Spanish Steps
The Piazza di Spagna is the site of one of Rome’s most beautiful stairways, the Spanish Steps. It was given this name because the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was once located in the piazza.
The piazza is described as more butterfly shaped than square and is the position of one of Rome’s most unusual fountains, the boat shaped Fontana della Barcaccia, designed by father and son Bernini.
There is also an interesting museum dedicated to English poet John Keats who lived there for many years and at the southern end is a tall Roman column topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary.
During May the steps are lined with pink and red azaleas, displayed in hundreds of pots, their vibrant green leaves and delicious perfume draw you up, as the Spanish Steps rise in three flights (138 in total) from the piazza towards the twin towered church of Trinita dei Monti, originally commissioned by King Charles VIII of France in 1495.
Today the steps are used as the backdrop for the annual fashion show, Donne sotto le Stelle (Women in Starlight) where world famous designers and many equally famous models display the latest in fashion.
It is also a favourite spot for wedding photographs to be taken. A bride and groom will arrive at the top of the steps and then walk slowly down, the reaction from the crowds on the steps is magical. As soon as they are spotted a ripple of applause will start, quickly rising to cheering and loud clapping and wishes of good health and long marriage. It’s also quite simply a great place to hang out and watch the world go by.
At the top on a clear Roman day the view is superb, but you are faced with a dilemma. What part of Rome to explore next?
Villa Borghese
Behind you, and within reasonable walking distance, the Villa Borghese awaits, in front of you, some of the Italian capital’s most exclusive shopping streets stretch out. Further on, across the River Tiber are the Piazza Cavour, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square) and the Vatican City.
If you decide to go shopping, it’s back down the stairs across the piazza and on to the Via Condotti where the smartest shops are to be found. It’s a world where the price tags are discretely absent and the staff are at their snootiest.
It is however, retail therapy at its very best.
Further information:
- Spagna is the nearest Metro station and is situated in one corner of the Piazza.
- By bus, numbers 116, 117, 119, 5 will get you there.
- For those that might find the steps difficult to manage, there is an elevator near the Metro station. (Take extra care after dark).
- As in any crowded place, watch out for pickpockets.
- There are plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants to choose from if you want to make this part of the city your base.
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