Piazza di Spagna in Rome is one of the most famous and picturesque in the Italian capital. Its name in the native language sounds like Piazza di Spagna. There are many attractions in this area. This is the Barkachcha fountain, the temple of the Trinity on the mountain, the statue of the immaculate Virgin. There is the Palace of Spain, the famous staircase, many fashion stores and boutiques of famous brands. We will also make a short trip around this square, and also give tourists some practical advice.
Plaza di Spagna in Rome: how to get there and nearby
It is located in the center of the city, in an area called Campo Marzio (Field of Mars). Subway line "A" leads here. Near the square is the shopping avenue Via Condotti, as well as Schastlivaya Street, where Nikolai Gogol lived and wrote the first volume of the novel Dead Souls there. And in the first coffee house in Rome, Stendhal, Goethe and Andersen enjoyed a drink. On one of the corners of the square is the Palace of the Propagation of the Faith - propertyHoly See. In the 16th century it was the private residence of Bishop Amelius. It now houses the Missionary Museum. From here you can easily walk to other interesting places in the Italian capital, such as the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese.
Palace and column
The Plaza of Spain in Rome received its modern name after the embassy of this country was opened here. A palace has been standing there since 1620. It is called the "Palazzo of Spain". Here lived the ambassador of the kingdom in the Vatican. At that time, the palace was located on the periphery of the city, but then gradually found itself in the center. In front of it, in the nineteenth century, a marble column was built in honor of the adoption by the Roman Curia of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. At the top of this pillar is an 11-meter bronze statue of the Madonna by Giuseppe Obici. It is surrounded by images of Moses, David, Isaiah and Ezekiel. Every year, the Pope arrives here, decorates the head of the sculpture with a wreath with the help of a team of firefighters and ladders, and also says a special prayer.
Stairs and church
But the most popular attraction in Piazza di Spagna in Rome is undoubtedly the so-called "Steps". This is a grand staircase in the Baroque style. It consists of 138 steps. They lead to Pincho Hill. There is the Trinity del Monti church with two domes. There are twelve flights on the stairs - narrow and wide. The church is considered one of the largest Franciscan churches in Europe. Not only its portal is good, but also the interior with frescoes of famousmasters, including "Descent from the Cross". It was built by order of the French monarchs, and since the representation of their relatives, the Spanish monarchs, was located on the square, both places were connected with a ladder. True, this project was not implemented immediately because of a quarrel between the Pope and the Sun King. After the death of the latter, the staircase was built according to the design of the architect Alexander Specchi.
Fountain
In the center of Piazza di Spagna in Rome is the Boat. “Barkaccha” is the name of a small but very famous fountain. It was also built in the Baroque style, and its author is one of the most prominent sculptors of that time - Bernini Sr. The fountain was ordered by Pope Urban the Eighth. The history of this architectural structure is interesting. In 1598, such a severe flood occurred in Rome that the square was completely flooded, and a boat ran aground in the middle of it. The sculptor placed a launch in the center of the fountain. He seems to be drowning in water. This was done as a reminder of the disaster. Jets flow from the stern and bow of the sculpture. The water in the fountain comes from an ancient water pipe “built by the slaves of Rome,” as Mayakovsky wrote. It's called Aqua Virgo.
Square in the cultural dimension: films, books and festivals
All roads, as you know, lead to Rome. The staircase in the Plaza de España attracts lovers. This is a famous date place. No wonder it is regularly shown in the cinema and described in various literary works. But probablyThe most popular scene of all time is the scene from the movie "Roman Holiday" where Audrey Hepburn eats ice cream on the stairs. Flower exhibitions are also held here. It happens in the spring, so the beauty of the square is simply indescribable at this time. But even in winter it is not empty. The square hosts various theatrical performances. In a word, this place does not know such a thing as "low season". It is always crowded, fun and colorful. There are many living statues here, artists walk on stilts, read poetry. In addition, the area is the center of modern fashion. Here the most modern brands and trends are presented and various spectacular presentations are held, including those from Valentino. There are also several houses-museums of famous poets, such as John Keats and Mary Shelley.
Rome: hotels near Plaza España
The Swiss is one of the most famous hotels in the area. It is located on Via Gregoriana, just between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and is beautifully landscaped, making it suitable for families with children. The price includes breakfast. At the very top of the Spanish Steps, on a hill, is the five-star Hassler Rome (Hotel). Plaza de España is surrounded by other hotels - "Del Corso", "At the steps", "Inn" … But the hotels here are often very expensive, and they are preferred by we althy American tourists. On the other hand, travelers recommend settling in this square because it is located in the heart of the city, and ifIf you want to cover as many routes as possible in a short time, you should choose accommodation somewhere in the area. Of course, there are many expensive hotels here, but if you try, you can also find a budget hostel from the B&B series. You don’t have to expect luxury from such a hotel, but you practically don’t have to spend money on transport and you can roam the streets of Rome at night as much as you like. Each of these hotels is located in an old house and imbued with an authentic Italian spirit. So, having lived in the Plaza de España, you will know the soul of the city. And you will feel its rhythm when you take a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the audience.
Reviews
The reputation of this place is such that many people flock to Piazza di Spagna in Rome at any time of the year. The photos will come out good when you come here in the early morning. In this case, no one will bother you to take pictures of all the sights of the square. There are no crowds of tourists and you can safely walk the famous Spanish Steps. Then there are very good views from different angles. But experienced travelers say that it is even better to visit the square at night. Then a mysterious, unique atmosphere reigns here. Romantics, on the other hand, prefer to sit on the stairs during sunset. It is also convenient for shopping from here. Some gourmets recommend the patisseries and restaurants here, although due to the fact that this is a tourist area, snacks and coffee can be expensive.
