Spanish steps in rome how to get there. The Spanish Steps in Rome - an old symbol of the two powers

– a city in which anyone can feel like a part of one whole: a single history for all, common culture, united world. A tangible symbol of such unity is , the road of 138 steps between time and eternity, where everyone is equal, no matter what step they are on. In the 18th century, it became a good sign of reconciliation between two empires that had been at war for centuries. In the 20th century, because of the brilliant cinema, "Roman Holiday" became a sign "=" between people of any social and property status. And the same spanish stairs remains in Rome to this day.

At the end of the 15th century, a deceptive calm reigned in Europe, more reminiscent of the calm before the storm. In England, the War of the Roses died down, the Turks and the Venetians came to reconciliation, in 1480 in Papal States the world's first permanent embassy. And they became the embassy of Spain.

The storm was not long in coming. In 1494, the First Italian War broke out, during which the French monarch Charles VIII, relying on his "bird" rights to the Kingdom of Naples, defeated the Florentine Republic along the way and entered Rome, where he signed a special kind of agreement with Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Of course, not just like that, knowing the requests of the Popes in general and this Pope specifically.

According to the treaty, the Papal States was not to become an obstacle to movement French troops along the Apennine Peninsula and, and even more, was to become one of the bases for an attack on neighboring states. The bribe was played beautifully: the French bought a site on the top of the Pincho hill for the construction of a temple from the Vatican and gave it to the illegitimate son of Borgia - Cesare - the Navarre princess.

As soon as Naples was overthrown, the balance of power on the territory of the peninsula was upset. The Spaniards so far cherished neutrality: the far-sighted French managed to draw up an agreement with them in Barcelona, and the new overseas colonies involved considerable material costs. But after the first war, the second soon flared up, quarreling the two powers for a long time: the new French king Louis XII and the Spanish monarch Ferdinand II could not share the profits and spheres of influence in Naples. The confrontation between the two empires lasted as much as two centuries, despite the many dynastic marriages and the joint struggle with the Protestants.

Long road to the Spanish Steps: half a century to reflect

In 1620, Spain took possession of the palace of its embassy in the Papal States. For the construction of the building, the Spaniards bought a plot of land from one of the slopes of the Pincho hill. Anyone who was located on the territory of the embassy was under the protection of the crown. There was also a disadvantage. According to legend, young men who mistakenly wandered into the area were forcibly taken into soldiers by the Spaniards.

Meanwhile, on the Pincio hill, over the building of the Spanish embassy in the Plaza of Spain, one of the most picturesque Roman churches, Santa Trinita dei Monti (Holy Trinity on the Hill, 1502-1587), has been rising for more than one year. By the French, on the territory of the French, at the expense of the French and to the glory of the French victory over Naples.

In 1660, France and Spain arranged another dynastic marriage between Louis XIV and Infanta Maria Theresa. In honor of such important event, which could contribute to reconciliation, the French envoy to the Papal States, Etienne Geffier, bequeathed most of his fortune for the construction of a staircase between the Spanish Square and the church of Santa Trinita dei Monti. For those 20,000 skudos in that era, it was actually possible to build anything, and even more so a new staircase instead of an unreliable wooden one.

Bernini himself was involved in the work on the project, and the Spanish Steps could have appeared 50 years earlier. But it did not arise, because Cardinal Mazarin himself became interested in plans for its construction. According to his decree, an equestrian statue was to crown the stairs Louis XIV. Not a single Pope could agree to such a thing, and bribes would not have contributed: it was going to another war between France and Spain, and even on Roman soil. Pope Alexander VII hid the project "under the cloth", but the relationship between the Vatican and France was still upset.

Spanish Steps in Rome: Spain and France

France fought with Spain in the 17th century more than once. The marriage of Louis gave him privileges to claim Spanish lands, especially since the dowry for the infanta was never given. The 2-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 the Spanish Steps in Rome was to be built, again became relevant.

In 1717, the competition was won by the architect Francesco de Sanctis, who modernized Bernini's sketches. But the construction of the Spanish Steps in Rome was not started again. Because of the claims of the new Spanish monarch to the lost lands in Italy and ... France, because as 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 - the Spanish Steps were nevertheless erected in Rome. The symbols of the dynastic unification of the two powers in the sculptural decoration of the stairs were French lilies and the papal eagle and crown.

