Plaza de España in Rome address. Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna in Rome. Plaza de España and Spanish Steps on video

We started our second day in Rome from Piazza di Spagna. As all guidebooks write and compatriots who have visited Rome say, this square is a must-visit tourist attraction. What pleased me immediately when I got there was the seller of roasted chestnuts, because again, these chestnuts are a must-have Italian delicacy for tourists.

After trying chestnuts, I realized that I don’t want to be a tourist :)

On piazza di Spagna there is a monument in the form of a half-submerged boat, which was sculpted by the famous Bernini. I learned from the guidebook that this is Bernini and that he is famous :) But that’s not all: Bernini is not one architect, but two – father and son. So, Bernini the father is simply famous because he is the author of this monument-boat, and Bernini the son is even more famous because he worked on a cooler object - the square near St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

However, this is not what I found interesting. It turns out that this fountain monument (its name is Barkacha) is still supplied with water by an ancient aqueduct that was opened in 19 BC! This aqueduct is called Aqua Virgo, that is, in Russian - water of the virgin. According to legend, it was a virgin who indicated the source of water for this aqueduct.

We climb the Spanish Steps (also a landmark, and also famous)...

... and we see the most important French church in Rome.

Inside the church there is an interesting wall painting. One gets the feeling that it was not icons that were painted here, but paintings.

The place where the church stands offers a picturesque view.

Let's move on to the next attraction - the Trevi Fountain:

For me, this fountain turned out to be unusual in that it does not stand on its own, but as if it were a wall of a building. Maybe that's why it looks impressive:

A funny detail - almost from this fountain the fashion began to throw a coin in order to return later. Moreover, here this ritual, it turns out, is seriously developed: it all depends on how many coins are thrown. One coin means you will come to Rome again, two means a love meeting, three coins means wait for a wedding, four means wealth, five means separation. As a result, utility workers extract €3,000 a day from the fountain, according to some sources, and €700,000 a year, according to others.

We walk further. Cute streets...

...take us away from the route described in the guidebook, as a result of which we end up in Piazza Colonna. It is named after the column that stands in the center of the square and is dedicated to Marcus Aurelius. The column is hollow, inside - spiral staircase and before (a long time ago) tourists could climb to the very top of the column. Based on this, two consequences arose: 1) the popularity of climbing the column led to the fact that the right to charge for entrance rent was put up for auction annually; 2) the statue of Marcus Aurelius was lost by the sixteenth century. And now, despite the fact that in Italian the column is still called Colonna Aureliana, it is crowned with a statue of the Apostle Paul:

By the way, the Apostle Paul either shows with his hand or blesses the people who are sitting in former palace Montecitorio. Or rather, they do not sit, but sit, because now the Italian Chamber of Deputies works here.

We go further and go out to Peter's Square (piazza di Pietra). The facade of the Temple of Hadrian overlooks this square:

Hadrian was a Roman emperor and became famous 1) for being the first emperor to grow a beard and 2) for his same-sex love for the boy Antinous. In general, same-sex relationships among the emperors of Rome were considered in the order of things, but on this basis it was Adrian who went completely crazy: after the death of his lover, the emperor ordered that Antinous be considered a god, name a constellation in his honor, and build the city of Antinupolis, where games were held every year in honor of the young man. God, and generally ordered statues of his lover to be erected throughout the empire.

The guidebook is modestly silent about the Temple of Hadrian, so we continue along the narrow and pretty streets...

...and we find ourselves on Rotunda Square. In the nineteenth century, there was a large poultry market in this square. An English traveler in 1820 describes the square as “the most disgusting place imaginable: continuous noise, crowds of beggars, lack of sewerage; It’s impossible for an Englishman to even imagine such vile dirt, stench and puddles of sewage that exist in the Rotunda Square.”

Now it’s clean here, but you can still hear the noise and commotion. And this is no wonder: in the square there are crowds of tourists who are attracted here by one of the main attractions of Rome - the Pantheon:

This is practically the only temple that has been preserved practically as it was built (and it was built no less, but more than 2,200 years ago - in the second century BC). Moreover, it was preserved thanks to Christianity. The funny thing about the situation is that it was built as a temple dedicated to all gods (not at all Christian, but quite the opposite, pagan) - hence the name, Pantheon - and Christianity re-consecrated it as the Church of all martyrs.

Moreover, the day when Christianity decided to make this temple its own is immortalized in religion and is celebrated every year as All Saints' Day.

After sitting inside the Pantheon on the benches and having a little rest, we move on...

and we get into final destination this route is Piazza Navona.

Now there are a lot of artists with their works on it.

An interesting legend is about the martyr, after whom the church located on the square is named.

