Just as it was two years ago when we first traveled to Oaxaca, a good number of the pictures I took on our recent trip were of the beautiful and varied doors we saw. Colorful doors that hint at equally artistic interiors; grand doors of churches and historic buildings; decaying doors that wear the patina of time; iron gates and open portals that invite you to step inside. The doors found in Mexico are rich in color, diversity, and history – just like the country itself.
The first set of doors were among the most colorful ones in my collection. Either the door itself was painted a vibrant hue, or it was surrounded by colorful frames and walls.
Thursday Doors is a link-up of fellow door aficionados generously hosted by Norm Frampton. Head over to his blog to view all the amazing doors he and others have posted.
Retirementally Challenged 
“Decaying doors that wear the patina of time”
Beautiful phrasing! Your words were like music to my ears and the photos were sumptuous fare for my senses!
Thank you!
Susan Grace
Thank you, Susan! I took so many door pictures in Oaxaca two years ago that I was amazed to find others I hadn’t seen.
Gorgeous doors. Definitely vibrant.
Thank you. Vibrant colors are everywhere in Mexico… one reason we love it so much.
I love the weathering/patina too. Great selection of doors, window, and mermaid.
Isn’t that mermaid wonderful? I would love to have her on my door to welcome guests.
🧜🏻♀️😊
Gorgeous shots, Janis! The vibrant colors are so welcoming, don’t you think? Thanks for sharing!
Colors that would look garish here in the U.S. (at least in most neighborhoods) look right at home in Mexico. I agree, they are welcoming and joyful.
Great doors!
Thank you!
I always love seeing the array of beautiful doors in Mexico, Janis. It must be fun to walk the streets and see these.
It’s amazing how beautiful they are. I think it’s a reflection of a joyful culture.
Really beautiful!
Sometimes I think warmer temperatures bring out people’s inner artist.
💗
Gorgeous doors! I love the flair for both color and design exhibited in these gems. Thanks for sharing your great photos, Janis.
Flair for color and design, and the confidence to display these gorgeous colors for all to see.
Love them all!
Thank you, Cindy. It was hard to choose which ones to post… and I have more 🙂
Fifty Shades of Doors! They are all so vibrant, I kept seeing new favorites as I scrolled down your post Janis. Those colorful doors and the bright sun would be such a draw to stay, and not return home … more so here in Michigan with a cold Winter around the corner,
I really do think the warmer climates lend themselves to the bright colors. The citizens of Oaxaca aren’t shy about mixing contrasting colors… thank goodness!
I loved the colors – we have had so many gray days here, that anything to brighten up things would be appreciated.
Wow, that final door photo even has a matching brick sidewalk leading up to it!
It’s funny, I hadn’t noticed that when I was taking the picture. Then, when I was looking at the image on my computer, I kept trying to “fix” it… until I realized that the stones was actually blue.
Oh wow, Janis, all these doors have lovely, vibrant colours. Love them all!
Teresa
Thank you! It’s fun to share such beautiful doors.
Can not wait to walk those vibrant streets!!!! And when I am land-based again, I need a mermaid door knocker.
You will love it! And, you definitely NEED a mermaid door knocker!
It’s the fun bright colour combinations that fascinate me most about this place.
And that mermaid door knocker is pretty special too 😉
Aren’t they wonderful? I’m sorry we can’t all live in houses painted with vibrant colors… but I’m pretty sure my neighbors would object.
An awesome assortment! Love those blue hues… – Marty
I love the blues too, especially when paired with oranges and yellows.
How wonderful that you returned to that beautiful city, and stayed for so long. I keep thinking that one of these days, we will get to Oxaca. When we do, I will be sure to ask you for helpful hints.
I hope you are able to visit Oaxaca. When you do, I have a ton of notes and would love to help you with suggestions.
A lot of interesting doors! I don’t think we have that many in our area.
Haha! Neither do we. Sadly, suburbia is not known for colorful doors.
These folks know how to do doors and wrought iron. Impressive architecture and beautiful. 🙂
I would love to have a wrought iron gate fabricated by one of the Oaxaca iron artists.
Beautiful collection, Janis. Just how I remember Oaxaca. Well, part of it anyway. 🙂 The buildings appear very well-maintained and who wouldn’t love all those colors? Do you think you took any duplicates from two years ago? Maybe with a different lick of paint?
I took a few duplicates (it was hard to remember every door I photographed 🙂 ), but I was surprised at how many new ones I found. We explored a few areas that we hadn’t been in before.
Those are gorgeous doors! Have you ever read Joe’s blog on “Month at a time Travel?” He has posted several times on Mexico, and they’re well worth reading.
Yes, I’ve been following Joe since he spent a month in my city several years ago. We’ve even shared tips for our trips to Mexico (I think I was in Oaxaca first, he visited Guanajuato first), and I plan to follow his suggestions when I finally get to Spain and Portugal. Isn’t it wonderful how blogging has opened up our worlds and has provided opportunities to learn from each other?
I absolutely LOVE the vibrant colours, the clean lines and the creativity. Your photos are stunning and make me want to visit there (without delay)! 😀
I hope you are able to get there one of these days. There is a lot to do no matter what time of year you visit… and it’s pretty nice weather-wise year-round. Oh, and there are a lot of Canadians 🙂
Janis, I love these doors. They are inviting. When we traveled to Ireland, we took delight in the colorful facades on shops up and down the streets. Even in the more plain buildings, the tenants colorfully painted rhe front doors. It is charming wherher it is in Oaxaca or Killarney. Keith
I think here in the US we have pretty boring doors for the most part. I’ve never been to Ireland, but I hope to remedy that one of these days… and, when I do, I’ll be on the lookout for those doors 🙂
Agreed on US doors. We loved Ireland. We did a tour and opted for all the side ventures.
These doors are so pretty, Janis. I love the building where the doors and windows have the large blue “frame” accent around them. The color sets the doors and windows off from the building color so well.
Blue seems to be a popular color there and they aren’t shy about using it in its full glory. Blue and yellow have always been a favorite color combo of mine too.
Janis, You captured the beautiful colours and diversity of the doors. I am definitely curious about what lies behind all of the doors. The artwork depicting the people is intriguing. Ghost-like images in the background?
Often what it behind the doors is even more glorious than the doors themselves… beautiful courtyards, colorful gardens, etc. I’m not sure about the ghost-like outlines on the arched doors. It almost appears that they might have been sketches for more paintings of figures.
The colors are so vibrant. The way you write about this place makes me want to go there and experience it. Very nicely done.
Pat
Thank you! I hope you are able to visit Oaxaca sometime. There is so much to see and experience.
You’ve got a beautiful photo collection of doors. I like the iron work that adds extra protection, too. Thanks, Janis, for sharing these.
Thank you, Natalie. Yes, I love the ironwork too. I think it really adds to the beauty of the door.
I love the aesthetics of colour in Mexico. Your shots capture it well.
Jude
Thank you! Mexico provides an abundance of scenes to photograph (and, I imagine, to paint).