On the territory of Spain and now the embassy of this country is located. 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 along with the Great French Revolution In 1789, in front of the temple, at the base of the Spanish Steps, an Egyptian obelisk was placed from the former gardens of the ancient Roman historian Gaius Sallust Crispus. The church itself preserves the priceless fresco "Descent from the Cross" by Daniele da Volterra, one of the disciples of Michelangelo.

By the way, legal name, which has the Spanish Steps in Rome - Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti. Otherwise - Staircase of the Church of the Holy Trinity on the hill.

The Spanish Steps in Rome is one of the most visited attractions. Sitting on it, they are fascinated by the views, sing songs, hold Christmas shows and fashion shows. Often the Spanish Steps in Rome also act as a kind of amphitheater where the audience goes to see the next concert on the Plaza de España stretching in front of it. Everything is possible here. Although, recently it was forbidden to eat on the stairs.

Admirers English culture go there to pay tribute brilliant poet John Keats. The house on the right side of the stairs (if you turn to face it) is the house where he ended his days, unsuccessfully trying to fight tuberculosis. Today, this building houses the museum of Keats and Shelley, another brilliant English romantic poet of the 19th century, who lived and died in Italy for four years.

The Barcaccia Fountain also draws attention to itself, the first fountain in the world, whose bowl is located below ground level. It has already been discussed here. The fountain itself is small, but strikingly elegant. And the fresh water flowing from its holes deserves to be seen in the forty-degree Roman heat.

According to the responses, the Spanish Steps in Rome is the second most important free Roman attraction after the Trevi Fountain. As a result, if you put aside discussions about war and peace, climbing it, you can walk in a few minutes to the Borghese Gallery and the Roman Zoo. Therefore, the concentration of crowds of travelers chasing everyone who finds himself in the capital of Italy is maximum here.

Rome is a city where anyone can feel like a part of world history. To do this, just go for a walk in the historical center. A striking example historical miracle The Eternal City is the famous Spanish Steps. Its 138 travertine steps begin at the Spanish Square, where the fountain of the ugly boat (Barcaccia) of the 17th century is located, and end at the French church of Santa Trinita dei Monti (Trinita dei Monti) of the 16th century, at the entrance to which there is a monument of ancient Egyptian civilization. To the right and left of the stairs are a nineteenth-century English tea shop and a museum of British poets born in the seventeenth century.

In the 18th century, the construction of the Spanish Steps was a confirmation of the friendship between the two warring powers - Spain and France. In the 20th century, after the release of the film "Roman Holiday" (1953), the stairs became a symbol of the equality of people with different financial wealth and just a popular place for romantic dates.

The Spanish Steps are part of our

The complicated history of the Spanish Steps

At the end of the 15th century, by agreement between the Pope and the King of France, a small plot of land in the upper part of the Pincho hill passes into the possession of the latter. The French king decides to use it for the construction of a church near the Vatican.

AT early XVII For centuries, Spain, which has long been at war with the French, buys from the Pope part of the land at the bottom of the Pincho hill for the construction of a palace for its own embassy, which appeared here several centuries ago. Since that time, the church of Trinita dei Monti, owned by the French, has risen above the Spanish embassy. However, in those years, relations between states were tense, and thoughts about the stairs connecting these significant objects, did not occur.

A new dynastic union in 1660 put the French and Spanish kingdoms on the path of peaceful coexistence. In honor of this event, the French diplomat Geffier allocated funds for the construction of a staircase between the Plaza de España and the temple of Trinita dei Monti. The well-known architect Giovanni Bernini (the one who created the Triton fountain) was involved in the creation of a symbol of friendship between states, but under his leadership, the construction of the stairs never began. The fact is that Cardinal Mazarin of France made a requirement to the project that a monument to the King of France be erected in front of the stairs. The Pope, out of principle, did not agree to this demand, and the project was suspended. In addition, the differences between the two powers resumed again.

Completion of the Spanish Steps

1714 went down in history as the end of two centuries of confrontation between the French and Spanish kings. For this reason, the Spanish Steps project has regained its relevance. In 1717, the project was headed by Francesco de Sanctis, who gave new life sketches by Giovanni Bernini. This was followed by another small war between the French and the Spanish. And finally, in 1725-1727, under the guidance of the architect de Sanctis, the Spanish Steps were nevertheless erected.

