Where are the Spanish Steps in Rome? Spanish steps

Spanish steps(Italy) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.

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It is not for nothing that the Spanish Steps in Rome are considered the most beautiful in Europe. Its size, majestic Baroque style and architecture impress even the most experienced traveler. The staircase is especially beautiful in the spring, when the azalea blooms.

The Spanish Steps start in the middle of Piazza di Spagna and go all the way up to Pincio Hill. Constructed from travertine, it consists of 138 concave steps, the width of which constantly changes throughout the structure. The project of the Spanish stairs was revised many times: the French and Spanish diasporas could not agree among themselves, but in 1726 it was nevertheless implemented by the architects de Sanctis and Specchi.

In 1997, a large-scale reconstruction of this majestic structure was completed, and today the Spanish Steps are again a favorite meeting and walking place for residents and guests of Rome.

To climb the Spanish Steps, you first need to take the metro to Piazza di Spagna, getting off at Spagna station. It is also worth a look at the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is at the very top of the stairs (Santa Trinita dei Monti). The temple itself is very beautiful, in addition, inside there is an amazingly elegant sculpture “The Descent from the Cross” by Daniele da Volterra.

The exact address of the Spanish Steps is: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Rome 00187 Italy.

View of Rome from the Spanish Steps

Rome is a city where everyone can feel part of a single whole: one history, one culture, one world. A tangible symbol of such unity is the Spanish Steps, a path of 138 steps between time and Eternity, where everyone is equal, regardless of what level they are on. In the 18th century, it became a good sign of reconciliation between two empires that had been at odds for centuries. In the 20th century, thanks to the brilliant film “Roman Holiday”, it was a sign of equality between people of any social and financial status. This is how the Spanish Steps remain to this day.

The Long Road to the Spanish Steps: Historical Context

At the end of the 15th century, a ghostly calm reigned in Europe, more like the calm before the storm. The War of the Roses began in England, the Turks and Venetians concluded a truce, and in 1480 the world's first permanent embassy appeared in the Papal States. It was the Spanish embassy.

The storm did not take long to arrive. In 1494, the First Italian War began, during which the French king Charles VIII, taking advantage of illusory rights to the Kingdom of Naples, simultaneously defeated the Florentine Republic and entered Rome, where he concluded a certain kind of treaty with Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Of course, not for free, given the claims of Popes in general and this Pope in particular.

There are not as many people on the Spanish Steps in the early morning as at the height of the day

Under contract, Papal States should not have hindered the progress French troops along the Apennine Peninsula and, moreover, was supposed to become one of the bases for attacks on neighboring states. The bribe was beautifully executed: the French bought a plot of land on top of the Pincio hill from the Vatican for the construction of the temple and married off the illegitimate son of Borgia, Cesare, to the Navarrese princess.

As soon as Naples fell, the balance of power on the peninsula was destroyed. The Spaniards still remained neutral: the prudent French managed to conclude an agreement with them in Barcelona, and new overseas colonies required large material costs.

But the first war was soon followed by a second, which quarreled the two powers for a long time: the new French king Louis XII and the Spanish monarch Ferdinand II did not divide the spoils and spheres of influence in Naples. The confrontation between the two empires dragged on for 2 centuries, despite numerous dynastic marriages and a joint fight against the Protestants.

The Long Road to the Spanish Steps: Half a Century to Reflect

In 1620, Spain acquired a palace for its embassy in the Papal States. For the construction of the building, the Spaniards bought a plot of land on one of the slopes of Pincho Hill. Everyone who was on the embassy premises was under the protection of the crown. There was also a minus. According to legend, young men who accidentally wandered into this area were forced into soldiers by the Spaniards.

Meanwhile, on Pincio Hill, above the building of the Spanish Embassy in Piazza di Spagna, one of the most beautiful Roman churches, Santa Trinita dei Monti (Holy Trinity on the Hill, 1502-1587), has stood for many years. By the French, on French soil, with French money and in honor of the French victory over Naples.

The Church of Santa Trinita dei Monti still belongs to France

In 1660, France and Spain concluded another dynastic marriage between Louis XIV and Infanta Maria Theresa. In honor of such significant event, which could lead to reconciliation, the French envoy to the Papal States, Etienne Geffier, bequeathed most his fortune for the construction of the stairs between Piazza di Spagna and the Church of Santa Trinita dei Monti.

