...

Very funky angle! Great photo.

Anonymous said...

My neck had some exercise with your photo! I like the unusual angle! Historical place - I like the spirit of it!

Lowell said...

Nicely done, Hilda. I would guess that was probably a lonely post if all by oneself.

George said...

What an interesting perspective of the guardhouse and river -- I like it!

escape said...

i believe one can also enjoy the sunset on that part of the fort.

penny said...

You must have struggled to capture that shot but the results are amazing... well done, Hilda
Thanks for stopping by :)

James said...

Very cool! I actually found one of those old Spanish gaurdhouses here in Pennsylvania. I think it must be a replica.