Piazza di Spagna. Piazza di Spagna in Rome

Plaza de España in Rome is located in the central part the Italian capital. The architectural ensemble was formed in the 17th century and has a complex geometric shape. The landmark is named after the building of the Spanish representation. The northern part of the complex is occupied by the original fountain, the Spanish Steps and the church. The southern block houses the Palace of Spain and sculptural compositions. Streets with shops of popular clothing brands originate from the square.

History of creation

The architectural landmark is located in the center of the Italian capital in the Campo Marzio area. According to historical tradition, the area was allocated for the accommodation of foreign immigrants and guests of the capital. On the hill from which the square originates, immigrants from France settled. In the first half of the 16th century, the Cathedral of Trenita dei Monti was erected on the territory. Church ceremonies in the temple are carried out in French.

Later, the territory of the square was occupied by English settlers. The historical tradition is associated with the presence of many hotels and hotel complexes in the location, which attracted citizens of foreign countries.

Spanish settlers began to occupy the territory at the beginning of the 17th century. By this period, the state of Spain bought a castle with rich decoration (Monaldeschi) for representation. Over time, for the Romans and guests of the city, the name of the Spanish Square was assigned to the place.

Evidence of belonging to immigrants from Spain and a staircase with baroque elements. The structure has 138 steps and leads from the square to the temple of Trinita dei Monti. The area is located at the base of the stairs, the slabs have different configurations, lined with travertine.

According to historical tradition, events are held on the site, fashion shows are organized, feature films are shot. In spring, flower exhibitions are held on the stairs, presenting varieties of azaleas, roses, tulips, etc. New Year's Eve weeks architectural ensemble organize colorful Christmas performances.

Attractions

The architectural composition of the square has an unusual configuration, because unites 2 spaces (trapezoidal and unequal triangle). The design of the elements is predominantly baroque. The main historical complexes are represented by the Barcaccia fountain, a long staircase and the temple of Trinita dei Monti.

The square is surrounded by exquisite houses with original architectural solutions, preserved from the 18th century. Next to the fountain structure is the Palace of Di Propaganda Fide, which is owned by the Roman church. In front of the entrance to the castle there is an 11 m high column with an elegant figure of the Virgin Mary on a pedestal and a sculptural composition of biblical saints at the base.

The Spanish Steps in Rome are among the symbols of the Italian capital. The baroque landmark consists of more than 130 steps leading from the central part of the square to the picturesque hill and Pincio gardens. The complex offers panoramic views of Rome. The steps of the attraction have a concave configuration.

The construction project was proposed to equip the passage to the temple, which was under the auspices of the kings of France. The construction was carried out with funds left by the French citizen E. Geffier, who had been a diplomat for many years.

A competition for the implementation of the project was organized in 1717, by the decision of the commission, the construction of the object was entrusted to the well-known sculptors A. Specchi and F. de Sanctis. Construction began in 1723 and ended in 1726. The composition became a symbol of the political reconciliation of the French and Spanish states.

The steps are decorated with emblematic symbols of the Bourbon family (lilies) and signs of papal authority (tiara, eagle). The raw material for the steps is stone (travertine). The width of the slabs varies along the stairs from narrow to wide, and the dimensions of the spans also vary. Work on the restoration of the historical landmark was carried out at the end of the 20th century (1997).

The Barcaccia Fountain is located at the base of the Spanish Steps. The architectural project was implemented by P. Bernini in the first half of the 17th century at the request of the Roman authorities. The landmark in the Baroque style direction is made in the form of a half-submerged ship. The original design solution bears the name Barcaccia (translated from Italian as "boat"), which was assigned to the project as evidence of a flood that occurred at the end of the 16th century (1598). Water enters the structure from the Aqua Virgo canal.

The architectural solution included solving the technical difficulties of supplying water to the hill section. Berini solved the problem by creating a semi-submerged container into which he inscribed the sunken ship. The bottom of the fountain is deepened, the stern and bow have the same dimensions and proportions, because raised above the side edges. In the central part of the composition, the balustrade supports an oblong-shaped bathtub, from which jets of water flow and enter the lower part of the composition.

Water streams also follow from 6 other openings directed to a tank in the center of the vessel. The composition is decorated with emblems of the Roman church (tiara, bees) on the outer sides of the ship.

Church of Trinita dei Monti

On a hill, the temple of Trinita dei Monti was built, which completes the Spanish Steps. In front of the church there is an obelisk of Sallust 14 m high. On the left side of the church stretches the alley of the same name, famous for the castle of the Medici family located on the territory. The building was built in the 16th century, a few decades later it passed into the hands of the French state and transferred to the Academy of Fine Arts.