They built a staircase from the stone traditional for the Eternal City - travertine, and decorated it with images of lilies (a symbol of the French monarchy) and an eagle with a crown (a symbol of the papacy). statue french king decided not to. Instead of a statue, sixty years after the construction of the stairs, the Obelisk of Sallust appeared - an imitation of an ancient Egyptian monument. It was transferred from the collection of artifacts belonging to the Roman scholar Sallust.

Staircase in Rome as a tourist attraction

In terms of popularity among foreign tourists, the Spanish Steps takes an honorable second place among famous places Rome, free for visitors. The leader of the rating is the famous Trevi Fountain. You can always go up the stairs, but to avoid crowds of tourists, it is better to come here in the early morning.

It is also crowded here because fashion shows and other events often take place on the steps. Often the stairs are turned into auditorium for concert performances in the Plaza de España.

Admirers English Literature like to visit these places, as the memory of famous poet era of romanticism. John Keats lived for some time in the house next to the stairs, where he tried to defeat tuberculosis. He, unfortunately, could not overcome the disease, and the house became his last refuge. Today, a museum is opened in this building, the expositions of which are dedicated to the work of Keats and Shelley (another outstanding romantic poet from England, who lived for four years in Italy and died here).

To the left of the stairs is the popular English tea house Babington’s, which has been serving fifty varieties of tea for more than one hundred and twenty years (since 1893, to be exact). At the bottom of the stairs, the attention of tourists is attracted by one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome - Barcaccia. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century by the father of the architect Giovanni Bernini. The fountain is made in the form of a half-submerged boat, which, according to the creators, should remind the townspeople of the flood of 1598.

How to get to the Spanish Steps in Rome

To get to the famous stairs, it is not necessary to use a taxi, it is quite suitable public transport. For example, by metro (line A) from the main station of Rome (Termini) to the stop Spagna (Spagna). If the weather is suitable for walking, then the famous landmark can be reached on foot along Via Condotti or from the Trevi Fountain along Via Sistina, turning onto it from Via Francesco Crispi.

The Spanish Steps in Rome is one of the business cards city, a very popular place among tourists and residents of the city. This unusual baroque staircase, recognized as the most beautiful in Europe, connects the Spanish square with the top of the Pincio hill, where the famous temple of Trinita dei Monti is located.

It is always very noisy and crowded here, and from the hill offers a stunning view of the city.

Prerequisites for creation

Initially, it was conceived that the Spanish stairs would serve as a "bridge" to improve relations between the Spanish and French monarchy.

In the 16th century in Rome, at the direction of Louis XII, the church of Trinita dei Monti was built on the Pincio hill, which became the stronghold of the French monarchy in Italy for the French, forced to live in a foreign land. And in 1620, in Rome, at the foot of the Pincio hill, the Spanish authorities bought land for the construction of an embassy palace in Italy.

In 1660, Spain and France, being in constant confrontation, decided to go for reconciliation and conclude a marriage dynastic union between Louis XIV and Maria Theresa. In an attempt to smooth relations between the countries, the French ambassador Etienne Geffier decides to spend the lion's share of his fortune (20,000 scudos) on the construction of a staircase that would connect the Spanish area, which is important to the Spaniards, with the French church of Trinita dei Monti.

This idea pleased the authorities, and to grandiose project attracted the famous architect Bernini, but the Spanish staircase in Rome in the 17th century was not destined to appear. The fact is that Cardinal Mazarin wished to crown the building with a monument to Louis XIV. The Pope considered this an insult and vetoed the construction, and Etienne Geffier, who sponsored the project, did not have time to admire the most beautiful staircase built after his death.

Construction of the Spanish Steps in Rome

Even after the marriage between Louis XIV and the Infanta, Spain and France fought more than once, and half a century later, the idea of building a “bridge” between the symbols of these countries in Rome again became relevant. In 1717, a competition was held among architects for the construction of the Spanish Steps. It was won by Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis, who based on Bernini's design.

Before the construction of the most beautiful staircase in the world, which subsequently conquered all of Europe, it took a long time to strengthen the Pincho Hill and the Spanish Square. In 1723 all preparatory work were carried out, and the architects began to implement their project.