With these 20 thousand crowns in those days it was really possible to build anything, much less a new staircase to replace the unreliable wooden one. Bernini himself was involved in working on the project, and Spanish Steps in Rome could have appeared half a century earlier.

But it did not appear, since Cardinal Mazarin himself became interested in the plans for its construction. By his order, the staircase was to be crowned with an equestrian statue Louis XIV. No Pope could have done this, and bribes would not have helped: the matter smelled like another war between France and Spain, and even on the territory of Rome. Pope Alexander VII shelved the project, but relations between the Vatican and France still worsened.

Piazza di Spagna in Rome

France fought with Spain more than once in the 17th century. Louis's marriage allowed him to lay claim to Spanish lands, especially since the dowry for the Infanta was never paid. The two-century confrontation ended only in 1714.

As a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, France managed to elevate one of the Bourbons to the throne. On this occasion, the project according to which was to be built Spanish Steps in Rome, has become relevant again. In 1717, the competition was won by the architect Francesco de Sanctis, who updated Bernini's sketches. However, construction was delayed again. Due to the claims of the new Spanish king to lost lands in Italy and... France, since the new king, Louis XV, was still too young and in poor health.

Fortunately, the war lasted only two years (1718-20). And soon - in 1725-27 - as a sign of the final reconciliation of the two European powers - it was finally built Spanish steps. The symbols of the dynastic unity of the two powers in the sculptural design of the staircase were French lilies and the papal eagle and crown.

Christmas performances and fashion shows are held on the Spanish Steps

The embassy of this country is still located in the Plaza de España. The church of Santa Trinita dei Monti still belongs to France and is the titular temple of the French cardinals.

Instead of equestrian statues that went out of fashion with the Great French Revolution In 1789, in front of the temple, at the beginning of the Spanish Steps, an Egyptian obelisk from the former gardens of the ancient Roman historian Gaius Sallust Crispus was erected. The church itself houses the priceless fresco “The Descent from the Cross” by Daniele da Volterra, one of Michelangelo’s students.

By the way, the official name of the Spanish Steps is Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti. That is, the Staircase of the Church of the Holy Trinity on the hill. C'est la vie...

How to get to the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps in Rome are one of the most visited attractions. People sit on it, admiring the views, sing songs, and watch Christmas performances and fashion shows. Often the Spanish Steps also become a kind of amphitheater, where spectators come to watch the next concert on the Piazza di Spagna stretching in front of it. You can do everything here. However, recently it has been prohibited to eat on the stairs.

Fans English culture come here to pay tribute outstanding poet John Keats. The house on the right side of the stairs (as you face it) is the house where he ended his days, hopelessly trying to cope with tuberculosis. Now this building houses the Museum of Keats and Shelley, another great English romantic poet of the 19th century, who lived and died in Italy for 4 years.

The Barcaccia Fountain was installed in Rome in 1629.

The Barcaccia Fountain, the world's first fountain whose bowl is below ground level, also attracts attention. We've already talked about it. The fountain itself is small, but surprisingly elegant. And the fresh water flowing from its holes is worth visiting in the forty-degree Roman heat.

According to reviews, the Spanish Steps are the second most popular free Roman attraction after. In the end, if you put aside thoughts about war and peace, if you climb it, you can walk to the Roman Zoo in a few minutes. So the concentration of crowds of tourists chasing anyone who finds themselves in the Italian capital is maximum here.

You can get to the Spanish Steps by metro

You can visit it at any time of the day. Early morning Spanish Steps in Rome is in the shade, but there are not as many people in this area as at the height of the day.

If you decide to settle in another place, then you can even get to the Staircase by public transport. To do this, you need to get to the metro station "Plaza di Spagna" at

Spanish Steps, Spanish steps - an 18th-century staircase in Rome, an architectural monument of the Baroque style and simply a popular attraction in the historical part of the city.

The staircase has unusual story its appearance, which is even reflected in its name, but today it is, first of all, a tourist attraction and a place for parties and recreation. Also, one cannot fail to mention another role of the Spanish Steps - a classic place for making dates.

