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| Every year when I return to Rome there is not a single day that I don’t spend time at the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna |
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Of coarse Rome’s main attractions are its prized ancient monuments and one of the most wonderful to visit when in Rome is the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna, or in Italian its called Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti.
Trinita dei Monti is connected to a French Church which sits on top of the hill above the steps. The Spanish Steps leading down to the wonderful Piazza di Spagna are where not only tourists meet yet locals alike at all hours of the day to simply bask in the warm sunlight, meet friends before wondering aimlessly off to discover Rome’s secret treasures, enjoy a takeaway coffee, rest your tired feet or just sit on these famous steps and people watch from all walks of life.
The steps themselves are made of stone and are the widest set of steps in Europe, there are 138 steps to climb to the top, the steps were built between 1723-1725 and designed by the unknown architect at the time Francesco de Sanctis who won a competition held in 1717 to design them.
During the months of Spring the Roman’s line magnificent azalea flower beds up the centre of the steps and if you dare to rise earlier than most you will discover peace and quiet during one of the busiest times of the year for visiting Rome and enjoy The Spanish Steps as they are not often seen.
If you stand at the top of the steps you can see across the sky lined rooftops all the way to the Vatican City, and at the bottom of the steps take your time to have a photo standing on them to frame when you get home, and then turn to face downwards and stand beside the pretty fountain named ‘Fontana della Barcaccia’ which is another great photo opportunity. The fountain design is of a small boat that symbolizes the flooding of the Tevere river, the small boat was left stranded after the water subsided. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Spanish Steps are very easy to find and are located in the centre of Rome beneath my absolute favourite park and one of Rome’s prettiest parks Villa Borghese which I will write about very soon. The Spanish Steps are so beautiful and a must see when in Rome! xmm
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