Are the Spanish Steps in Rome the most beautiful in Europe? The Spanish Steps in Rome are an old symbol of two powers: France and Spain.

Address: Italy, Rome, Piazza di Spagna
Start of construction: 1723
Completion of construction: 1725
Architect: Francesco de Sanctis
Number of steps: 138 pcs
Coordinates: 41°54"21.7"N 12°28"58.2"E

The unique, unique and most beautiful staircase in the entire Old World is the Spanish Baroque Staircase in Rome. If someone thinks that the “Spanish” steps in the sunny capital of Italy is just a typo, he, naturally, is deeply mistaken.

Spanish steps bird's-eye

The thing is that the most beautiful staircase, which was built almost three centuries ago, has Spanish roots, as well as French ones. This greatest monument of architecture, built in the Baroque style, completes the Piazza di Spagna in Rome and Via Condoti, and leads to the famous church of Trinita dei Monti.

The French ambassador in Rome, Etienne Geffier, tried to please his king and proposed linking the Piazza di Spagna in Rome with the Trinità dei Monti church, which, in his opinion, should have shown the whole of Europe how close the connection is between France and Spain. Geffier decided not to disturb his king, so that he would not have to spend money on this project from state treasury France: he wrote a will in which he left 20,000 crowns for the construction of a beautiful staircase. The well-known Cardinal Mazarin, who decided that a statue of Louis XIV should be erected forever at the top of the stairs, did not stand aside. Alas, almost immediately after drawing up his will, Etienne Geffier died and did not have time to see what today 3 to 5 million people admire every year.

Church of Trinita dei Monti at the top of the stairs

True, while preparing a grandiose project, both the French ambassador and Mazarin apparently forgot for a while that they decided to start construction not in their homeland, but in the capital of Italy. In a city that at one time was the center of the Great Roman Empire. The Pope, according to some evidence that has survived to this day, was furious at such a proposal and opposed the fact that a statue of the French king should be displayed in the “eternal city” on the top of Pincho Hill. The project was not approved, and construction of the Spanish Steps never began during the lifetime of the French king, who nurtured such strong love to Spain.

True, in 1717 a competition was announced for the design of a baroque staircase, in which the design of an unknown architect, Francesco de Sanctis, won. However, he was more interested in philosophy, Italian language and literature rather than design. However, it was his project that was considered worthy of attention, and in 1723 a grandiose construction began, lasting only 2 years: in 1725 the amazing Spanish Steps appeared in Rome. True, the statue of Louis XIV was never approved: in the stairs you can only find the symbols of the Bourbons and, of course, the attributes of the power of the Pope - an eagle and a crown.

View from the Spanish Steps to the Barcaccia Fountain and Via dei Condotti, the oldest street in Rome

Spanish Steps today

As mentioned above, the construction of a unique staircase was associated with various complications. But, thanks to the compromise found then, today any tourist can enjoy the splendor of this masterpiece, from the top steps of which (there are 138 in total) a picturesque view of the northeastern part of the capital of Italy with its huge number of attractions opens. At the foot of the Spanish Steps you can relax by the Barcaccia fountain, made in the shape of a small boat. True, the word “relax” is not entirely appropriate in this context: crowds of tourists and Romans constantly gather at the fountain itself, as if gaining strength from this source of water. The fountain attracts especially many people around it in the summer, because the temperature at this time of year in Rome often exceeds +40 degrees Celsius.

In order to reach the top of the stairs and fully enjoy the view, you must climb 138 steps. The word “overcome” best describes the climb up the Spanish Steps in Rome. All its steps are bizarrely curved and constantly narrow and widen. It may seem like just a few minutes and you will find yourself at the top of Pincho Hill, but climbing the Spanish Steps is not a challenge for the weak.