Story

The background of the history of the creation of the Spanish Steps in Rome lies the complex political relationships in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Rome in the 17th-18th centuries was the capital of the Papal States - a sovereign monarchical state, but rather weak both militarily and politically. Because of this, the Papal States were under strong influence neighboring states, primarily France, and was de facto dependent.

Now we can talk about the events that are associated with the appearance of the stairs. It all started long before its construction - on Pincio Hill, by order and with the money of the French king, the Trinita dei Monti church was built (completed in 1585), which became the center of the “French reservation”. At the same time, at the foot of the hill, a similar “Spanish reservation” was formed around the Spanish Embassy on Spanish Square.

“Staircase to Trinita dei Monti” (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti) is the dry official name of the attraction, which retains an echo of that political conflict. And the “Spanish Steps” is a popular name.

Initially, the top of the hill was not connected to this part of the foot, which was not very convenient, and even before the completion of the church there were plans to create a stone staircase. But an unusual event happened - the French diplomat Goffier, who died in mid-16th century I century, bequeathed huge funds for a specific purpose - the construction of a luxurious staircase in this place. This fact should have pleased Pope Clement XI, as it allowed him to save public funds, but Cardinal Mazarin, the de facto ruler of France, intervened in the matter.

The cardinal, having learned about the diplomat's will, demanded that a huge equestrian statue of the King of France, Louis XIV, be installed at the top of the future Spanish Steps. The Pope could not tolerate such a blow to his own reputation and construction did not begin, and then Goffier’s nephew protested the will, which delayed the implementation of the project for half a century.

Construction of stairs

But to be more precise, the idea of building a staircase (and, probably, the desire to use the diplomat’s money) was returned after the death of Louis XIV. In 1717, a competition was already organized, which was won by the papal architect Alessandro Specchi, but construction began only in 1723 and according to a different project. The French monks from the church, who were in charge of the budget, chose as the basis another project from the young Francesco Sanctis, who, however, had to work in collaboration with Specchi.

The statue of the French king was nevertheless abandoned, but all royal ambitions were satisfied - the staircase is decorated with both the coats of arms of the dynasty of French kings and symbols of papal power.

The construction of the Spanish Steps was completed in 1725, it formed a single architectural ensemble, consisting of a French church, the staircase itself, and a square with the Barcaccia fountain. Today, this small piece of Rome is one of the city's most popular attractions, just behind the Colosseum, the Vatican and the nearby Trevi Fountain.

Since the completion of construction, the staircase has been restored many times, most extensively in 1995. Original appearance completely preserved, only the effects of natural wear and tear were corrected. New reconstruction started in the summer of 2016.

Spanish Steps as a landmark

In Rome, with its abundance of attractions, it is still possible to highlight several main ones, and the Spanish Steps will definitely be among them. One can even assume that if not for the Colosseum, then this particular staircase could have become unofficial symbol city of Rome.

Every year, up to 5 million people visit the Spanish Steps and Plaza de España, according to city authorities. Interestingly, these attractions are completely free for tourists.

Free, except for the voluntary throwing of coins into the Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps. According to rumors, up to 700 thousand euros per year are officially caught from it.

Scene from the cult film "Roman Holiday"

Films played an important role in the popularity of the staircase, primarily “Roman Holiday” (1935) with Audrey Hepburn. The film, which later became a classic, contains whole line scenes filmed on the Spanish Steps and, probably, it was he who gave the main impetus for the popularity of the attraction, which today is included in all guidebooks and excursion routes.

Also, the staircase is considered a traditional place for making meetings and dates, but today this is not very convenient, since at any time of the day there are great amount tourists.

Attractions near the stairs

But such high tourist popularity is also influenced by the location of the Spanish Steps in the historical center of Rome. Even around the stairs there are many attractions, and almost half of the important places in the Italian capital are simply within walking distance.

Borcaccia Fountain and Spanish Square at the foot of the stairs

As already mentioned, the staircase is included in architectural complex from the square where the fountain is located and the top of the hill where the church is located. On the square itself, in addition to the fountain, there is a house-museum of the artist Giorgio de Chirico, and the building to the right of the stairs, if you look at it while standing at the foot, is the Keats and Shelley Museum.

