I was not at all surprised to find a plethora of door pictures among the hundreds of images I took when visiting San Miguel de Allende. After all, spending seven weeks exploring a colonial Mexican town known for its beauty, history, and culture of art (both old and new), is bound to keep my camera busy.
After going through my images and picking the ones that I thought were most interesting, I still had way too many to share in a single post. To avoid door-overload (is that even possible?), I have put them into groups (carved, rounded, weathered, opened, decorated, and not doors), each of which will be shared over the coming weeks.
My carved door group has the greatest number of images. Some of the doors were very old (and most likely restored) and some were of more recent vintage. All were works of art.
Don’t forget to head on over to Norm’s blog to view his collection of doors, then click on the blue frog at the end of his post to see what others have shared.
Retirementally Challenged 
These are all gorgeous. That colorful one made me smile too 🙂
I imagine that, at one time, the paint was fresh and bright but I liked the pastel wash of time it has now.
Gosh, these put our front door to shame! These are all gorgeous in their own unique way. Thanks so much for sharing, Janis!
Even the owners of new buildings (there were a few here and there) seemed to embrace the importance of having an interesting door.
These may fall into a ‘door’ category, but in reality they are pieces of art. The craftsmen who created each one of them deserves recognition for their skills. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I wondered if this particular skill has been passed down generations so that the DNA of whoever carved the door of the Canal mansion could be found in a carver of doors today.
What a wealth of just one kind of doors! I like the carved doors. They are truly amazing, Su.
I hope you enjoy the other groups as well… but these were really stand-outs for sure.
Your ‘happy doors’ made me smile. A colorful welcome for visitors.
Aren’t those great? I would have loved to watch the artist paint on the colors.
Gorgeous
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Wow what magnificent work. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wouldn’t be fun to be able to order a door carved with the design you want?
These are wonderful doors. Such detailed workmanship. I can’t imagine the hours that go into carving something like that.
They are definitely a labor of love.
Hi, Janis – Your photography is stunning (as usual). I love the intricate carvings, the colours and the contrasts. I look forward to seeing more in this series!
There were so many great doors everywhere. Not as colorful as Oaxaca’s, but equally beautiful.
I loved your doors and will look forward to more groupings.
Thanks, Anne. I really enjoy sharing them.
Thanks, Janis, for sharing your beautiful photos. I look forward to seeing the next group.
I’m glad you enjoyed these, Natalie. It’s nice to be able to share a bit of our adventure.
Wow, those are really beautiful doors. Someone put a lot of thought into their creation. Can’t wait to see more!
The artistry and craftsmanship were outstanding! I would love to have a unique carved door in the front of my house.
Beautiful doors, Janis. I wonder why we don’t have doors like that in North America. My favourite is the third one with the blue-green wash.
Unfortunately, the big box home improvement stores here make it too easy to buy a generic door, bring it home, and install it. Although Home Depot (sadly) has arrived in a few places in Mexico, I think there is a special door pride that still encourages people to look for something different. I liked that blue door too, Karen, and the star light above makes it even better.
Holy art doors! Loved them
All
Thank you! I loved sharing the beautiful works of art.
🙂
I think describing them as “happy doors” is just perfect! Each is a beautiful work of art!
I never saw them opened… I always wondered what was inside (hopefully more happiness 🙂 ).
How lucky are you to have spent seven weeks exploring here. What a stunning collection of art; the colors, the materials and the intricacy of each had me drooling 🤤 through this post. I don’t see much but thatched huts these days, so thank you for transporting me to such magnificence.
Thatched huts certainly have their place but they probably aren’t very intricate. I’m so glad you commented because I can’t seem to leave a comment on your blog (although I did receive an email notification of your post… so, yay) and I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your photos and reading about your newest adventure.
There was a slight snafu with commenting on my blog due to a plug-in issue – all sorted now. Thank you so much for attempting to comment and for your lovely compliments here.
Oh my! These doors are more deserving of a category called Doors as Art! They make our utilitarian doors look dreadful in comparison. It is pretty hard to pick a favourite from among this offering, but I would choose the blue one in the 3rd photo. Combined with the starburst light, this is a door I would love to come home to each day!
I really liked that one too. They had those lights (in tin too) for sale everywhere… I would have picked one up if I had room in my suitcase.
I like all of these doors. The carving is amazing. Nothing like what I see around me, but if I did see doors like these every day I’d be a happy camper all the time.
I know! The doors in my neighborhood are pretty standard-issue. Every once in a while I’ll see a door that is painted some lovely color but that’s about as good as it gets.
The second to last door is really incredible!
Isn’t that great?! The carving and paint (even faded) combined to create such a wonderful welcome.
Yes, it’s really unique and there’s something magical about it.
absolutely gorgeous doors ….. I super-love the sun/moon door on the private residence.
That one was so lovely. The home itself appeared fairly modest… but you never know what’s inside.
There is no such thing as door overload! Loved this post as I remember many of these same doors from our visit to San Miguel. 🙂
I’m glad you feel that way because I have many more to share 🙂 . These doors are pretty memorable so I’m not surprised that you remember several of them (you probably took a few pictures of them too).
I do have some of the same photos! 🙂
Janis, wow. What an assortment of artistry. I love the whole building in your first picture. Thanks for sharing. Keith
That building was amazing. We took an architectural tour and learned a bit about the family who lived there in the 17th century. Thank goodness these buildings were preserved.
Those are some of the most amazing doors!
Hi Richard! There were so many beautiful doors in San Miguel. You would love walking around there and taking pictures… right up your alley!
Absolutely gorgeous, Janis. There is something about these doors that make a statement which is more than just ‘Welcome’. They are so stately aren’t they. Loved your photos 🙂
Hi Sue! “Stately” is the perfect word for some of them. So much more impressive than the doors in the U.S. (and, I assume, Australia).
Oh those doors are so intricate and beautiful, Janis! Very traditional but colorful and interesting. I love that one that looks like a garage!
The garage door was so massive, yet beautifully carved. I never did see what kind of car “lived” there… but something tells me it was nice 🙂.
Thank you for sharing these lovely doors- – and your journey with us.
My pleasure, Janet. It’s always nice to relive a trip by looking through photos.
I love old doors too and these are all fabulous!!
Thank you! I was so impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship.
Never too many doors. I love your door series.
I’m glad you feel that way because there are more doors coming!
Goodie!
Doors can be inviting or repelling. These are lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
The doors of San Miguel de Allende were especially beautiful and inviting. Thanks for visiting and for your comment!
These are amazing doors Janis – judging from the number of comments and likes, to answer your question … no there cannot be too many doors posts.
Haha! Some of us are a little door-crazy… that’s why Norm created a special day for us to gather and share.
I like them Janis – those unique and colorful doors brighten up your blog and our spirits.
Wow, I’d love to see these magnificent doors in person. I believe a trip to San Miguel de Allende is in order! =)
I hope you can get there! Even if you didn’t love doors (but, really, who doesn’t?), there is so much else to experience.
These doors put our utilitarian doors to shame.
Jude
I know! My front door looks so boring in comparison. Maybe I should buy a can of paint…