THE DOOR KNOCKERS OF MEDIEVAL EUROPE

RABAT, MALTA

The door knocker originated thousands of years ago in ancient Greece as just a simple hammer attached to the door. It was considered more sophisticated or better than having guests announce themselves – especially among the upper class.

In time, door knockers spread throughout the Roman Empire and can still be appreciated on the old medieval doors of Europe. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from a modest ring to an intricately designed animal or figure—often telling a story about religion or mythology.

FRIGILIANI, SPAIN

    The elegant hand-shaped knockers represent Fatima and are believed to provide protection from evil. They are frequently found at the entryways of those belonging to the Muslim faith. Some doors have two hands that are designated male or female, each with a different knock sound. This is to ensure the appropriate person answers the door.

 

  The lion's head, a symbol of bravery and courage, is especially popular in Great Britain. Even today, a gold lion door knocker is actively in use at 10 Downing Street—the home of the UK Prime Minister. Every dignitary, celebrity, and VIP who visits the Prime Minister must pick up the lion and give the famous black door a solid tap.

In Malta, the door-knockers are considered symbols of wealth and status with the larger ones belonging to the more successful.

Ring Door Knocker, Algarve, Portugal

Lion Door Knocker, Riga, Latvia

Lion Door Knocker, Rome, Italy

Small Bird Door Knocker, Dublin, Ireland

 Ring Door Knocker, Rome, Italy

Door Knocker, Trastevere, Rome, Italy

Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Black Ring Door Knocker, 

Rome, Italy

Two Hand Door Knockers

Cadiz, Spain

THE LION IS A SYMBOL OF BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND POWER.
BERNKASTEL GERMANY ON THE MOSEL RIVER