At the top of the hill, just 200 meters up the street from the church, is the Villa Medici, which in turn is located on the edge of the Villa Borghese park.

Shoppers will also enjoy the Spanish Steps. You don’t even have to go anywhere - the districts with boutiques start in the west, Dolce Gabanna, Chanel and several others shops directly overlook the square, and walking along the pedestrian alleys deeper into the block you can find other boutiques of almost all world and Italian brands.

Boutiques on the first floors of houses adjacent to the square

After walking about 250-300 meters through the quarter with boutiques to the west of the Spanish Steps, you can find yourself on Corso Street, where the Altar of Peace is immediately located, several churches and the Tiber flows a little further. Total distance from the river bank to Plaza España – 600 meters. And in the south, about 700 meters away, is the most famous Roman fountain - Trevi.

Within walking distance of the Spanish Steps there are many theaters, museums, galleries and simply pleasant streets of “classical Italy” that you can stroll along. It takes a long time to walk to other major attractions, but the path is public transport won't take much time. So the Colosseum is only 2 kilometers to the south from here, and the Vatican is also 2 km, but to the west.

How to get there

The Spanish Steps are located near Piazza di Spagna, the nearest stop is Spagna. The easiest way to get there is by metro, line A (orange) or by bus route 117. Many transport routes converge at Piazza del Popolo, from which you will have to walk about 600 meters to the stairs.

Spanish Steps on the map

Tourist information

Photo

When it comes to the main attractions of the Eternal City, many will remember the Capitoline Hill on which Rome arose, the symbol of Italy - the Colosseum, destroyed and other famous historical monuments. And not everyone, unfortunately, will celebrate the most popular meeting place local residents, so I would like to talk in more detail about the architectural structure, which is considered a real curiosity.

French Church in Rome

The name of this historical masterpiece is not a mistake in Rome tourist guides, as many may think. And this is by no means a Spanish-style staircase, although the centuries-old history of the Italian landmark is closely connected with the country of flamenco and bullfighting.

A man-made work, considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe, has long been a source of inspiration for world photographers, artists, and filmmakers.

The story of this staircase that ends Spanish Square and rising to the ancient church of Trinita dei Monti, deserves a separate discussion.

By agreement between French king and the Pope at the end of the 15th century gave a small plot on the Pincio hill in Rome for the construction of a temple. Almost a hundred years later, Spain buys a plot of land next to Trinita dei Monti to build its embassy there.

The Spanish Steps as a symbol of peace between powers

States that have been walking towards peace for a long time decide to build a ladder that will connect the symbols different countries to actually show Europe how strong the diplomatic ties between them are. In honor of this significant event, the French ambassador allocates money for the construction, wanting to please his king, and Cardinal Mazarin decides to decorate the top of the majestic structure with a huge sculpture of Louis XIV himself.

True, not everything went so smoothly, because the case took place in Italy, and the Pope was very indignant upon learning of the intention to install an inappropriate statue of a foreign ruler. AND grandiose project construction was frozen.

Competition for the best project

In 1717, almost 60 years later, a competition was announced among architects for best project a wide staircase that perfectly demonstrates the stability of strong relations between powerful powers. Spain and France could not agree in any way on what style the future building would be built. historical monument. It is known that negotiations were held for six years, until the last word The Pope did not say, placing the construction in the hands of the unknown architect Francesco de Sanctis.

Two-year construction

Since 1723, construction of a monumental staircase in the Baroque style has been underway. The place where the luxurious structure was erected was first strengthened, as they were afraid that the ground might not be able to withstand the powerful structure.

After 2 years, the most beautiful Spanish Steps in Rome opened to the eyes of amazed residents, which at first bore the name of the nearby church - Trinita dei Monti. Later, the architectural monument is given the name by which everyone now knows it - Scalinata Spagna.

Description of a majestic architectural masterpiece

The Spanish Steps, the architect of which nevertheless refused to install a sculpture of Louis, nevertheless combined heraldic (lilies) and Italian (crowns and eagles - attributes of the Pope) in its decoration.

