Piazza di Spagna is one of the most unique and lovely squares in the world, and it is a must-see landmark while visiting Rome. Situated in one of the charming areas of Rome, Campo Marzio, the grand Square is a sleek thoroughfare via the city’s rich historic center.
It is a vital community spot for foreigners and locals. Many famous streets unite off the Square, including Via del Condotti, Via del Babuino, Via Della Propaganda, and Via Sistina.
Moreover, there are a large number of movies, paintings, and films you have seen in this Square. Let’s read more in detail about Piazza di Spagna in this blog.
What is so special about Piazza di Spagna?
Spanish steps are the most vital reason behind the Piazza di Spagna rage. Due to the many movies that choose the steps as the setting for their scenes, these steps are one of Rome’s most notable landmarks.
Piazza di Spagna is famous for the simple old Egyptian obelisk and a lovely squirt sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was one of the most compelling artists who ever lived in Rome.
There are other reasons also why Piazza di Spagna is famous. It includes grand shops such as One of the fashion houses, Valentino, which has its atelier near the Square, keeping the place’s witty and deluxe vibe.
Furthermore, Piazza di Spagna is unique as it is one of Rome’s oldest piazzas. Additionally, landmarks from age and modern times provide a peek into the city’s history.
History of Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna gets its name from Palazzo di Spagna (Monaldeschi Palace). The palace that boards the Spanish Embassy in the Holy See has been there since 1647.
You will feel shocked knowing that it is one of the oldest embassies on earth. Made by King Ferdinand the Catholic in 1480 and played a vital part in getting papal help for many of the Catholic Monarchs’ wins.
This palace initially belonged to an old Roman noble clan called the Monaldeschi. But later on, when Count of Oñate acquired it, he was the first ambassador from Spain to the Holy See.
Pictures by the Prado Museum adorn palace halls, statues by Gianlorenzo Bernini deck the palace roof, and tapestries hang from the Royal Palace of Madrid.
You can find that Francesco Borromini created the palace’s growth, including the main staircase.
In addition to the palace, another Spanish cairn heads over the Square at the center – the Column of the Immaculate Conception.
Pope Pius IX initiated a festivity of the canon of the Immaculate Conception in 1857. According to this doctrine, only the Virgin Mary is initially sin-free.
Corinthian columns date back to old Rome, even though the memorial is relatively modern. An excavation in 1778 led to the finding of this relic. At the base of the column are the bronze busts of Moses, King David, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. The Virgin Mary stands atop the queue.
What you can see in Piazza di Spagna?
Spanish steps
The La Scalinata di Spagna or Spanish steps in Italian became a sign of Rome. It was made in the Baroque style and is a lovely architectural masterpiece.
However, built-in 1726 from travertine was praised by its creators worldwide. It lures visitors with its special sizes, and the steps and spans between them differ in size and shape. So, if you are traveling to this unique wonder for the first time, be careful when you go upstairs.
As long as the Spanish steps existed, they were used for many different events and festivals. The Fashion Shows here take place in the summer at present every year. Thus, visiting the Spanish steps in Piazza di Spagna is a must.
Fontana della Barcaccia
Fontana Della Barcaccia of 1627, a famous Baroque-style fountain of a half-sunken ship on the floor of the Spanish Step.
Pope Urban VIII, the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the man credited with making the Baroque style of sculpture, trusted Pietro Bernini to make the spray. It is thought that Bernini was the person who helped in ending the project.
There is a legend that it has a small boat, which was used to carry Piazza di Spagna when the Tiber surged in 1598. After that, the boat was deposited in the middle of the Square when the water reduced, uplifting Pietro.
Acqua Vergine, an aqueduct made by Agrippa in 19 BC, offers water for the squirt, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza del Popolo. Due to the low water pressure coming from the trench, the fountain was built slightly below street level. If you travel to Piazza Di Spagna, it is best to visit this fountain.
Church of Trinita Dei Monti
Built-in 1585, the Church of Trinita Dei Monti or Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio in Italian is a famous spot. It has been repaired from one time till now.
You can easily see an Egyptian-style obelisk located in front of it. In addition, there is an observation patio at the church’s entry, which offers a fantastic view of the city.
A glorious monument of style, this act is the work of Giacomo Della Porta and Carlo Maderno. This lovely design’s originality and identity are a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, but the chief here is the Baroque.
The church is unique and beautiful not only from the inside but also from the outside. Its lockers and walls of the chapel are adorned with amazing paintings, which result from the artwork of famous masters who lived during the making of this beautiful monument of the past.
Keats and Shelley House
Want to read romantic poems? Then you must visit Keats and Shelley House. It is a Museum of English romantic poets in Rome. Atop the Spanish steps in Rome, the museum occupies the site of Keats’ former bedroom, which is now a museum.
A stunning collection of over 8000 books from utopian writers can be found in the museum, which consists of several rooms and memorabilia about the poets. Besides the cinema room, it also has lovely terraces overlooking the steps. Therefore, it is a must-visit place in Piazza Di Spagna.