They divided the staircase of 138 travertine steps into three segments - a wide central one and two narrower ones on the sides, and equipped an observation deck at the very top of the hill.

The side parts of the Spanish baroque staircase, as planned by the architects, were decorated with French and Italian signs of power - the papal eagle with a crown and the French coat of arms.

Spanish steps today

Today, the Spanish Steps are a popular tourist attraction and meeting place for couples and friends. In the 90s, it was restored for the first time since its foundation, but nothing has changed significantly.

spring Spanish steps decorate vases with flowers, and in winter - Christmas decorations and dramatizations.

I would not call it the most beautiful staircase in Europe. Yes, it is quite impressive, but the crowds of tourists and molesters spoil the whole picture. Pleases only the view from the observation deck. We got there at sunset, and Rome looked like a magical city, descended from the pages of an old fairy tale.

Spanish steps in culture and art

The Spanish Steps have appeared in many films and films, the most famous of which is Audrey Hepburn's 1953 Roman Holiday, where her heroine ate ice cream while sitting on the travertine steps.

The Spanish Steps in Rome are used for fashion shows by famous couturiers such as Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana, whose boutiques are located nearby in the Spanish Square. In the days haute couture the entrance to the stairs is limited, and it is covered with a satin carpet.

What to see next to the Spanish Steps in Rome?

Church of Trinita dei Monti (

In the church of Trinita dei Monti there is a sculpture "Descent from the Cross", created by Daniel de Volterra, a student of Michelangelo. Unfortunately, we did not manage to get inside - the temple was already closed. Yes, and its facade was just restored - sadness.

Fountain "Barkaccha" ( barcaccia)

This graceful fountain was installed in the Spanish Square in the 17th century by the sculptor Bernini. It was based on the legend of a fishing boat thrown out by the overflowing waters of the Tiber.

How to get to the Spanish Steps?

Finding the Spanish Steps is pretty easy - follow the map to Piazza di Spagna or take the metro to Spagna station. If you want to stay in the area, then you should take a look.

Region of Rome: Campo Marzio (Campo Marzio)
Address: 00187, Rome, Piazza di Spagna, Staircase to Trinita dei Monti
Nearest metro: Spagna (line A)

The area around the Spanish Steps is considered the most fashionable in Rome. Boutiques are here famous brands Dolce & Gabbana, Gucchi, etc., luxury hotels and restaurants.

Last modified: June 12, 2018

This place in Rome is fanned with a special romance. Everyone who visits the Eternal City is sure to hurry to see with their own eyes and at least for a moment sit down on the three-hundred-year-old steps of this masterpiece of architecture, demonstrating the beauty of the Italian Baroque. The Spanish Steps is the same symbol of the city as or, but this is a special attraction of Rome. Having its own history, marked by the ambitious opposition of the monarchs ruling in the past centuries, it was almost never restored until the end of the 20th century, and therefore has survived to this day almost in its original form.

Renovations carried out in 1995 and 2015-16 have reopened this majestic world heritage, consisting of a cascade of polished travertine steps, directed skyward to Pincho Hill.

Spanish Steps in Rome

Why is the staircase called Spanish

Many guides to Rome convince every climber that he is on Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti, which is official name famous steps. However, the term spanish stairs brings travelers to a much greater romantic awe, evoking associations associated not only with pleasant memories of the 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 Gofier, who was far from knowledge of urban construction and architecture, but who knew all the intricacies of diplomacy. While in the service of King Louis XIV of France as his plenipotentiary in Rome, the diplomat advised the monarch to unite the low 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, one should delve a little 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 the 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 by Claude Lorrain (1600 - 1682)

Since 1620, at the foot of the hill, in the palace of Giovanni Monaldeschi, the representation of the Spanish kingdom settled, which later gave the name of the square in front of it. In those days, the dominance of France in Europe had a negative impact on the relations between the two states, which were constantly fighting for spheres of influence. Even 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, did not help normalize relations between the monarchies. 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 Gofier tried to reduce the tension between the states, offering his king to unite the representations of both monarchies in Rome with a kindred "ladder of friendship". Not hoping for an early implementation of the project, he left a will during his lifetime, in which a rather large amount was prescribed for the construction. However, even those in power of the three states, inspired by this, could not immediately agree on what this symbol of Franco-Spanish friendship should be. Urgent French demands for a statue of Louis XIV mounted on a stallion to be erected on a hilltop were rejected by the pontiff. He rightly considered that a monument to a foreign king should not adorn Rome. Thus, the wish of the French diplomat was postponed until the death of the monarch, who died in 1715.