One hundred thirty-eight steps made of travertine - a natural stone that combines the properties of marble and limestone - are not the same in size throughout the entire path. At first glance it seems that they are easy to overcome, but this impression is very deceptive. Climbing narrowing and widening steps is very difficult even for healthy person, and if you consider that in summer the temperature rises to 40 degrees, you can imagine how difficult the path to the top is.

The Spanish Steps, whose amazing design resembles the open wings of a butterfly, is divided into three segments. At the top of the hill there is a spacious platform from which a magnificent view of Roman sights opens.

Barcaccia Fountain (Barkas)

At the foot there is a cozy fountain, built even before the construction of the famous staircase and depicting a sinking boat. According to ancient legends, it was here that a submerged longboat was found in the square after a flood. The area is always crowded, and there is a myth among tourists that it is here that the most tired traveler is charged with energy and strength from the murmuring water.

Spanish Steps: our days

This popular place, which amazes not only tourists with its beauty and majesty, but also art experts, has been a destination for dates and business meetings for many years. A favorite corner for memorable photographs, it attracts noisy youth and creative parties, to which the city authorities are quite loyal.

High fashion shows

Lovers love this place high fashion, because shows of the most famous designers in the world are held here. At the beginning of summer, the Spanish Steps turn into a kind of catwalk, along the uneven steps of which popular models in luxurious outfits carefully parade so as not to fall.

These days, the completely transformed Roman landmark is gathering a huge number of fans. Laser illumination, playing with light and shadow, creates stunning visual effects that will forever remain in the memory of those who were lucky enough to be present here.

Some interesting facts about the attraction

What else should everyone who comes to visit need to know? ancient city admire the amazing structure to which Italians declare their love?

The Spanish Steps, a photo of which will make everyone freeze with delight, three years ago was officially recognized as the most beautiful according to a survey among Internet users, leaving far behind no less masterpiece creations of human hands.

In spring and summer, amazing flowers bloom here in huge flowerpots standing right on the steps, and the staircase turns into a real colorful butterfly.

Next to the stairs there is a narrow street called Condotti, where the most expensive brand stores are located. You can stroll here, admiring the glamorous chic, and shopping is recommended in other boutiques.

As is known, local authorities It is not prohibited to gather on the stairs and sit on the steps. The only thing for which a huge fine will be imposed is for drinking any drinks and eating food.

Although many sources indicate that the Spanish Steps have 138 steps, according to some sources there are still fewer of them - 135 or 137. Heated debates sometimes occur on this issue, and every tourist has a chance to count how many there really are.

It was here that some scenes from “Roman Holiday” with O. Hepburn were filmed, and W. Allen shot the final shots of his film “Roman Adventure”.

The appearance has not changed for more than three hundred years business card Rome, and only in 1997 the dilapidated steps, destroyed by merciless time, were restored.

Tourists who have visited this amazing place claim that the Spanish Steps are beautiful at any time of the year. The city of Rome is proud of its landmark, rightly considering it a cultural and historical value not only of Italy, but of the whole world. And local guides always advise those who visit for the first time ancient capital, be sure to sit on the ancient steps and enjoy the special atmosphere.

Last modified: June 12, 2018

This place in Rome is surrounded by special romance. Everyone who visits the Eternal City is sure to rush to see with their own eyes and sit at least for a minute on the three-hundred-year-old steps of this masterpiece of architecture, demonstrating all the beauty of the Italian Baroque. The Spanish Steps are the same symbol of the city as or, but this is a special landmark of Rome. Having its own history, marked by ambitious confrontation between the monarchs ruling in past centuries, it was almost not restored until the end of the 20th century, and therefore has been preserved to this day almost in its original form.

Renovations carried out in 1995 and 2015-16 reopened this majestic world heritage, consisting of a cascade of polished travertine steps directed upward to the Pincio hill.

Spanish Steps in Rome

Why are the steps called Spanish?

Many guidebooks to Rome convince everyone ascending the stairs that they are on the Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti, which is official name famous steps. However, the term Spanish steps leads travelers to a much greater romantic thrill, causing associations associated not only with pleasant memories of Eternal City, but also with some pages of history.

