The Spanish steps derive their name from the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican on the piazza. However, the monumental stairway, of 138 steps, was built with funds from the French in 1723. The fan shaped steps connect the Trinità dei Monti (Trinità Church) at the top of the hill with the piazza below in three landings (banked with pots of azaleas from mid April to mid May). The Spanish Steps is one of the most famous images in the world.
At the foot of the stairs is the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the old boat) built in 1627. This fountain, created in the early Baroque style, recalls the historic flood of the Tiber river in 1598 when a small boat was found stranded after the water subsided. It was sculptured by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo.
According to Roman urban regulations, one is forbidden to eat lunch on the steps.
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)