Plaza of Spain. Rome. Work of Gianbattista Piranesi(1720-1778)

The fundamental project of the Spanish Steps was designed by the architect Alessandro Specchi and, after long discussions, was supplemented by his colleague Francesco De Sanctis, who gave it the very aristocracy and luxury of the Italian Baroque that we observe today. By tactfully combining lily flowers (the heraldic symbolism of the Bourbon dynasty) with the eagle and the crown of the Pope in the decorative design of the balustrade, the architects finally stopped years of bickering. Work began in 1721 on behalf of Cardinal de Tencin and supported by 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 in a photo reproduction by Giacomo Brogi (1822-1881)

Since then, the staircase, originating from the Plaza de España, has received its second, most beloved name.

Around the travertine steps of the Spanish Steps

There is no doubt that the Plaza de España has received the status of one of the most famous and beautiful squares thanks to the Spanish Steps. Talented creators gave her unusually elegant forms. By widening the steps at the base of the square, the architects achieved an amazing visual experience, adding perspective to their project. Dividing into two arms through several upper flights, the Spanish Steps describe an oval in front of the facade of the church of Santa Trinita dei Monti, emphasizing the beauty and majesty of the temple crowning it.

Spanish stairs. 1938

This is exactly what the name of the titular Catholic church, located above Spanish stairs. Being one of the five French-speaking churches in Rome, here and today services are held on French. Built in the period 1502-1519 in the Gothic style, to her in mid-sixteenth century, a new façade was added. Enclosing the old part of the building, it was adorned 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 Pincho 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 "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. He became the penultimate 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 top view of the Plaza de España and the streets adjacent to it.

Viewpoint 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 the emperor Agrippa in 19 AD. BC. Over time, the name was transformed into the current one, and today the street itself 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 magnificent 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 residents of the city suffered. The project was designed by Pietro Bernini by decree of Pope Urban VIII and carried out by a talented architect, together with his son, in 1629.

Barcaccia Fountain

Coming to the Plaza de España from the side of Condotti Street to the Barcaccia Fountain, you can see for yourself that spanish stairs with the church towering above it, makes up a composition of unique beauty, which numerous tourists immediately strive to visually capture. However, not everyone knows that to the left and to the 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 before. Caring 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.

House Museum of John Keats and Shelley

Tea Babington's

Opened by Anna Maria Babington and her friend Isabell Cargill over 120 years ago, the English tea house still retains its unusual atmosphere. past era. In addition to tourists and regulars, diplomats, politicians, artists and other eminent persons arriving in Rome must visit it. As before, more than 50 varieties of tea collected in different parts of the world are served here. Located Babington tearoom on the right side of the Spanish Steps when viewed from below the hill.

Tea Babington's

Did you know that:

next to the stairs, in one of the houses overlooking the Plaza of Spain, Giuseppe Balsamo once lived, who called himself the Count of Cagliostro ... The famous alchemist and esotericist, or 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 stairs is one of the best … Most a prime example this can be considered the film "Roman Holiday" by William Wyler with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck;

Frame from the movie "Roman Holiday" 1953

on top of the Pincio hill, where the steps of the Spanish Steps lead, next to the church, there is a five-star Hassler Hotel… Its president, owner and managing director is Roberto Wirth, a well-known Swiss hotelier in the fifth (!) generation;
the steps of the Spanish Steps have become the podium in the world of high fashion more than once... Many world-famous couturiers - Valentino, Gucci, Dolce e Gabbana, as well as eminent trading houses hold shows of their new collections here, arranging colorful shows;
in 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 bunches of opened buds of azaleas and petunias, which creates an enchanting riot of colors under the unusually blue Roman sky;
in December, on the day of Catholic Christmas, a nativity scene is arranged on the span 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 aspirations to touch the beautiful.

Spanish Steps - video

Where is the Spanish Steps

How to get to the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are located in the historic center of Rome in Piazza di Spagna (Piazza di Spagna). The easiest way to get to the Spanish Steps is by metro line A, reaching the Spagna station.