Spanish Steps and Church of St. Trinity

The idea of building a staircase belongs to the Frenchman Etienne Goffier, who had no knowledge of urban construction and architecture, but knew all the intricacies of diplomacy. While in the service of King Louis XIV of France as his plenipotentiary representative in Rome, the diplomat advised the monarch to unite the low-lying part of the base of the hill with the Church of the Holy Trinity located on its top. To understand what prompted such a proposal, we should delve a little deeper into history.

The fact is that the church crowning Pincho Hill, built between 1502 and 1519 by the French king Louis XII, had the titular status of a Christian temple, which affirmed the presence of France on papal territory. Being a stronghold of the royal family of Louis in Rome, the Church of Santa Trinita dei Monti united under its arches numerous French people living far from their homeland.

Church of St. Trinity on the Hill. Rome. 1632 Work by Claude Lorrain (1600 - 1682)

Since 1620, at the foot of the hill, in the palace of Giovanni Monaldeschi, a representative office of the Spanish kingdom settled, which later gave the name to the square in front of it. In those days, the dominant dominance of France in Europe had a negative impact on the relations between the two states, which waged constant wars for spheres of influence. The normalization of relations between the monarchies was not helped even by the marriage of the daughter of the Spanish king Philip IV, Maria Theresa of Austria, with Louis XIV, who suspended the Franco-Spanish war of 1635-1659 only for a short time. But as soon as the Spanish monarch left this world, Louis resumed expansion, declaring part of the Spanish lands in the Netherlands his fiefdom.

The French diplomat Etienne Goffier tried to reduce tension between the states by proposing to his king to unite the representations of both monarchies in Rome with a kindred “ladder of friendship.” Not hoping for a quick implementation of the project, during his lifetime he left a will, which prescribed a fairly large amount for construction. However, even the powers that be of the three states, inspired by this, could not immediately agree on what this symbol of Franco-Spanish friendship should be. French demands for a hilltop statue of Louis XIV riding a stallion were rejected by the pontiff. He rightly considered that a monument to a foreign king should not decorate Rome. Thus, the wish of the French diplomat was postponed until the death of the monarch, who died in 1715.

Plaza de España. Rome. Work by Gianbattista Piranesi(1720-1778)

The basic design of the Spanish Steps was developed by the architect Alessandro Specchi and, after much discussion, was supplemented by his colleague Francesco De Sanctis, who gave it the very aristocracy and luxury of the Italian Baroque that we see today. By tactfully combining lily flowers (the heraldic symbolism of the Bourbon dynasty) with an eagle and the crown of the Pope in the decorative design of the balustrade, the architects finally stopped many years of bickering. Work began in 1721 on behalf of Cardinal de Tencin and with the support of French funding. Solemn The opening of the Spanish Steps was timed to coincide with the Jubilee year 1725. It took place with the direct participation of Pope Benedict XIII.

Spanish Steps photographed by Giacomo Brogi (1822-1881)

Since then, the staircase, originating from Piazza di Spagna, received its second, most beloved name.

Around the travertine steps of the Spanish Steps

There is no doubt that Plaza de España received the status of one of the most famous and beautiful squares thanks to the Spanish Steps. Talented creators gave it unusually elegant forms. By extending the steps at the base of the plaza, the architects achieved a stunning visual impact by adding perspective to their design. Dividing into two arms through several upper flights, the Spanish Steps describe an oval in front of the façade of the Church of Santa Trinita dei Monti, emphasizing the beauty and majesty of the temple that crowns it.

Spanish Steps. 1938

This is exactly what the name of the titular Catholic church, located above the Spanish steps. Being one of the five French-speaking churches in Rome, services are still held here today in French. Built between 1502 and 1519 in the Gothic style, a new façade was added to it in the mid-16th century. Covering the old part of the building, it was decorated with two symmetrical towers designed by Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Moderna. The temple was consecrated by Pope Sixtus V in 1585.

Church of the Holy Trinity on Pincio Hill

Inside the walls are decorated with a cycle of frescoes from the history of St. John the Baptist by Giovanni Battista Naldini. Here you can also see Daniele da Volterra’s masterpiece “The Descent from the Cross”.

