I seem to be on a wave of mono images lately, primarily because the photos I’m making are more historic and architectural in nature and I find that black and white communicates that better, without the distraction of colour.

This passageway is on one of the many winding roads in Guimarães (pronounced Gimaresh), Portugal. It’s a 10th century town known primarily for the birth of Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henriques in the 12 century.

There is a castle that dominates the hill above Guimarães that was ordered constructed in the 10th century by the Countess Mumadona to offer protection from the Moors and Vikings. It still stands, well preserved and open for visits.

The town is also famous for the Battle of São Mamade, which was fought close to the city . The battle was between King Alfonso against his mother and León, which paved the way for Portuguese independence and made Guimarães the first capital.

So much history in one place.

iPhone 17 Pro Max
Main Camera — 100 mm
1/155sec, ƒ/2.8 ISO 40