Barcaccia Fountain

Sometimes you not only have to overcome difficult flights, but also maneuver among tourist groups that constantly stop to capture the most beautiful baroque staircase in Europe. By the way, not only tourists, but also famous art critics consider it the most beautiful. Not long ago, a sociological survey was conducted on the World Wide Web among lovers of architectural monuments: all its participants almost unanimously decided that the Spanish Steps in the “eternal city” are far superior in beauty to even the legendary staircase in Montmartre.

The Spanish Steps are familiar not only to tourists who have visited Rome, but also to connoisseurs of high fashion, as fashion shows are often held there latest collections famous couturiers. At this time, the staircase is completely transformed. Thanks to the lighting and the play of light and shadow, models smoothly descending the steps, the staircase seems like something fantastic and inaccessible to anyone. common man a work of art. Despite this, after the gala show, any guest of the city or just a couple in love can sit on the steps of this historical and architectural monument of Rome and enjoy contact with the world of beauty.

Every person knows about Rome - the eternal city, whose history amazes the imagination, and the number of attractions is impressive. However, even the most interesting information, like developed fantasy, are not able to replace reality. Walking around the city, contemplating centuries-old buildings, the cheerful temperament of the Italians: all this can be experienced only by deciding to make an exciting trip to Rome.

The capital of Italy is rightfully recognized the most beautiful city Europe, and to get acquainted with even its most famous sights, a few days spent in the atmosphere of ancient stories are not enough. Just one walk in Rome along the Spanish Steps is worth it - a 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 received its name thanks to the idea of ​​the French ambassador to Rome, Etienne Geffier, who proposed to connect the Trinita dei Monti church and the Spanish Square as a sign of the unbreakable 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, allocating 20,000 crowns for the construction of the staircase.

The well-known Cardinal Mazarin also took part in the construction of the Spanish Steps, thanks to whom the top of the structure was crowned with a statue of Louis XIV. It is interesting that some documents that have come down to posterity since those times indicate the cardinal’s intention to realize the ambassador’s dream not in Rome, but in Italy. Having learned about this, the Pope was very angry at the mere thought that the top of Pincio 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 built according to the sketches of Francesco de Sanctis, an unknown architect 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 site of its supposed placement there are attributes of papal power - an eagle and a crown, as well as symbols of the royal house of Bourbon.

Description of the Spanish Steps

The construction begins in Piazza de Spagna, from the middle of which it rises up to the Pincio hill. The Spanish Steps are made of travertine and have 138 steps, each of which has a concave shape and different lengths. Created according to the design of the architect de Sanctis, the building survived only one restoration, which was carried out in our time: in 1997.

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

A magnificent view overlooking the north-eastern part of Rome, from the upper

Tupenek of this building, as if it is a harmonious continuation of the architectural ensemble. At the end of the stairs, the famous Barcaccia fountain, which is made in the shape of a boat, awaits each traveler. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to take a break from the descent here, since this is the place that is considered the most crowded, but admire the smooth lines and do beautiful photo for memory is quite feasible.

Climbing the Spanish Steps is not a walk for the weak, 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, the Italian Steps are recognized as the most beautiful structure of this kind not only by ubiquitous tourists, but also by famous art critics. According to a recent survey, this building took a higher position in terms of the number of votes than the legendary staircase.

The Spanish Steps are also beloved in Rome among connoisseurs of high fashion. Very often, this is where shows are held and collections of famous couturiers are announced. At the same time, the building looks most beautiful in the evening. Thanks to skillful lighting and models parading along the steps, the staircase becomes the center of a fantastic action, bewitching and stunning.

Being the most visited attraction, the Spanish Steps are also loved among fans of English culture, whose gatherings are distinguished by their originality and mass participation. Concerts, amateur performances and many other events are also often held here.

After visiting the Italian Steps, you can witness a fascinating action, visit the Keats and Shealey Museum, the Trinita dei Monti church, or simply admire the surroundings. You can do everything here. It is only prohibited to eat on the territory of the square.

