Piazza di Spagna in Rome

Piazza di Spagna is probably the most attractive and one of the most visited squares in Rome. The square is a true masterpiece of the 18th Century, which is connected to a church by the monumental Spanish steps. It has taken its name from the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See and even in the 17th Century, the area surrounding the embassy was considered a Spanish territory. The square has a long, triangular shape and extends at the foot of the Pincio Hill. On the top, visitors can find impressive sites, including the French Church Trinita dei Monti, an obelisk and a fountain, which turn it into a truly amazing place.

The elegant staircase, called Spanish Steps, is an extraordinary combination of curved forms, straight lines and terraces with wonderful view of the city; from the top you can see the house of poets such as Shelley and Keats. The staircase was designed by the Italian architect Francisco de Sanctis who managed to delight the French and the papacy. The place is particularly enchanting in May, when azaleas crawl on the steps and turn it into a magical fairy-tale. Crowds of tourists, local residents and foreigners flood the area and use it as a meeting point. In summertime, the Spanish steps become a glamorous venue and are used as a catwalk of the famous fashion shows.

Another site on the square is Trinità dei Monti, the beautiful French church standing on the top of the hill. It was built in the 16th Century to replace the small chapel that existed on the same place before. The Gothic church has a Renaissance facade and two high bell-towers. It is attractive also from the inside, with several paintings on the walls, among which are the works by Daniele da Volterra, Michelangelo’s pupil. The church is included in the list of tourist landmarks in Rome.

Piazza Di Spagna comprises also the Barcaccia Fountain, which stands at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Its construction was ordered in 1598 by the Pope Urbano VIII to commemorate the disastrous flooding of Tevere river, which caused enormous damages. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the fountain has a design inspired by the flood, with a small boat that remained after the water subsided.

The last site on the square is the obelisk, or Colonna dell'Immacolata, that is situated in the south-eastern part of the piazza. It was built in 1857 to symbolise the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Originally, the column (with the statue of Virgin Mary on top) was placed in the Gardens of Sallust and was moved to the Piazza di Spagna in 1788, on request of pope Pius VI. It has hieroglyphs, which were copied from the obelisk on the Piazza del Popolo.

Piazza Di Spagna is a vibrant place, the end point of the most glamorous Roman streets - Via Condotti and Via Del Babuino. In the area there are many prestigious boutiques including Prada, Gucci, Valentino, etc. which attract shopping fans from all over the world. Elegant restaurants and cafes are also situated there; a nice opportunity to stop for a break and enjoy the atmosphere.