Piazza di Spagna: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Did you know that Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in Rome, is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See? Or that it hosts an ancient Egyptian obelisk and a fountain by Bernini? In this article, we will explore the history and the attractions of this iconic square, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps.

Historical Context

Piazza di Spagna has a long and rich history, dating back to the 16th century. It was originally a marshy area, until Pope Sixtus V ordered its drainage and urbanization. In 1620, the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was established in a palace on the square, giving it its name. The square soon became a meeting place for artists, writers, and travelers, especially during the Grand Tour era.

One of the main attractions of the square is the Fontana della Barcaccia, or the Fountain of the Ugly Boat, sculpted by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1627 and 1629. The fountain depicts a half-sunken boat with water overflowing from its sides. It was inspired by a legend that a boat was carried to this spot by a flood of the Tiber river in 1598.

Another landmark of the square is the Obelisco Sallustiano, or the Obelisk of Sallust. It is an ancient Egyptian obelisk, originally erected by Pharaoh Psammetichus II in Heliopolis around 600 BC. It was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC and placed in the Campus Martius. It was later moved to various locations, until it was finally placed on top of a column in Piazza di Spagna in 1858.

The most famous feature of the square is the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, or the Spanish Steps, a monumental staircase that connects the square with the church of Trinità dei Monti on top of the Pincian Hill. The staircase was built between 1723 and 1725 by Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, with funds from the French diplomat Étienne Gueffier. The staircase has 135 steps and is decorated with flowers in spring and summer.

The church of Trinità dei Monti was founded in 1495 by King Charles VIII of France and entrusted to the French religious order of the Minims. The church has a twin-towered façade and a rich interior with frescoes by Daniele da Volterra, Perin del Vaga, and others. The church also houses a famous painting of the Madonna del Popolo by Domenichino.

Architectural Features

Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous squares in Rome, Italy. It owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See since the seventeenth century. The square is a magnificent example of Italian Baroque style, with a harmonious combination of buildings, fountains, and stairs.

The most iconic element of the square is the Spanish Steps, a monumental staircase of 135 steps that connects the lower part of the square with the upper part, where the Church of Trinità dei Monti stands. The Spanish Steps were built in the early eighteenth century by Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, with the patronage of Pope Innocent XIII and the French king Louis XV. The staircase has a complex design, with curves, terraces, and balustrades that create a dynamic and scenic effect.

In the center of the square is the Fontana della Barcaccia, a fountain shaped like a half-sunken boat with water spouting from its sides. The fountain was sculpted by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1626 and 1629, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII. The fountain was inspired by a legend that says that a boat was carried to this spot by a flood of the Tiber river in 1598. The fountain also features the emblems of the Barberini family, the bees and the sun.

The square is surrounded by several palaces and monuments that reflect the history and culture of Rome. On the right corner of the Spanish Steps is the house where the English poet John Keats lived and died in 1821. The house is now a museum dedicated to him and his friend Percy Bysshe Shelley. On the left corner is Babington's tea room, founded in 1893 by two English women and still operating today. On the opposite side of the square is the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide, a property of the Holy See that houses two different façades: one designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and one by Francesco Borromini. In front of it is a column topped by a statue of the Immaculate Conception, erected in 1856 to celebrate the proclamation of the dogma.

Tips and Recommendations

If you want to visit Piazza di Spagna and enjoy its beauty, here are some tips and recommendations:

• The best time to visit the square is in spring, when the Spanish Steps are decorated with colorful flowers. You can also admire the view from the top of the stairs, where you can see other landmarks such as Villa Medici and Pincian Hill.
• The square is usually very crowded with tourists and street vendors, so be careful with your belongings and avoid buying anything from unauthorized sellers. You can also find some official guides who can offer you a tour of the square and its surroundings.
• If you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can enjoy a cup of tea at Babington's or a gelato at one of the nearby ice cream shops. You can also do some shopping at Via dei Condotti, Via Frattina, or Via del Babuino, where you can find some of the most famous Italian fashion brands.
• If you are interested in art and literature, you can visit the Keats-Shelley House Museum or the nearby Piazza del Popolo, where you can see two churches designed by Bernini and Caravaggio's paintings.

Conclusion

Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome's most iconic piazzas, where you can admire the beauty of Baroque architecture and art. The square is also a cultural hub, where you can discover some of the most influential figures of European literature and history. Whether you want to relax, shop, or learn something new, Piazza di Spagna has something for everyone.