The easiest way to get to the Spanish Steps in Rome

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

In this case, the trip will take a minimum of time Metro from Termini Station to Piazza di Spagna. If you prefer hiking, to the stairs you can walk along Condotti Street.

Shopping lovers will definitely enjoy this walk, because this is where the most expensive shops in the capital are located. How to get to the Spanish Steps, see more on the map.

Spanish Steps on the map of Rome:

The Spanish Steps are an unusual architectural wonder, one of those places that are recommended to visit in Rome. A cascade of polished stone steps descends majestically from the top of the Pincio hill straight to the foot of the Spanish Square (Piazza di Spagna).

This is one of the unique business cards Rome. Wide baroque steps attract guests to the Italian capital and serve as a source of inspiration for filmmakers and artists.

Famous fashion houses: Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Dior chose to place their stores a stone's throw from such a grandiose place.

Having admired the shine of the smooth travertine steps, travelers will probably become interested in the past of the Spanish Steps.

The most interesting fact from the biography of the attraction is its real name: “Staircase to the Temple of Trinità dei Monti” (Italian: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti).

The mysterious “Spanish Flu” actually has a very controversial history, built on the confrontation between Spanish and French ambitions in Italy.

The titular church of Trinita dei Monti, rising on the Pincio hill, was built in the 16th century through the efforts of King Louis XII. The temple became a stronghold of the French monarchy in Rome. He had great importance for French subjects living far from their homeland. At the same time, the Spanish Square, located at the foot of the Pincio hill, was no less important for the Spaniards, since it housed the Spanish Embassy.

Louis XIV was related to the Spanish monarchs, being married to the king's daughter, Maria Teresa of Austria. Despite this, relations between the states were quite tense. To remedy the current situation, French political figure Etienne Geffier decided to connect the Trinita dei Monti temple and the Spanish Square with a staircase. To implement such a symbolic idea in Rome, Geffier allocated funding in the amount of 20 thousand Italian crowns.

Construction

According to the original plan, the Spanish Steps should have turned into a grandiose and incredibly pretentious architectural ensemble. The most controversial aspect of the French idea is the equestrian statue of Louis XIV that crowns the building. The Roman authorities considered themselves offended and vetoed the construction. Only in 1717 was a competition among architects held. It was won by the creative tandem of Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis. The implementation of the architectural project began already in 1723, having spent considerable time planning the land of the hill, strengthening the area and carrying out other preparatory work.

For two years, workers and builders labored over the construction of 138 steps carved from travertine.

As a result, the Spanish Steps received a wide central segment, framed by two narrower ones. Closer to the top of the hill there is an observation deck, which can be reached via two half-moons of side flights. On the sides, the steps were limited by stone sides in the Italian Baroque style. For decoration, the architects diplomatically used the heraldic symbols of the French Bourbon dynasty, as well as the image of an eagle and a crown - attributes of papal power in Rome.

Modern look

From the time construction was completed in 1725 until the 90s of the 20th century, the Spanish Steps did not experience any serious construction interventions. However, there is little romance left in the dilapidated steps, stones eaten away by time and rain. City authorities found funds to restore the historical and architectural monument. In 1997, the refreshed landmark returned to the map tourist routes. Once again, large streams of travelers flocked to the most beautiful staircase in Europe located in Rome.

With the arrival of spring, flowerpots with blooming azaleas and petunias color the staircase in bright colors. IN winter period wide steps turn into stages for Christmas scenes. The Trinita dei Monti church serves as a beautiful setting for the view of the Spanish Steps.

However, its interior decoration is also of considerable interest. The most famous exhibit of the temple is the sculptural group “Descent from the Cross”, made by a student of Daniele de Volterra (Italian: Daniele da Volterra).

A leisurely walk up the steps will give guests of the city a wonderful view of the Spanish Square and the streets adjacent to it. The building at the foot of the stairs on the right is a house museum dedicated to the work of the English Romantic poets John Keats and Mary Shelley. They say that young Keats enthusiastically read his works to the already accomplished woman and poet Shelley, walking along the stone steps.

