See The Famous Spanish Steps Of Rome

The famous Roman Spanish Steps might be slightly misnamed since they were actually built by the French, but they are a wonderful part of any tourist's visit to Rome. It is too easy to read about them and think, "What's the big deal? They are just stairs." And it is true that they are a means to an end - to walk to and from the Piazza di Spagna and the Villa Medici. But it is worth the effort to take your time on those steps and enjoy them for the ambiance they alone can hold for you.

The Scalinata di Spagna or the Spanish Steps, are 137 steps that were built between 1723 and 1725 near the famous Piazza di Spagna, which is a triangle shaped plaza that is a top destination for tourists who come to Rome.

The Spanish Steps themselves are elegant, artistic, dark and winding so your time on them will include moving through some of the most scenic and busy parts of Rome. The steps have their own beauty worth seeing. Any time of year there is something to see on the steps but in springtime, they are especially lovely as the azaleas in the municipal greenhouses explode with color.

There is no better moment than to be on the Spanish Steps in Rome when the flowers are everywhere and summer is just around the corner. Now, Rome can get hot even into the early Autumn, so nearby the Spanish Steps are some of the finest Rome has to offer for shops, cafe's, boutiques and a huge variety of restaurants. In fact, there is a long tradition for locals and tourists alike to bring a light lunch to the steps and sit on a step and enjoy the day while taking in the atmosphere with your meal. And while "officially" such activities are illegal, custom often wins out over legalities and you can still get away with it.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find another of the many great outdoor art pieces by Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini's own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic "leaks" in the hull of the ship.

In addition to admiring the steps themselves and this delightful fountain, you can also take in the Memorial House to Keats and Shelly. After that fascinating stop, you can relax with a nice cool drink from the many bars that dot the city in that area and then climb the steps again on your return.

The steps are not designed to be an athletic challenge so there are three big flattened parts of the steps where you can take a breather to catch your breath and maybe have a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or just enjoy being among the Italian locals as a wonderful moment in your day. But when you do finish your climb of the Spanish Steps, make sure you turn and gaze back at where you have been. The view is breath taking and it will inspire you as you move on to reverently admire the Church of Trinta dei Monti

The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.

You will be only a block or two from Via Veneto, a well known spot that gained a reputation as a place where an Italian girl could get stared at and pinched in the 1950s. While the culture of this area is tamer now, it is still a fun stop on your schedule to take in some wonderful shopping and dining and to see outstanding examples of that architecture that Rome is famous for.

The Spanish Steps should be on the route of any visit to Rome. Even though the steps were created by the French and named for a Spanish Embassy that used to be nearby but is long gone now, that trivia only contributes to the international feel to this delightful Roman attraction.

Article Source: ArticlesMaker.com

About the Author: Rome - the Eternal City is a wonderful place with over 2000 years of amazing history still on display everywhere. Here's a few suggestions for some of the most popular attractions for tourists while visiting Rome. 

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