Fashion center of Rome

Plaza de España is not only an architectural landmark. Subsequently, the place became the center of fashion shows. Streets lined with shops of sought-after brands of clothing stretched from the square. Famous Italian fashion designers place workshops and galleries on the street. Condotti adjacent to the square. These are the brands Valentino, Gucci, etc. The area is recommended as the start of a journey to purchase fashionable clothes in the Italian capital.

Streets originate from the square, where paintings by contemporary Italian masters are presented. According to historical tradition, art workshops are located on the alleys, and talented writers, poets, etc. live here. In one of the houses on the street. Condotti rented an apartment in Stendal, in building number 17 on the street. San Isidoro lived N. V. Gogol. The poet D. Keats rented a house in the house next to the Spanish Steps in 1821, the museum exposition is still active, the mansion is called “Keats House”.

How to get there?

Plaza de España - history

The square got its name thanks to the embassy, which was located here in the 17th century. True, at that time only the southern part of it, which adjoined the embassy, was called Plaza de España. The northern part was called the Place de France, because the embassy of this country was located here.

Plaza de España is unlike any other in the world and has a unique shape. Fashion designers call this form - a fitted silhouette. It narrows in the middle (at the waist) and then expands again. Apparently this is one of the reasons for the Couturier's love for the square, but more on that later.

Podium ladder

This place attracts not only tourists, the square is a favorite meeting place for young people. In the spring, a collection of flowers is exhibited on the 138 steps of the stairs of Spain. The travertine staircase, which has the shape of a filled goblet, comes to life with all the colors of fresh flowers. This staircase was built with the money of the French ambassador Etienne Geffier. Today it is one of the widest and longest staircases in Europe.

During the summer, the steps of the Spanish staircase turn into a podium to showcase Italian fashion. An enchanting spectacle takes place in the evening, when the setting rays of the sun disappear, and they are replaced by multi-colored soffits of spotlights, illuminating the moving figures of fashion models dressed by the best couturiers in Italy.

During the daytime it is a meeting place. People, sitting on the steps, communicate, relax and admire the beautiful view spreading at the foot of the hill from a height. And in winter, the staircase that decorates the Plaza de España turns into a stage for theatrical performances of nativity scenes.

Barcaccia Fountain

No less interesting is the fountain located in the center of the square at the foot of the Stairs, called the Barcaccia Fountain. In 1598, the Tiber overflowed its banks and flooded most of Rome with its waters. One of the boats that broke away from the pier was carried to the Plaza de España. Impressed by those events, by order of Pope Urban VIII, a fountain was installed, the prototype of which was that very half-submerged boat. Pietro Bernini worked on the project. This fountain has become one of the most famous works of the master.

Water flows slowly, supplied to it through the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built back in the 1st century BC. The fountain adorned the Plaza de España in the late thirties of the 17th century.

When you first see the Plaza de España, you will immediately realize that its most striking elements are the stairs and the fountain. We already know a lot about them! But there are many more interesting places and buildings to look out for.

So, what else to see in Plaza de España:

If you stand facing the stairs, then to the right of it along the steps rises the house where the English poet John Keats spent the last days of his life. This building houses a museum today. In it you can get acquainted not only with exhibits related to the poet, but also with the English culture of the romantic era;
Slightly higher is Palace of the former Cardinal Lorenzo de Cubo. Built in the 15th century, the palace was reconstructed in 1936. Its changed facade perfectly fit into the general appearance of the square thanks to the architect Marcello Piasentini, who was the chief architect of Rome during the fascist regime;
To the left of the stairs is building that has housed an English tea house since 1896. In this unusual institution, all the rules of English tea drinking are still observed;
There is a column in the southeastern part of the Plaza de España. At its top is the figure of the Virgin Mary. On the pedestal at the foot of the column are the figures of the prophets: Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel and David. The column "found a place" on the square in 1856 and is dedicated to the biblical story of the Immaculate Conception. Every year, on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope of Rome comes here. A wreath made of white lilies, brought by the Pope, is put on the hand of the Virgin Mary. At this time, the Plaza of Spain is filled with people who want not only to share the holiday with the faithful, but also to look at this sacred spectacle. This wreath hangs all year, until the next visit of the pope;
Not far from the square on Via Felice (which translates as "Happy Street") in house number 26 since 1837, Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol lived for nine years. It was in Rome that he learned to cook spaghetti and surprised his friends with this dish when he came to Russia. The first volume of "Dead Souls" was also born here.

One of the fast food restaurants, McDonald's, is also open on the Plaza de España. In no case do we recommend that you satisfy your hunger in establishments like this one. However, coffee and other vital things - at your service

Where is it located and how to get there

The best way to visit Plaza de España is while walking along Via del Corso. It is located on the right side if you walk towards Piazza del Popolo, and behind you at the same time - Piazza Venezia. It is difficult to get lost, but in any incomprehensible situation, do not hesitate to ask for directions - Italians are mostly responsive.

You can use the metro, especially in Rome it is very simple (its scheme resembles Kiev, if you have come across). The nearest station to the square is called "Spagna" (in Italian - "Spain").

This is the Plaza de España. She managed to reconcile Spain, and, once at war, was able to charm both Europeans and Americans, and the inhabitants of the East. It is not surprising that it has become a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world.

The Spanish Steps are one of the most unusual sights in Rome. Being one of the symbols of the city, it is much younger than the ancient Roman heritage, which attracts the bulk of tourists to the capital. Surprising is the fact that it bears the name of another country, although it is closely connected with Italian history. Tourist portal site

The history of the creation of Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti

Painting with the church of Trinita dei Monti before the creation of the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Square in Rome is the place where the representation of the kings at the Holy See and the French monarchs, who were in close family ties with them, was located. The latter, moreover, were the patrons of the nearby church of Trinita dei Monti. Initially, there was no link between these two objects, but Etienne Geffier, a French diplomat, conceived a project that would connect these two points on the map.

Unfortunately, during his lifetime, Geffier did not have time to realize the idea. However, his will indicated a desire to leave 20 thousand skudos (the monetary unit of the Papal States until the 19th century) for the construction of a staircase between the church and the square. The legacy of the deceased in the middle of the XVII century. diplomat attracted the attention of the minister, Cardinal Mazarin. He proposed to crown the staircase with an equestrian statue of Louis XIV who ruled in the neighboring country. Naturally, such proposals did not cause enthusiasm among the Pope - the project was shelved until the beginning of the 18th century.

In 1715, after the death of Louis, the idea of building a staircase was resurrected. A competition was announced for best project, in which in 1717 the then little-known architect Francesco de Sanctis won, defeating the popular Alessandro Specchi. Sometimes they are mistakenly referred to as a "creative couple." In fact, the architects presented two different projects. However, the final version of the Spanish Steps was born in discussions, so Speccy can still be considered a "co-author". Tourist portal site

Construction of the Spanish Steps

Plaza de España and the Spanish Steps - engraving by Gianbattista Piranesi

Construction work began in 1723. It took Francesco quite a lot of time to make the necessary calculations - it was necessary to strengthen the slope of the hill, prepare the area, pick up materials. Construction took two years. The resulting Spanish Steps has 135 steps (sometimes the 136th is erroneously called a drainage ledge, and in many publications the staircase is generally described as consisting of 138 steps). For the construction, a stone, traditional for the Italian architectural school, was used - travertine.

The luxurious baroque structure between the Spanish Square and the Trinity Church, which replaced the flimsy wooden staircase, has become as integral an element of the image of Rome as, or.

Interestingly, despite the refusal to erect a monument in honor of the French king, the attributes of the monarchy of this country still found their place in the decoration of the Spanish Steps. For decorations, images of the coat of arms of the French branch of the Bourbon royal family were used. Also in the ornament you can see the symbols of papal power - an eagle and a crown.

Having become the subject of disputes between the Franco-Spanish community of Rome and the papacy, the staircase was an object that was ignored by the city authorities in subsequent years. This allowed it to largely retain its original appearance to this day - the restoration was carried out only in the 90s of the last century. In 1997, when the renovated Spanish Steps were reopened, streams of citizens and tourists rushed here. Tourist portal site

Near the first step of the Spanish Steps

Plaza de España (Piazza di Spagna), from which it leads up to the church, the Spanish Steps, is located in the very center. Since 1620, the most beautiful palace of Spain has been located here, but this is far from the only attraction in the space of the square, consisting of two unequal triangles.