The Spanish Steps - Rome Landmark and World Heritage Site

About Rome - eternal city, whose history is amazing, and the number of sights is impressive, is known to every person. However, even the most interesting information, like developed fantasy are unable to replace reality. Walking around the city, contemplating centuries-old buildings, the cheerful temperament of Italians: all this can be felt only by deciding to carry out an amusing trip to Rome.

The capital of Italy is rightfully recognized the most beautiful city Europe, and to get to know even its most famous sights, a few days spent in the atmosphere of ancient stories are not enough. What is worth just one walk in Rome along the Spanish Steps - the pearl of the Baroque style, the impressions of which will remain vivid for a lifetime.

Spanish Steps in Rome - history

Spanish Steps, built in Rome more than three centuries ago, is a famous architectural monument whose history can impress everyone. It got its name thanks to the idea of the French ambassador in Rome, Etienne Geffier, who proposed to connect the church of Trinita dei Monti and the Spanish Square as a sign of the indestructible union of the French and Spanish powers.

And this idea so captured the imagination of the representative of France that he decided to create a monumental structure at his own expense, which he announced in his will, separating 20,000 skudos for the construction of the stairs.

The notorious Cardinal Mazarin also took part in the construction of the Spanish Steps, thanks to which the top of the building was crowned with a statue of Louis XIV. It is interesting that some documents that have come down to posterity since those times testify to the intention of the cardinal to realize the dream of the ambassador not in Rome, but in Italy. Upon learning of this, the Pope was very angry at the mere thought that the top of Pincho's hill in Rome would be crowned with a statue of the French king. Of course, the staircase construction project was rejected, but only for a while.

Already in 1717, it was launched again, but the architectural ensemble itself was erected according to the sketches of Francesco de Sanctis, an architect unknown at that time. The construction of the structure continued for two years and in 1725 the Spanish Steps appeared in Rome, but without the statue of Louis XIV: at the place of its alleged placement there is an eagle and a crown, as well as symbols royal house Bourbons.

Description of the Spanish Steps

The building originates in Piazza de Spagna, from the middle of which it rushes up to the very hill of Pincio. The Spanish Staircase is made of travertine and has 138 steps, each of which has a concave shape and a different length. Created by the architect de Sanctis, the building has survived only one restoration, which has already been carried out in our time: in 1997.

Since then, the monumental staircase has again won the love of the citizens and guests of Rome, becoming one of the most popular places for walking.

A magnificent view of the northeastern part of Rome, opening from the upper

The tupenek of this structure, as if it is a harmonious continuation architectural ensemble. At the end of the stairs, each traveler expects the famous Barcaccia Fountain, which is made in the form of a boat. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to take a break from the descent here, since this particular place is considered the most crowded, but admire the smooth lines and make beautiful photo memorably doable.

Climbing the Spanish Steps is not for the faint of heart, because you will have to go through many steps, and you will have to try hard to get to the famous Pincho Hill.

By the way, not only the ubiquitous tourists, but also famous art critics recognize the most beautiful structure of this kind of the Italian stairs. According to a recent poll, this building ranked higher than the legendary staircase in terms of the number of votes.

The Spanish Steps in Rome are also loved by connoisseurs of haute couture. Very often, it is here that shows are held and collections of famous couturiers are announced. At the same time, the building looks most beautiful in evening time. Thanks to skillful illumination and models defiling along the steps, the staircase becomes the center of a fantastic action, fascinating and amazing.

Being the most visited attraction, the Spanish Steps are also loved by fans of English culture, whose collections are distinguished by originality and mass character. It also often hosts concerts, amateur performances and many other events.

Visiting the Italian Steps, you can witness a fascinating action, visit the Keats and Sheilly Museum, the Church of Trinita dei Monti, or simply admire the surroundings. Everything can be done here. Eating is prohibited on the territory of the square.

How to get to the Spanish Steps in Rome

The famous Spanish Steps in Rome by the address: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Rome 00187 Italy. If the hotel of your choice is located far from the stairs, you can get to its steps by public transport.

At the same time, the trip will take a minimum of time Metro from Termini Station to Plaza España. If you prefer hiking, you can walk down Condotti Street to the stairs.

Shoppers will definitely like this walk, because it is here that the most expensive shops of the capital are located. How to get to the Spanish Steps, see the map for details.

Spanish steps on the map of Rome: