door knocker

Ciudad Rodrigo, (Salamanca - Castilla y León) Spain 

In the Middle Ages door knockers were very common to decorate homes and often times were frightening faces of gargoyles, dogs or lions and, apart from announcing your presence, were meant to ward off evil spirits.  During the Renaissance era, they become more ornate and were cast into more delicate shapes focusing more on an interest in art and design.

The next time you knock on someone's door, imagine doing it with one of these!