Rome - Plaza of Spain - Fontana della Barcaccia
Rome - Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps

Barcaccia Fountain - Fontana della Barcaccia

One of the most interesting objects here is the Barcaccia Fountain, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, whose full name, Fontana della Barcaccia, is translated into Russian as “ugly boat”. This Baroque fountain was built by Pietro Bernini in 1627, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII. The semi-submerged longboat should remind the residents of the capital of the flood of 1598, when the Tiber overflowed so much that it overflowed its banks and flooded the center of the Italian capital. Then on the square, a boat was discovered, which became the prototype of the monument. By the way, Bernini built not only a fountain, but also restored a system of canals that were supposed to provide water to new areas of the city.

The construction of the fountain was fraught with some difficulties - it is filled with water by Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct built in 19 BC. Since the water pressure in it is small, the structure had to be built below the level of the square, not far from the steps of the Spanish Steps. The fountain was repeatedly restored, but still retained the appearance that was given to it by the author. The last restoration works were carried out in 2014, when 200,000 euros of private donations were spent on them. And a year later, the structure was damaged by Dutch fans who came to Italy to support their football team. Tourist portal site

Rome - Plaza of Spain - Immaculate Column
Rome - Plaza of Spain - Colonna dell'Immacolata

Column of the Immaculate - Colonna dell'Immacolata

In the southern part of the square, in front of the palace, in 1854, the "Immaculate Column" (Colonna dell'Immacolata), designed by the famous Italian architect Luigi Poletti, was installed. The construction of the column was timed to coincide with the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by the Catholic Church. The construction site was not chosen by chance - Spain was the country that most actively contributed to its adoption. The column is a bronze statue of the Virgin, raised on a marble column 11.81 meters high. All this is installed on a marble pedestal (total height - almost 29 meters). Interestingly, that part of the column that supports the statue was not made specifically for this object, but was discovered in one of the monasteries on the Champ de Mars in 1777.

The sculpture demonstrates a traditional view of the Immaculate Conception - a virgin standing on a crescent moon, which symbolizes the top of the world, tramples a serpent with her foot - original sin. At the foot of the column you can see four more statues - David, Moses, Ezekiel, Isaiah. Also on it are bas-reliefs depicting dogma. Every year on December 8, since 1923, firefighters bring a wreath of white lilies here to put it on the hand of the Virgin Mary, and since 1953, the Pope has been invariably present at this event. Tourist portal site

At the top of the Spanish Steps - Trinita dei Monti
Church Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio inside

Trinita dei Monti

The top of the Spanish Steps ends at the base of the Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio church, the construction of which began in 1502. Her appearance was made possible thanks to Louis XI, who by that time was already ill. The monarch was very close to the founder of the Order of the Minims, St. Francis, who became his spiritual mentor. In gratitude for the proximity to the last days of the life of the king, the son of Louis paid for the construction of two monasteries for the order, one of which was erected in Rome.

However, there is a more prosaic version of the appearance of the church - it is assumed that this is how Louis XII wanted to celebrate the French victory in Naples. One way or another, but the work on the construction of the temple was carried out until 1585, when the church was consecrated in honor of the Trinity.

In architectural terms, initially Trinita dei Monti was an exclusively Gothic object, but as a result of the fact that the construction dragged on for many years, the temple also received features of the Romanesque style. The facade of the church is strongly influenced by the Baroque. However, the original appearance of the church has been lost - after Italy was occupied by Napoleon's troops, the church was seriously destroyed. The restoration of 1816 required a significant rebuilding of the building.

Obelisk in front of Trinita dei Monti
Vault painting at Trinita dei Monti

The interior of the church may seem quite modest, which, in general, is typical of Catholic churches. Its true wealth is the unique paintings of the vaults and walls in the side chapels, made by the best masters of their time. Here, for example, you can see the masterpiece Volterra - created, probably according to a sketch by Michelangelo.

In front of the church there is an obelisk that appeared long before the temple itself, the square and the Spanish Steps - it was built in ancient times for the gardens of Sallustian. The column is decorated with hieroglyphs copied from similar obelisks from the time of Seti I and Ramess II, which occupied the space in front of ancient Egyptian temples. The 13-meter building, together with the two bell towers of the church on both sides of the facade, give architectural complex lightness and aspiration to the sky. Tourist portal site

Decorated Spanish Steps
View of Plaza de España from the Spanish Steps

Spanish steps today

Today, the Spanish Steps is one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome, which attracts thousands of tourists every day. Therefore, it is better to enjoy its beauty early in the morning. Along with numerous attractions, the Spanish Steps is included in the list tourist spots must visit.

The Spanish Steps are often used for festive events - fashion shows by Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana houses, theatrical performances, concerts. The last restoration of the Spanish Steps took place in 2016 and was sponsored by Dolce&Gabbana.