Also, the Spanish Steps allow you to look down on (Italian: Barcaccia), which adorns the Spanish Square. The fountain was made by the famous Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini (father) at the beginning of the 17th century. There is a legend that the once overflowing waters of the Tiber washed up the remains of a fishing boat on the Italian shore. It was this plot that the master embodied in stone.

No matter how loud it may sound, the Spanish Steps in Rome have their own filmography. Refined Audrey Hepburn in the 1953 melodrama “Roman Holiday” enjoyed ice cream while sitting on the famous steps.

Many Italian films cannot do without views of the capital, including shots from Pincio Hill. Notable among the list of achievements of the staircase are the fashion shows of maestro Valentino, fashion parties from Dolce & Gabbana and other spectacular events from the world of high fashion.

How to get there

Looking at the “registration” column of our Spanish woman, you can see the address: 00187, Italy, Rome, Stairs to Trinità dei Monti (Italian 00187, Italy, Rome, Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)

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- a city in which anyone can feel like they are part of one whole: a common history, a common culture, a common world. A tangible symbol of such unity is , the road of 138 steps between time and Eternity, where everyone is equal, regardless of what step they are on. In the 18th century she became good sign reconciliation between two empires that have been at war for centuries. In the 20th century, due to the brilliant cinema, “Roman Holiday” became a “=” sign between people of any social and property status. And the same Spanish Steps in Rome remains to this day.

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

The storm did not take long to arrive. 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 formalized a special kind of treaty with Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Of course, not just like that, knowing the requests of Popes in general and this Pope specifically.

According to the agreement, the Papal States should not have become an obstacle to the movement of French troops along the Apennine Peninsula and, even more, should have turned into one of the bases for attacking neighboring states. The bribe was played out beautifully: the French bought a plot of land on top of Pincho Hill from the Vatican for the construction of a temple and gave it for illegitimate son Borgia - Cesare - Princess of Navarre.

As soon as Naples was defeated, the balance of power on the peninsula was disrupted. The Spaniards were still maintaining 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 broke out, which quarreled the two powers for a long time: the new French king Louis XII and the Spanish monarch Ferdinand II were unable to divide the profit and spheres of influence in Naples. The confrontation between the two empires lasted for two centuries, despite many dynastic marriages and a joint struggle with Protestants.

The 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. To erect the building, the Spaniards bought a plot of land on one of the slopes of Pincho Hill. Anyone located on the embassy grounds was under the protection of the crown. There was also a drawback. According to legend, young men who mistakenly wandered into this area were forcibly taken by the Spaniards to become soldiers.

Meanwhile, on the Pincio hill, above the building of the Spanish embassy in Piazza di Spagna, one of the most picturesque Roman churches, Santa Trinita dei Monti (Holy Trinity on the Hill, 1502-1587), has stood for many years. By the French, on French territory, at the expense of the French and for the glory of the French victory over Naples.

In 1660, France and Spain staged another dynastic marriage between Louis XIV and Infanta Maria Theresa. In honor of this important event In a move that could facilitate reconciliation, the French envoy to the Papal States, Étienne Geffier, bequeathed most of his fortune to the construction of a staircase between the Piazza di Spagna and the church of Santa Trinita dei Monti. For those 20,000 crowns in that era, it was actually possible to build anything, much less 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, the staircase was to be crowned with an equestrian statue of Louis XIV. Not a single Pope could agree to such a thing, and bribes would not have contributed: things were heading towards another war between France and Spain, and even on Roman soil. Pope Alexander VII hid the project “under the carpet”, but relations between the Vatican and France were still upset.

Spanish Steps in Rome: Spain and France

France fought with Spain several times in the 17th century. Louis's marriage gave him the privilege to lay claim to 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 succeeded in placing one of the Bourbons on the throne. By on this occasion the project according to which the Spanish Steps were to be built in Rome again became relevant.

