| Contrary to what the name may imply, the famous | | | | commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water |
| Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. | | | | from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic |
| Regardless, visitors to Rome have been delighted by | | | | "leaks" in the hull of the ship. |
| them for many year. Some feel they are "just stairs" | | | | In addition to admiring the steps themselves and this |
| from the Piazza di Spagna to the Villa Medici, but as | | | | delightful fountain, you can also take in the Memorial |
| any experienced traveller knows, often-times it's not | | | | House to Keats and Shelly. After that fascinating stop, |
| so much about the destination but about how you | | | | you can relax with a nice cool drink from the many |
| actually get there that truly matters. | | | | bars that dot the city in that area and then climb the |
| The 137 steps that make up the Scalinata di Spagna | | | | steps again on your return. |
| or the "Spanish Steps" were constructed between | | | | The steps are not designed to be an athletic challenge |
| 1723 and 1725. They can be found not far from the | | | | so there are three big flattened parts of the steps |
| Piazza di Spagna which is a plaza that is triangular in | | | | where you can take a breather to catch your breath |
| shape. The Piazza di Spagna is also one of the most | | | | and maybe have a bite to eat, do some souvenir |
| popular tourist sites in Rome. | | | | shopping or just enjoy being among the Italian locals as |
| The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they | | | | a wonderful moment in your day. But when you do |
| wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the | | | | finish your climb of the Spanish Steps, make sure you |
| most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit | | | | turn and gaze back at where you have been. The |
| in Rome. But it's good to glance down at these | | | | view is breath taking and it will inspire you as you |
| amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in | | | | move on to reverently admire the Church of Trinta dei |
| their own right. They look delightful in any season but | | | | Monti |
| when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, | | | | The formal name of this lovely church is the |
| the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of | | | | Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and |
| azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses | | | | construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it |
| along the walk. | | | | took almost 200 years to complete the work. The |
| When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and | | | | Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade |
| aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer | | | | that you first encounter when you come off of the |
| is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, | | | | steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had |
| even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and | | | | with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the |
| restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always | | | | third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church. |
| popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy | | | | Just a short walk way is a well known spot known as |
| taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the | | | | the Via Veneto. This location became known in the |
| steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. | | | | 1950s as a place where a young girl could get pinched |
| Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of | | | | by a flirtatious Italian boy. While that kind of forward |
| course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend | | | | behaviour has calmed down in modern times, it is still a |
| to ignore the law, so it's likely you'll still see people | | | | great area of Rome to shop, dine and enjoy the |
| indulging in this practice. | | | | marvellous architecture all around you. |
| When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find | | | | Don't miss out on the chance to see and experience |
| another of the many great outdoor art pieces by | | | | the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even |
| Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain | | | | though these Italian steps were created by the French, |
| of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this | | | | the name dates back to the 18th century when the |
| stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini's | | | | Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the |
| own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This | | | | embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish |
| wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the | | | | Steps continues on to this day. |