Her name was Agnes (then the prefix Saint was added to the name), and the son of a local official was inflamed with passion for her. However, Agnes by that time was already a Christian, and in addition, she decided to become the “bride of God” - well, that is, with no one. And this son of the prefect coveted her body so much that after she refused, he ran to complain to his dad. Dad got angry and offered Agnes a choice - either she makes a sacrifice to the Roman gods (well, that is, she renounces her faith), or she goes to work in a brothel. Agnes, naturally, chooses a brothel. Then the prefect says to her: “They will take you there naked.” Well, let's go. And then miracles after miracles begin: first, Agnes becomes Rapunzel - as soon as her clothes were torn off, she instantly grew hair on her head to such an extent that she was able to cover her body with it. Then the men who wanted to go to the brothel with her Togo, began to go blind or die. This is such a legend.

However, the Church of St. Agnes is not the most famous attraction of the square. And the fountains.

Photos taken April 20, 2011.

They are written in detail in the guide book, so I won’t repeat them.

The final photo of this post will be the composition “Fountain and Doves”:

The most beautiful photos of other posts - follow the link to the album on Facebook.

About other Italian impressions and photographs—.

Our route and information from the guidebook:

Let's start with Plaza de España - piazza di Spagna[Piazza di Spagna], which received its name from the palace of the Spanish Ambassador to the Vatican. Perhaps this is one of the most romantic places in Rome. Piazza di Spagna is a favorite place for both tourists and Romans. Here, on the most beautiful staircase, built in the Baroque style in 1723 - 1726. De Sanctis, artists from all over the world sell their works and offer to paint your portrait on the spot.

In the center of the square there is a half-submerged boat and a fountain. Barcaccia[Barcaccia], an elegant work by Bernini the Father (17th century). One of the strong floods brought a boat here from the Tiber. The water receded, and the sculptor who saw this left us with a memory of the lovely “Boat”.

In May there is usually a flower show, and then the staircase lined with lush azaleas seems to lead to a fairy tale. The staircase ends with the double-domed Church of the Holy Trinity on the Mountains - Trinita dei Monti[Trinita dei Monti]. This is the main French church in Rome, built at the end of the 15th century. for the Order of St. Francis. In the 19th century was restored. To the left of the church is the Villa Medici (1544), built by the architect A. Lippi. In the 17th century the palace became the residence of the cardinals of the Medici family, and in 1803, at the direction of Napoleon, the French Academy, founded for French artists by Louis XIV in 1666, was moved here.

Walking through via Due Macelli[via due Macelli] and turning right onto via del Tritone[via del Tritone], on the left we will see the most famous and, perhaps, the most beautiful of the 400 Roman fountains - Trevi - Trevi[Travi]. Created by the architect Salvi in the mid-18th century. in the late Baroque style (and is its best example) on the site of an older fountain. The fountain is adjacent to the Poli Palace, which belonged to Princess Volkonskaya and where N.V. Gogol visited when he lived in Rome. The fabulous chariot of Ocean (sculptor Bracci) emerges from the arch of the palace facade, the horses are led by Naiad and Triton. On the sides of the arch in niches there are statues of “Health” (right) and “Abundance” (left). Above them are bas-reliefs telling the story of a Roman girl who showed thirsty soldiers a source at the crossroads of three roads (in Italian - tre vie). There is also an image of Marcus Agrippa (1st century), under whom an aqueduct was built from this source. Water from the aqueduct still fills the Trevi Fountain. There is a custom: when leaving Rome, throw a coin into the fountain to return again. The fountain has become a symbol of the Eternal City for tourists.

By via delle Muratte[via delle Muratte] we go out to piazza di Pietra[piazza di Pietra] and via Pastini[via Pastini] on piazza Rotonda[Piazza Rotonda]. Here is the Pantheon - Pantheon[The Pantheon] is the only structure that has come down to us almost in its original form. It was built in 27 BC. e. consul Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus, and is dedicated to 7 main gods - Apollo, Diana, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Zeus and Saturn, hence - Pantheon (All Gods). And in 125, Emperor Hadrian reconstructed a mausoleum for his family on its ancient foundation. The Pantheon was consecrated in 606 as Christian church St. Virgin Mary. The bronze doors are authentic. Inside, the Pantheon produces an amazing sense of harmony thanks to its perfect proportions. The dome, with a diameter of 43.30 m, almost equal to the height of the building, inspired Michelangelo to create the beautiful dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Since 1870, the kings of Italy have chosen the Pantheon as their mausoleum. Now the Pantheon houses the tombs of the great Raphael and the kings of Italy.

By via Giustiani[via Giustiani] let's get to Corso del Rinascimento[Corso del Rinashchimento], we will cross it and reach piazza Navona [Piazza Navona]. This is the most beautiful square in Rome with picturesque houses, a Baroque church Sant'Agnese in Agone[Santagnese in Agone] Borromini and Bernini's fountains. The square was decorated during the heyday of the Baroque, in the mid-17th century, by the most prominent representatives of this style in Rome and constant rivals in art - Bernini and Borromini.