In 1717, the architect Francesco de Sanctis won the competition, modernizing Bernini's sketches. But the construction of the Spanish Steps in Rome was not started again. Due to the claims of the new Spanish monarch to lost lands in Italy and... France, because 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 design of the staircase were French lilies and the papal eagle and crown.

The embassy of this country is still located on the territory of Spain. The Temple of Santa Trinita dei Monti still belongs to France and serves as the titular temple of the French cardinals. To replace the equestrian statues that went out of fashion with the Great French Revolution of 1789, an Egyptian obelisk from the former gardens of the ancient Roman historian Gaius Sallust Crispus was placed in front of the temple, at the base of the Spanish Steps. The church itself preserves the priceless fresco “The Descent from the Cross” by Daniele da Volterra, one of Michelangelo’s students.

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

The Spanish Steps in Rome are one of the most visited attractions. Having sat down on it, they are enchanted by the views, sing songs, and hold Christmas shows and fashion shows. Often the Spanish Steps in Rome also act as a kind of amphitheater, where spectators go to see the next concert on the Piazza di Spagna stretching in front of it. It is possible to do everything here. Although, recently it has been prohibited to eat on the stairs.

Admirers of English culture go there to pay tribute to the memory of the 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, the first fountain in the world whose bowl is located below ground level, also attracts attention. 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 reviews, the Spanish Steps in Rome are 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 to the Borghese Gallery and the Roman Zoo in a few minutes. Therefore, the concentration of crowds of travelers chasing everyone who finds themselves in the capital of Italy is maximum here.

The Spanish Steps are one of the most unusual attractions in Rome. One of the symbols of the city, it is much younger than the ancient Roman heritage, which attracts the bulk of tourists to the capital. It is also surprising that it bears the name of another country, although it is closely connected with Italian history. Tourist portal website

History of the creation of Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti

Painting of the Trinita dei Monti church before the creation of the Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna in Rome is the place where the representation of the kings to the Holy See and the French monarchs who were close to them was located family ties. The latter, moreover, were patrons of the nearby church of Trinita dei Monti. Initially, there was no connecting link between these two objects, but Etienne Geffier, a French diplomat, conceived a project that would connect these two points on the map.

Unfortunately, during his lifetime Geffier did not have time to implement the idea. However, his will indicated a desire to leave 20 thousand crowns ( currency unit Papal States until the 19th century) for the construction of a staircase between the church and the square. The inheritance of a man who died in the middle of the 17th century. The diplomat attracted the attention of the minister, Cardinal Mazarin. He proposed to crown the staircase with an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, who ruled the neighboring country. Naturally, such proposals did not arouse enthusiasm among the Pope - the project was shelved until the beginning of the 18th century.

In 1715, after the death of Louis, the idea of ​​​​building a staircase was resurrected. A competition was announced for best project, in which the then little-known architect Francesco de Sanctis won in 1717, beating the popular Alessandro Specchi. Sometimes they are mistakenly classified as a “creative couple.” In fact, the architects presented two different designs. However, the final version of the Spanish Steps was born in discussions, so Specchi can still be considered a “co-author”. Tourist portal website

Construction of the Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps - engraving by Gianbattista Piranesi

Construction work began in 1723. It took Francesco quite a long time to produce necessary calculations- it was necessary to strengthen the hillside, prepare the area, and select materials. Construction took two years. The resulting Spanish Steps has 135 steps (the 136th is sometimes mistakenly called the drainage ledge, and in many publications the staircase is generally described as consisting of 138 steps). For the construction, a traditional stone for the Italian architectural school was used - travertine.

Replaced the flimsy one wooden stairs the luxurious baroque structure between Piazza di Spagna and Trinity Church has become as integral an element of the image of Rome as, or.

It is interesting that, despite the refusal to erect a monument in honor of the French king, the attributes of the monarchy of this country still found their place in the decoration of the Spanish Steps. For decorations, images of the coat of arms of the French branch were used royal family Bourbons. Also in the ornament you can see symbols of papal power - an eagle and a crown.

