As you walk around the narrow streets and alleyways of Barga Vecchia, you notice how many shutters are closed. Italians seem to live in the dark all year round. In summer the shutters keep out the hot sun and in winter they keep the warmth in. As a Northern European (British), I crave light so our shutters are permanently open all year round and if I lived in this villa for example I would certainly keep the shutters open to see the magnificent scenery outside!