Contrary to the common European and US experience of snacking on the stairs, you cannot eat your sandwiches on the steps - this is prohibited by city regulations. This was done for the sake of keeping the steps clean. And although after the restoration of the monument it is monitored even more carefully, it is not possible to overcome this addiction with fines. In this connection, the mayor's office of Rome came up with a way that will not allow you to sit on the steps of the Spanish Steps for a snack - pour water over them. Tourist portal site

In the 17th century, the area around the embassy and the square was considered to belong to Spain, despite its location in the heart of the Italian capital. The impact on the European life of the Bourbon dynasty.
The architecture of the Spanish Steps has attracted numerous artists. Not surprisingly, beautiful women also aspired here, hoping that the painters would notice them and offer modeling jobs. This, in turn, attracted tourists and wealthy Romans: very soon the staircase became one of the busiest places in the city. Today it is often used for appointments or just a meeting place.
Despite the fact that the Spanish Steps is revered by Italians as one of the main decorations of the capital, it does not do without sad incidents. So, in 2007, several of its steps were damaged during the "experiment" of a drunk driver who tried to go down it in his Toyota Celica. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the perpetrator was arrested.
On the square there is a museum dedicated to the English writer John Keats, the most famous poet of the Victorian era. On the right side of the square, the house in which Keats lived and died in 1821 has been preserved.
The first McDonald's restaurant in Italy was opened in 1986, 150 meters from the Spanish Steps. This caused numerous protests. Three years later, journalist Carlo Petrini, outraged by such a brazen intrusion of fast food into Roman history, created the slow food organization.
However, there is where to relax and have a bite - at the foot of the stairs since 1896 there has been an "English tea room", where you can feel like in Victorian Britain, since the owners strictly observe the rules of the tea ceremony of those years. And nearby is the oldest cafe in Rome - Cafe Brera - Antico Caffe Greco, which has been operating for over 250 years - since 1760.
The Spanish Steps gained wide popularity after the release of the film "Roman Holiday", where it became the meeting place for the heroes of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
Seasonal decorations of the Spanish Steps change it up appearance during a year. For example, in spring, blooming pink azaleas fill the stairs for a month, which are displayed in vases by April 21, the day of foundation.

Plaza de España and the Spanish Steps in the video:

The address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Rome. Spain Metro Station (Spagna)

and Trevi Fountain- one of the main attractions of Rome. Located on the square, the famous stairs is one of the most popular tourist destinations in . The Romans themselves love this place, often choosing the Spanish stairs as a place for meetings and dates.

If you go to the Plaza of Spain from the side, then the first object worthy of attention tourist will Church of the Holy Trinity, which was built by the French at the end of the 16th century. This church is at the very top of the Spanish Steps and is often photographed.

In the Middle Ages, the Plaza de España was the residence of the Spanish embassy at court. Hence the name of the square. Palace of the Spanish Embassy dominated the entire area of Spain.

A little later, this place was chosen by the French, who built it on pincho hill Church of the Holy Trinity.

History of the Spanish Steps

In the 17th century it was decided to build monumental staircase, along which it would be convenient for believers to climb to the Church of the Holy Trinity. The Spanish and French diasporas proposed their own versions of the staircase project, and each side insisted on its own version, not wanting to give in to the other side. In the end, the Pope intervened, who decided to entrust the construction of the stairs to the architect Francesco de Sanctis.

In 1997 spanish stairs has been restored.

At the very foot of the stairs is the famous Barcaccia fountain by Pietro Bernini.

From the fountain begins one of the most chic streets of Rome - Via dei Condotti, which hosts some of the most expensive shops in the town.

And about 100 meters from the fountain is the famous Cafe Greco opened in 1760. At the end of the 18th century, Piazza di Spagna became a favorite place in Rome for traveling English aristocrats who liked to sit over a cup of tea in this cafe.

There were such great people as Goethe and Schopenhaer, a Gogol liked to come to this cafe while working on dead souls.

On the south side of Plaza España is Fide Palace, in which missionaries were trained before being sent to pagan countries.

Also next to the square is located, installed in 1856 at the direction of Pope Pius the Ninth.

This is one of the most famous fountains in the world. On site fountain even in ancient times there was a source that fed Rome with water.

It was built in the Baroque era by an architect Nicola Salvi. In the center of the fountain stands the figure of the god Neptune, who drives a cart drawn by a pair of sea horses. Next to Neptune are two statues that are symbols of luxury and health.

Piazza di Spagna and Trevi Fountain on a map of Rome