Having become the subject of disputes between the Franco-Spanish community of Rome and the papacy, the staircase remained an object that was ignored by the city authorities in subsequent years. This allowed it to largely preserve its original appearance to this day - restoration was carried out only in the 90s of the last century. In 1997, when the renovated Spanish Steps was reopened, streams of citizens and tourists flocked here. Tourist portal website

Near the first step of the Spanish Steps

The Square of Spain (Piazza di Spagna), from which the Spanish Steps lead up to the church, is located in the very center. Since 1620, the most beautiful palace in Spain has been located here, but this is far from the only attraction in the space of the square, consisting of two unequal triangles.

Rome - Piazza di Spagna - Fontana della Barcaccia
Rome - Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps

Barcaccia Fountain - Fontana della Barcaccia

One of the most interesting objects here is the Barcaccia Fountain, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, whose full name, Fontana della Barcaccia, is translated into Russian as “ugly boat”. This Baroque fountain was built by Pietro Bernini in 1627, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII. The half-sunken longboat should remind residents of the capital of the flood of 1598, when the Tiber overflowed so much that it overflowed its banks and flooded the center of the Italian capital. Then a boat was discovered on the square, which became the prototype of the monument. By the way, Bernini not only built a fountain, but also restored a system of canals that were supposed to provide water to new areas of the city.

The construction of the fountain was fraught with some difficulties - it is filled with water by the Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct built in 19 BC. Since the water pressure in it is low, the structure had to be built below the level of the square, very close to the steps of the Spanish Steps. The fountain was restored several times, but still retained the appearance that was given to it by the author. Latest restoration work were carried out in 2014, when 200,000 euros of private donations were spent on them. And a year later, the structure was damaged by Dutch fans who came to Italy to support their football team. Tourist portal website

Rome - Piazza di Spagna - Column of the Immaculate
Rome - Piazza di Spagna - Colonna dell’Immacolata

Column of the Immaculate - Colonna dell’Immacolata

In the southern part of the square, in front of the palace, in 1854 the “Colonna dell’Immacolata” was installed, designed by the famous Italian architect Luigi Poletti. The construction of the column was timed to coincide with the proclamation by the Catholic Church of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The construction site was not chosen by chance - Spain was the country that most actively contributed to its adoption. The column is a bronze statue of the Virgin Mary raised on a marble column 11.81 meters high. All this is installed on a marble pedestal (the total height is almost 29 meters). It is interesting that the part of the column that supports the statue was not made specifically for this object, but was discovered in one of the monasteries on the Campus Martius in 1777.

The sculpture demonstrates the traditional view of the Immaculate Conception - a virgin standing on a crescent, which symbolizes the top of the world, trampling with her foot a serpent - original sin. At the foot of the column you can see four more statues - David, Moses, Ezekiel, Isaiah. It also contains bas-reliefs depicting dogma. Every year on December 8th since 1923, firefighters have delivered a wreath of white lilies here to place on the hand of the Virgin Mary, and since 1953 the Pope has always been present at this event. Tourist portal website

At the top of the Spanish Steps - Trinita dei Monti
Church of Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio inside

Trinita dei Monti

The top of the Spanish Steps ends at the base of the Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio church, construction of which began in 1502. Its appearance became possible thanks to Louis XI, who by that time was already ill. The monarch was very close to the founder of the Minim order, St. Francis, who became his spiritual mentor. In gratitude for the closeness to last days During the life of the king, the son of Louis paid for the construction of two monasteries for the order, one of which was erected in Rome.

However, there is a more prosaic version of the appearance of the church - it is assumed that this is how Louis XII wanted to celebrate the French victory in Naples. One way or another, work on the construction of the temple continued until 1585, when the church was consecrated in honor of the Trinity.

