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Behind Those Italian Doorways

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Call them loggias, call them porticos or call them courtyards. Call them what you will. But hiding behind doorways of giant magnitude is sometimes a world unto its own.

By now, you should know that I have a fetish for doors. I have waxed poetic about them before. And I will soon do so again with my most recent Italian door pictures.

But sometimes, it is what is behind the doors that make my heart go aflutter.

I love walking along and seeing into these private little areas.

Sometimes, an automatic garage door opens and before your very eyes, you can see a car backing out and for a hot second, you get a sneak peek into a decorated courtyard.

I am always a sucker for decorative wrought iron gates and ornate dangling light fixtures.

How 'bout a closer look ?

The more ornate the better. I just love the pretty leaves on this gate. Simply stunning.

Columns, peeling paint and arches also go along way with me.

It feels a little sneaky, getting such an up close and personal look, especially when you aren't sure who is going to come out.

Other times, the doors remain wide open – almost as a welcoming gesture.

And though some interiors seem simple and bland..

It is what is peering out of the tiny notched opening that draws the eye in closer and makes you wish you could run up and touch it!

But perhaps my favorite is one that I could see myself coming home to everyday.

I think perhaps it is because of the dark and mysterious shadow of the motorcycle rider.

Or it could be the perfect combination of all the things I adore. The arches, columns, peeling paint, rows of lights and tons of wrought iron. And both natural and artificial light.

Which one could you see yourself coming home to every day?

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anne
June 22nd, 2009
Fantastic photos, I love investigating doors too!! I think, I wonder where they lead to..who lives behind them.
I love the last photo, the arches are amazing.

lucy
June 22nd, 2009
PHOTO # 3 from the top! I could see myself coming home to this.

My Melange
June 22nd, 2009
I know, right! I love how they just go on forever…… xo

My Melange
June 22nd, 2009
Excellent choice! I think I wouldn’t even need a fancy-shmancy house with it. I’d just camp in the courtyardif that were my entrance

Pramod Kumar
June 22nd, 2009
Really great pics! Could you by any chance post where you took these pics. Hoping to swing by in a future vacation

Miss Expatria
June 22nd, 2009
I too share your door fetish. In fact, my friend who was here with me last month would just automatically stop when passing one, knowing I was going to take a picture of it. I just put all my doors into their own Flickr set! OBSESSED.
The “open and inviting” one up there has a “for rent” sign attached to the wall – want me to look into it for you?
And the one with the little peek and then the close up – swoon.

Roam2Rome
June 22nd, 2009
Ohhhhh, I’m in love!
Sky-high arched ceilings with decorative wrought iron is my favorite home decorative element… next to rows of light fixtures and support columns, of course.
Despite the comfort of modern buildings, old houses are it for me…

My Melange
June 22nd, 2009
I think we are long lost sisters than. Or perhaps future roomates Nothing like an old building, full of charm!!

Bonnie(valentinoswife)
June 22nd, 2009
I too LOVE doors — and shuttered windows – I fantasize who lives there – what were they thinking, dreaming of, etc — or businesses, what deals were made there, how did it affecft the lives of those involved. We Americans do not place enough time into our doors they way even the poorest oldest buidlings in Italy show. We spent one whole day just photographing doors and windows!
Bonnie(valentinoswife)

Nancy Aiello
June 22nd, 2009
Ciao Robin,
These are wonderful pictures! I also enjoy to going behind old buildings’closed doors.Next time try to take a look of the buildings in Via Giulia and Via Monserrato…Amazing!!!
I’d like to add two more pictures I’ve taken lately: a fantastic fountain in Via della Scrofa and Roman Columns by Giolitti, the gelateria.
http://twitpic.com/83xpx
http://twitpic.com/83xsf
Baci from Rome
Nancy

My Melange
June 22nd, 2009
Well, weobviously like the same things!!! If you love shutters, windows and flowers…just youwait. Those will also be showcased soon And yes, many of our days this time were spent photographing!! So many beautiful things to look at…..

My Melange
June 22nd, 2009
Hi Nancy!!Grazie Mille for the lovely shots!! Iso appreciate you sharing them:) And a few of those shots are from Via Guilia! The leavy vine iron gate pic is definitely from there. I’ll have to add Via Monserrato to my picture list for next time!
xo
Baci back

Nadine Bouler at BDG
June 22nd, 2009
An awesome entry– There’s something so mysterious and voyeuristic about peeking into someone’s courtyard. It’s a shame we don’t incorporate them more often into our homes today.

My Melange
June 22nd, 2009
So very true on all accounts, Nadine! I do wish my area used more courtyards and architectural flourishes. Ah, more motivation for me to get to Europe more often
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Surik Celibataire
June 23rd, 2009
I share your fetish for doors, gates and arches after seeing your pictures. Very beautiful !!! Imagine all the intrigues that took place in the those dark corners…

petra voegtle
June 23rd, 2009
Marvellous photos – I have a hang myself on doors and I always loved to explore patios and courtyards in spain or Italy.
Currently I am doing this in my own town – LOL – finally!
Greetings from Munich, Petra