Piazza di Spagna is always crowded. Tourists buy ice cream, sit on the steps, eat and admire the beautiful view. There are many shops and boutiques nearby. The cute fountain adds a touch of charm to the place.
Square of Spain (Piazza di Spagna), photo by sergio
Square of Spain (Piazza di Spagna) – one of the most cozy and elegant squares, collection architectural masterpieces And historical monuments. Throughout its history, it has been a refuge for foreign guests of the capital; many hotels were built here. In the 16th century, by order of Louis XII, the Trenita dei Monti church was even built here for the French. Since the 17th century, Spaniards began to settle in the square.
The shape of the square is unusual. This is a combination of 2 figures - a triangle and a trapezoid. There are beautiful buildings from the 18th century around. In spring there are flower exhibitions and theatrical performances in winter.
Palace of Spain (Palazzo di Spagna), photo Mattes
The square received an unusual foreign name from the Palace of Spain located on it (Palazzo di Spagna), the former residence of the Spanish ambassador to the Vatican, and now the Spanish Embassy. To house the embassy, the luxurious Monaldeschi Palace was acquired in 1622.
The dominant feature of the square is the Spanish Steps. Its real name is the Staircase to the Temple of Trinità dei Monti. This magnificent Baroque-era structure was built under the will and personal funds of the French diplomat Etienne Geffier, who wanted to smooth over tensions between France and Spain. The staircase was supposed to connect the church of Trinita dei Monti, the stronghold of the French monarchy in Rome, and the Piazza di Spagna.
Cardinal Mazarin decided that a statue should be installed at the top in front of the temple Louis XIV. This project seemed tactless to the Pope in relation to Italy, and until 1714 the construction was “frozen”. Only in 1725 was the staircase finally built. The authors of the project were Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis. It was decorated with lilies and heraldic symbols French dynasty Bourbon, and the papal eagle and crown. The idea of a statue of Louis was abandoned by that time.
Today the Spanish Steps are a recognizable landmark in Rome. In winter, the wide steps turn into a stage for Christmas scenes. In the summer, Haute couture shows (or “Alta moda” in Italian) are held on its steps.
Many may have seen the famous staircase in the cult film “Roman Holiday”.
138 smooth travertine steps of varying widths lead from the square to Santa Trinità dei Monti (Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti), the titular church with two tall towers - the “campaniles” (built 1502-1585). The patrons of this temple were the kings of France, with whom the Spanish rulers were related.
Inside there is a famous fresco of the Descent from the Cross (1541). In 1789, an Antique obelisk was installed in front of the church, which was delivered from the Sallust Gardens. This is a Roman imitation of an Egyptian obelisk.
Fountain Boat (Fontana della Barcaccia), photo Kevin Chien
At the foot Spanish Steps stands the famous Barcaccia (Boat) fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia) by Pietro Bernini, created in 1627-29. The fountain is made in the form of a sinking ship. Water flowing around a submerged boat creates an optical illusion of movement. The fountain was inspired by a legend that told about the remains of a fishing boat washed up on the Italian shore by the flooded waters of the Tiber.
Column Immaculate Conception and the Spanish Embassy (right), photo by Nelson Diogo
Next to the Barcaccia Fountain stands the magnificent Palazzo di Propaganda Fide. This is the property of the Roman Church. In front of it, on a marble pedestal, is an eleven-meter column of the Immaculate Conception.
View of Via Condotti from the Spanish Steps, photo Paulo Mamede
Piazza di Spagna has become the recognized center of Rome's fashion quarter. From here begins the historic street Via dei Condotti, whose boutiques present the most famous fashion brands in Italy and the world.
Take metro line A to Spaqna station.
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Swiss is one of the most famous hotels nearby. It is located on Via Gregoriana, just between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and is well equipped, making it suitable for families with children. Breakfast is included in the price. At the very top of the hill is the five-star Hassler Rome (hotel). Piazza di Spagna is surrounded by other hotels - Del Corso, At the Steps, Inn... But the hotels here are often very expensive, and they are preferred by wealthy American tourists. On the other hand, travelers recommend staying in this square because it is located in the very heart of the city, and if you want a short time cover as much as possible large quantity routes, it is worth choosing accommodation somewhere in this area. Of course, there are many expensive hotels here, but if you try, you can also find a budget hostel from the “bed and breakfast” series. You shouldn’t expect luxury from such a hotel, but you will practically not have to spend money on transport and you can wander the streets of Rome at night as much as you like. Each of these hotels is located in old house and imbued with the authentic Italian spirit. So, having lived in Piazza di Spagna, you will get to know the soul of the city. And you will feel its rhythm when you take a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the audience.
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