Architecturally, Trinita dei Monti was initially an exclusively Gothic building, but as a result of the fact that construction lasted for many years, the temple also acquired features of the Romanesque style. The facade of the church is heavily influenced by the Baroque. However, the original appearance of the church has been lost - after Italy was occupied by Napoleon's troops, the church was seriously destroyed. The restoration of 1816 required significant reconstruction of the building.

Obelisk in front of the Trinita dei Monti church
Painting of the vaults in Trinita dei Monti

The interior decoration of the church may seem quite modest, which is generally typical of Catholic churches. Its true wealth is the unique paintings of the vaults and walls in the side chapels, made the best masters of its time. Here, for example, you can see Volterra's masterpiece, probably created from a sketch by Michelangelo.

In front of the church there is an obelisk that appeared long before the temple itself, the square and the Spanish Steps - it was built back in ancient times for the Sallustian gardens. The column is decorated with hieroglyphs copied from similar obelisks from the times of Seti I and Ramess II, which occupied the space in front of ancient Egyptian temples. The 13-meter building, together with the two bell towers of the church on both sides of the facade, give the architectural complex lightness and aspiration to the sky. Tourist portal website

Decorated Spanish Steps
View of Piazza di Spagna from the Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps today

Today, the Spanish Steps are one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome, attracting thousands of tourists every day. Therefore, it is better to enjoy its beauty early in the morning. Along with numerous attractions, the Spanish Steps is included in the list tourist places must-sees.

The Spanish Steps are often used to conduct festive events- fashion shows by the houses of Valentino and Dolce&Gabbana, theatrical performances, concerts. The last restoration of the Spanish Steps took place in 2016 and was sponsored by Dolce&Gabbana.

Contrary to the common practice in Europe and the USA of snacking on stairs, you will not be able to eat your sandwiches on the steps - this is prohibited by city regulations. This was done to keep the steps clean. And although after the restoration of the monument they monitor it even more carefully, it is not possible to overcome this addiction with fines. In this connection, the City Hall of Rome has come up with a way that will not allow people to sit on the steps of the Spanish Steps for a snack - pour water on them. Tourist portal website

• In the 17th century, the area around the embassy and the square was considered to belong to Spain, despite its location in the heart of the Italian capital. The influence of the Bourbon dynasty on European life was felt.
• The architecture of the Spanish Steps has attracted numerous artists. It is not surprising that beautiful women also flocked here, hoping that painters would notice them and offer them work as models. This, in turn, attracted tourists and wealthy Romans: very soon the staircase became one of the busiest places in the city. Today it is often used for making dates or simply as a meeting place.
• Despite the fact that the Spanish Steps are revered by Italians as one of the main decorations of the capital, it is not without sad incidents. So, in 2007, several of its steps were damaged during the “experiment” of a drunk driver who tried to go down it in his Toyota Celica. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the offender himself was arrested.
• On the square there is a museum dedicated to the English writer John Keats, the famous poet victorian era. On the right side of the square, the house in which Keats lived and died in 1821 has been preserved.
• The first McDonald's restaurant in Italy was opened in 1986, 150 meters from the Spanish Steps. This caused numerous protests. Three years later, journalist Carlo Petrini, outraged by such a brazen invasion of fast food into Roman history, created the “slow food” organization.
• However, there is a place to relax and have a snack - at the foot of the stairs there has been an “English teahouse” since 1896, where you can feel like you are in Victorian Britain, since the owners strictly adhere to the rules of the tea ceremony of those years. And nearby is the oldest cafe in Rome - “Cafe Brera - Antico Caffe Greco”, which has been operating for more than 250 years - since 1760.
• The Spanish Steps became widely known after the release of the film “Roman Holiday”, where it became the meeting place for the heroes of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
• Seasonal decorations of the Spanish Steps change it appearance during a year. For example, in the spring, the staircase is filled with blooming pink azaleas for a month, which are displayed in vases for April 21, the founding day.

Plaza de España and Spanish Steps on video:

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma. Spain metro station (Spagna)