I recently had my second trip to Rome, the first having been in November, and the second earlier in June. While the colors of Rome were evident back when I had that late-Fall trip, they were far more impressive this time around with the summer sun shining on them. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love pretty façades. It’s safe to say that when they’re colorful, too, that makes them all the more enchanting for me.

As I walked around Rome this recent time, I noticed more than just the colorful façades; this time what caught my eye was the shutters. Whether they’re weathered or freshly painted, as I strolled through the city streets, I found that Roman shutters are always photogenic.

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

Here are a few shutter-filled façades that I couldn’t resist shooting…

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

In general, I find it a good rule of thumb when looking for pretty photos to take to look up wherever you go. In Europe, especially, there are lots of figures, statues, and ornate balconies that ought not be missed. But if you keep your eyes at street level, you’ll miss out on more than half the beauty of the city.

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

One of the best parts of Rome is the ever-present oleander and bougainvillea plants that make for beautiful foreground subjects against the façades.

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, RomaJulia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

I especially love this final image, with the window boxes and the surprise of a cactus plant peeking up from below.

Julia Willard, Rome, Falling Off Bicycles, Julie Willard, Italy, shutters, colors of Rome, Roma

I hope you enjoyed this small collection of some of my favorite shutter photos from my summer trip to Rome.

All images are © Julia Willard and may not be used without express written permission. Click any image in this series to be taken to my photography shop. Don’t see the one you want? Just email me!