When it comes to the main attractions of the Eternal City, many will recall the Capitoline Hill on which Rome arose, the symbol of Italy - the Colosseum, the ruined terms of Caracalla and other famous historical monuments. And not everyone, unfortunately, will celebrate the most popular meeting place for local residents, so I want to talk more about the architectural structure, which is considered a real curiosity.
French Church and Spanish Square in Rome
The name of this historic masterpiece is not a mistake in tourist guides to Rome, as many might think. And this is by no means a staircase in the Spanish style, although the centuries-old history of Italian landmarks is closely connected with the country of flamenco and bullfighting.
The man-made work, considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe, has long been a source of inspiration for world photographers, artists, and filmmakers.
The story of this staircase, completing the Spanish Square and rising to the old church of Trinita dei Monti, deserves a separate discussion.
By agreement between the French king and the pope at the end of the 15th century, a small plot on the Pincho hill in Rome is given for the construction of the temple. After almost a hundred years, Spain buys a plot near Trinita dei Monti to build its embassy there.
The church was supported by the money of French kings and was of great importance for the subjects of the republic, and the Spaniards owned the area on which the diplomatic mission was located. At first, two powerful powers were at enmity with each other, until in 1660 a dynastic alliance was concluded between the daughter of the King of Spain and Louis XIV.
Spanish Steps as a symbol of peace between powers
The states that have been going to peace for a long time decide to build a ladder that will connect the symbols of different countries in order to actually show Europe how strong diplomatic ties are between them. In honor of this significant event, the French ambassador allocates money for the building, wishing to please his king, and Cardinal Mazarin decides to decorate the top of the magnificent structure with a huge sculpture of Louis XIV himself.
True, not everything was going so smoothly, because the matter took place in Italy, and the pope was very indignant at learning about the intention to establish an inappropriate statue of a foreign ruler. And the grandiose construction project was frozen.
Competition for the best project
In 1717, almost 60 years later, a competition was announced among architects for the best project for a wide staircase, demonstrating the stability of the strong relations of powerful powers in the best possible way. Spain and France could not agree in what style the future historical monument will be erected. It is known that negotiations took place for six years, until the pope spoke the final word, handing over the construction to the hands of an unknown architect Francesco de Sanctis.
Two year construction
Since 1723, a monumental baroque staircase was under construction. The place on which the magnificent structure was erected was previously fortified, as they were afraid that the earth might not be able to withstand the powerful structure.
After 2 years, the most beautiful Spanish Steps in Rome opened to the eyes of amazed residents, at first bearing the name of the nearby church - Trinita dei Monti. Later, the architectural monument is given the name by which everyone now knows it - Scalinata Spagna.
Description of the majestic architectural masterpiece
The Spanish Steps, the architect of which nevertheless refused to install the sculpture of Louis, nevertheless, united in his decoration the heraldic symbols of France (lily) and Italy (crowns and eagles - attributes of the pope).
One hundred and thirty-eight steps made of travertine - a natural stone combining the properties of marble and limestone - are not the same in size along the entire path. At first glance, it seems that they are easy to overcome, but this impression is very misleading. Climbing tapering and expanding steps is very difficult even for a healthy person, and given that in summer the temperature rises to 40 degrees, you can imagine how difficult the way up.
The Spanish Steps, whose amazing design resembles the open wings of a butterfly, is divided into three segments. At the top of the hill there is a spacious area with a magnificent view of the Roman sights.
Barkaccia Fountain (Barkas)
At the foot is a cozy fountain, built before the construction of the famous staircase and depicting a sinking boat. According to ancient legends, it was here after a flood in the square that a flooded longboat was found. Near an unusual fountain, it is always crowded, and there is a myth among tourists that it is here that the most tired traveler is charged with energy and strength from the rushing water.
The Spanish Steps: Today
At a popular place that amazes with the beauty and grandeur of not only tourists, but also art experts, for many years dates and business meetings are scheduled. A favorite corner for memorable photos collects noisy youth and creative parties, to which the city authorities are quite loyal.
Haute Couture
Lovers of haute couture adore this place, because there are held shows of the most famous designers of the world. At the beginning of summer, the Spanish Steps turns into a kind of podium, along the uneven steps of which are carefully defiled so as not to fall, popular models in luxurious outfits.
These days, a completely transformed Roman landmark gathers a huge number of Haute couture fans . Laser illumination, playing with light and shadow, creates stunning visual effects that will forever remain in the memory of those who are fortunate enough to be here.
Some interesting facts about the attraction
What else do you need to know for everyone who comes to the ancient city to admire the amazing building, which the Italians declare their love for?
- The Spanish Steps, the photo of which will make everyone freeze with delight, three years ago was officially recognized as the most beautiful according to the results of a survey among Internet users, leaving far behind the equally masterpiece creations of human hands.
- In spring and summer, amazing flowers bloom in huge flowerpots standing right on the steps, and the stairs turn into a real colored butterfly.
- Next to the stairs is the narrow street of Condotti, on which the most expensive branded stores are located. Here you can take a walk, admiring the glamorous chic, and shopping is recommended to be done in other boutiques.
- As you know, local authorities do not prohibit gathering on the stairs and sitting on the steps. The only thing for which they will impose a huge fine is for drinking any drinks and eating.
- Although many sources indicate that the Spanish Steps have 138 steps, according to some reports there are still fewer of them - 135 or 137. There is sometimes heated debate about this, and every tourist has a chance to calculate how many of them actually are.
- It was here that some scenes from “Roman Vacations” were shot with O. Hepburn, and V. Allen shot the final shots of his film “Roman Adventures”.
- For more than three hundred years, the appearance of Rome's business card has not changed, and only in 1997 the steps that were dilapidated and destroyed by merciless time were restored.
Tourists who visited an amazing corner claim that the Spanish Steps are beautiful at any time of the year. The city of Rome is proud of its attraction, rightly considering its cultural and historical value not only of Italy, but of the whole world. And local guides always advise those who first visited the ancient capital, be sure to sit on the old steps and enjoy the special atmosphere.