In spite of its size, Rome is a walk-able city. Seeing the city on foot will always bring surprises that aren’t visible while moving about in a car or bus.
One of these surprises are the small courtyards you might come across while walking down a wide thoroughfare or a narrow alley. Without warning, there will be an opening in the facades of the continuous rows of buildings. When you stop to look in, you will most likely see a courtyard graced with some object that is the central focus. 
It might be a fountain, clock or statue, brightly lit from the open sky above. Most of these courtyards, some old, some new, are entrances to suites of offices or to clusters of residences.
Take the time to stroll the streets and see these beautiful portals into the more private side of Rome. It’s a delightful past-time!
- Contributed by Kenneth Gregg, whose beautiful photography can be viewed at PhotographicArt.com, and this series specifically here. Thanks for your contribution!
Beautiful photos. I’m just planning a December visit to Rome, so perfect timing!
I recognize the water clock on Via del Gesù, just across from Corsi wine shop and trattoria. Did the portiere of these palazzi ever give you any trouble?
Beautiful and inspiring!
Yes, that is very true and the same can be said of Florence (Firenze) where I had the occasion to live once upon a time.
These are stunning, one thing (amongst a million) I loved about Italy, and I also find very unique to her. Grazie and amazing work to the photographer!! xo ciao ciao
What is most enjoyable about entering these courts is that the noisy world on the street is turned off immediately, one is a million miles away from it all. It’s almost another universe.
I have always believed that if you lived in Rome for one hundred years and walked out your door to explore the city you would see something different every day,and it would be fascinating.
Thanks for confirming my belief.
To all who have left comments (and to Mary Jane Cryan specifically – no the portiere never gave me trouble), thank you for your compliments on my artwork. My love of Rome is unlimited. I plan many more visits!
Lovely photos. I was in Rome, Florence, and the Naples area in April and did a LOT of walking there that I enjoyed very much.
Che bella Italia! I am trying to convince my husband to move there as soon as he retires although we still will have one left in the nest. I took him to Rome and the Amalfi Coast…needless to say, my American husband doesn’t seem to be against the idea anymore.
Please stop by and read my post at TesoroFino.blogspot.com about my dad’s Fresco Paintings in the Cathedrals of Southern Italy. The photos are lovely and no matter what age I am, I’m still daddy’s proud little girl. Come see; you’ll be glad u did!