In front of the temple at the end of the eighteenth century, Pope Pius VI installed the Obelisk of Sallustiano, imitating the ancient Egyptian one. It was the second to last of the great obelisks erected in papal Rome.

Obelisk of Sallustiano

The observation deck at the top of the hill provides an opportunity to enjoy the view from above of Plaza de España and the surrounding streets.

Observation deck of the Spanish Steps

Via dei Condotti

The name of one of oldest streets Rome, located opposite the Spanish Steps, comes from the pipelines laid here under Pope Gregory XIII (Italian: condutture). They supplied water to the fountains from the nearby Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built under Emperor Agrippa in 19 AD. BC. Over time, the name was transformed into the current one, and the street itself today is one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Rome. It houses boutiques of many famous brands - Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Dolce e Gabbana, Bulgari and many others.

View of Condotti street

Barcaccia Fountain

At the very foot of the Spanish Steps there is another, no less famous landmark of Rome - a luxurious fountain in the form of a half-sunken boat. It is a kind of memorial in memory of the tragic flood of 1598, as a result of which many city residents suffered. The project was designed by Pietro Bernini by order of Pope Urban VIII and carried out by the talented architect together with his son in 1629.

Barcaccia Fountain

Entering Piazza di Spagna from Via Condotti towards the Barcaccia Fountain, you can see with your own eyes that Spanish steps with the church towering above it, it forms a uniquely beautiful composition, which numerous tourists immediately strive to visually capture. However, not everyone knows that to the left and right of the steps going up, there are two houses that historically connect Rome with the subjects of Great Britain.

Keats and Shelley House Museum

Today, the building located to the right of the stairs houses two famous English poets who lived here previously. Concerned citizens of England and Italy have collected a whole collection of rarities, one way or another connected with their life and work, which is not even in the National British Library.

John Keats and Shelley House Museum

Babington's Tea Room

Opened by Anna Maria Babington and her friend Isabel Cargill over 120 years ago, the English tearoom still retains its quaint atmosphere. past era. In addition to tourists and regulars, it is always visited by diplomats, politicians, artists and other eminent persons arriving in Rome. As before, more than 50 varieties of tea, collected from different parts of the world, are served here. Located Babington Tea Room on the right side of the Spanish Steps, if you look at the hill from below.

Babington's Tea Room

Did you know that:

next to the stairs, in one of the houses overlooking Piazza di Spagna, Giuseppe Balsamo once lived, who called himself Count Cagliostro... The famous alchemist and esotericist, and perhaps just a swindler, was arrested on the steps of the Spanish Steps. He was sentenced to life imprisonment Catholic Church Rome on charges of heresy and imprisoned in the fortress of San Leo;
for many filmmakers Spanish steps is one of the best... Most a shining example This can be considered the film “Roman Holiday” by William Wyler with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck;

Still from the movie "Roman Holiday" 1953

at the top of the Pincho hill, where the steps of the Spanish Steps lead, next to the church there is the five-star Hassler Hotel... Its president, owner and managing director is Roberto Wirth, a famous fifth (!) generation Swiss hotelier;
the steps of the Spanish Steps have more than once become a catwalk in the world of high fashion... Many world-famous couturiers - Valentino, Gucci, Dolce e Gabbana, as well as famous trading houses hold shows of their new collections here, staging colorful shows;
in the spring, the Spanish Steps bloom... Every year, usually on April 21, the day of the founding of Rome, its steps and balustrade are decorated with armfuls of open buds of azaleas and petunias, which creates an enchanting riot of colors under the unusually blue Roman sky;
in December, on the occasion of Catholic Christmas, a nativity scene is arranged on the interspan of the Spanish Steps, reproducing scenes of the birth of Christ...

Spanish steps in spring

In conclusion, I would like to add that the Spanish Steps are not the only one. If in former times he ruled the whole world, today Rome is the ruler of our hearts and desires to touch the beautiful.

Spanish Steps - video

Where is the Spanish Steps located?

How to get to the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are located in the historical center of Rome in the Piazza di Spagna. The easiest way to get to the Spanish Steps is by metro line A, arriving at the Spagna station.

Spanish Steps - a landmark of Rome and a world heritage site