I know what you’re thinking. This guy sounds like a pig!
Well, I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I like big, beautiful, door knockers.
Lucky for me, Italy is the place to be for some seriously big knocker spotting. It doesn’t take long to notice that many of the older buildings in Italy have huge doors. So, it only stands to reason, big doors need big knockers!
In days of old, large door knockers served two main functions. It was a blend of form meets function. Large elaborate knockers spoke to ones style and affluence. It was a not so subtle way of letting your neighbors know, “Yeah, I’ve got money!“
Just as important though, they were an effective means of getting a homeowners attention. Before the advent of the doorbells, intercoms and security cameras, there was the good old fashioned door knocker. Picture it, a heavy metal ring crashing against a solid steel striker plate. Now, anchor all that to a solid wooden door and presto, you have yourself an excellent sound amplifier.
If my amici and I grew up in those times, we would have been a couple of rotten Rap and Run specialists. No doubt getting caught doing pranks like that came with painful consequences in those days!
Silenced Knockers
Nowadays though, you will annoy the heck out of the residents inside by using it, especially if you’re pounding on one just to satisfy your own curiosity! For this very reason, many homeowners have screwed down or strapped in the knockers, rendering them silent.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Door knockers come in all shapes and sizes to suit the tastes and style of those who reside behind the over-sized doors. It’s so satisfying to come across a knocker that I haven’t seen yet while out exploring the town.
If you were to ask me how old I thought these fantastic door decorations were, I’d have to say “I haven’t a clue.” I will admit that I am not an expert on the history of door knockers. Rather, I like to think of myself as a huge fan.
Without a doubt many of the current knockers are high quality reproductions, which follow period styling from the time the buildings were constructed. For those of you for whom only the originals will do, take solace in knowing many are in fact, vintage. Either way, they are ALL molto impressive!
The Faces
The Lions
The Mystical Beasts
The XXL’s
It’s my guess that we’ve reached the point where you too have become a fan of Big Knockers!
You may still have a preference for small or medium sized knockers, but hopefully today you have been exposed to the pleasures of the DD’s of knockers.
When in Italy, make Knocker Spotting a family activity. Reward your kids with a gelato for playing along!
See them before they’re gone!
