See The Famous Spanish Steps Of Rome
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Rome is a set of stairs built by the French, yet named the Spanish Steps. Now, some might wonder how they can be a tourist attraction when they are “just steps”, but that innocuous passage way between the Villa Medici & Piazza di Spagna is a marvellous journey in itself, regardless of the destination.
The Scalinata di Spagna or the Spanish Steps, are 137 steps that were built between 1723 and 1725 near the famous Piazza di Spagna, which is a triangle shaped plaza that is a top destination for tourists who come to Rome.
The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit in Rome. But it’s good to glance down at these amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in their own right. They look delightful in any season but when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses along the walk.
When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend to ignore the law, so it’s likely you’ll still see people indulging in this practice.
When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find another of the many great outdoor art pieces by Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini’s own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic “leaks” in the hull of the ship.
Enjoying a great work of outdoor art may put you in a literary mood so you can enjoy the Keats-Shelly Memorial House while you are there. After seeing two enjoyable sights, you may wish to partake in a cool beverage before you start your climb up the Spanish Steps.
Don’t worry about getting weary on your climb because the designers placed three rest areas with plenty of flat space for you to relax, do some shopping, have a beverage or a snack and recuperate before resuming your climb. When you successfully climb all of the steps, look back on a gorgeous view and then it is on to the Church of Trinta dei Monti.
The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.
If you are brave you may want to wander a few blocks to the well known Via Veneto but watch out, many an Italian girl has been flirted with and pinched in this neighborhood. While this pattern of behavior pretty much died out since the 1950s, it is still a fun part of Rome where you can continue to enjoy great food, beverages and shopping and admire the wonderful architecture all around you.
So put the Spanish Steps on your list of things you must see while in Rome. In that way you can say you walked on steps built by the French, named for a long gone Spanish Embassy and now an important part of your experience on your Roman holiday.