In 1651, in the center of the square, a Fountain of the Four Rivers(Bernini). The unusually picturesque fountain is decorated with allegorical figures symbolizing the four continents and their great rivers - the Danube in Europe, the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia and the Rio de la Plata in America. In the center is an Egyptian obelisk that once adorned the Circus of Maxcentius.

Ethiopian Fountain—the sculpture of the Negro is also by Bernini, and the bowl is by Giacomo della Porta. Bowl Neptune fountain- later, 1878 (Della Bitta and Zappala).

The square is located on the former stadium (circus) of Domitian (1st century) and has retained its shape, similar to a ship ( nave in Italian). During the Christmas holidays, a large market of toys and confectionery opens here.

What is famous for Piazza di Spagna in Rome? What to see, why the staircase and fountain by Bernini are interesting. Other attractions, photos and reviews.

One of the wonderful squares in Rome, Piazza di Spagna, is best approached from Via del Corso. From here Via dei Condotti begins, the perspective of which is closed by a staircase that goes up the steep slope of the Pincia hill.

The decoration of the hill was the French church Trinita dei Monti. Its two towers, crowned with hexagonal domes, and the obelisk, moved in 1789 by order of Pope Clement XII from the Sallust gardens, stretch their tops into the heavenly heights. This picturesque picture is completed by a fountain located at the foot of the stairs.

But before describing everything surrounding Piazza di Spagna, I would like to say a few words about the history of this place.

Plaza de España - history

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

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

Staircase-podium

This place attracts not only tourists; the square is a favorite meeting place for young people. In spring, a collection of flowers is displayed on the 138 steps of the Spanish Staircase. The travertine staircase, shaped like 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. IN summer time

The steps of Spain's staircase are transformed into a catwalk for showcasing 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 spotlights illuminating the moving figures of fashion models dressed by the best couturiers of Italy. During the daytime it is a meeting place. People sitting on the steps communicate, relax and admire from above beautiful view

, spread out at the foot of the hill. And in winter, the staircase that adorns Piazza di Spagna turns into a stage for theatrical performances of nativity scenes.

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

Water flows slowly, supplied to it through the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built in the 1st century BC. The fountain decorated the Piazza di Spagna in the late thirties of the 17th century.

When you first see Piazza di Spagna, you will immediately understand that its most striking elements are the stairs and the fountain. We already know a lot about them! But there is still a lot interesting places and structures that are worth paying attention to.

So, what else to see in Piazza di Spagna:

If you stand facing the stairs, then to the right of it along the steps rises the house in which he spent last days English poet John Keats' life. This building today houses a museum. In it you can get acquainted not only with exhibits related to the poet, but also with the English culture of the romantic era;
Costs a little higher Palace of former Cardinal Lorenzo de Cubo. Built in the 15th century, the palace underwent reconstruction in 1936. Its changed facade fits perfectly into the overall 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 tearoom since 1896. This unusual establishment still follows all the rules of English tea drinking;
There is a column in the southeastern part of Plaza de España. At its top there is a figure of the Virgin Mary. On the pedestal at the foot of the column there are figures of the prophets: Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel and David. The column “found a place” on the square in 1856 and was dedicated biblical story about the Immaculate Conception. Every year, on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope comes here. A wreath made of white lilies, brought by the pope, is placed on the hand of the Virgin Mary. At this time, Piazza di Spagna is filled with people who want not only to share the holiday with believers, 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”), Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol lived in house number 26 from 1837 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 born here.

One of the fast food restaurants, McDonald's, is also open in Plaza España. We under no circumstances recommend that you satisfy your hunger in establishments like this. However, coffee and other vital things - at your service 😉

Where is it and how to get there

The best way to visit Piazza di Spagna is while walking along Via del Corso. It is located on the right side as you walk towards Piazza del Popolo, with Piazza Venezia behind you. It is difficult to get lost, but in any unclear situation, do not hesitate to ask for directions - the majority of Italians are responsive.

You can use the metro, especially since in Rome it is very simple (its layout is reminiscent of Kiev, if you have ever encountered it). The station closest to the square is called “Spagna” (in Italian - “Spain”).

This is what Piazza di Spagna is like. She managed to reconcile Spain, and, once at war, was able to charm both Europeans and Americans, as well as residents of the East. It is not surprising that it has become a favorite destination for tourists from all countries.

And Trevi Fountain- one of the most important attractions in Rome. Located on the square is the famous ladder is one of the most popular tourist places V . The Romans themselves love this place, often choosing the Spanish Steps as a place for meetings and dates.

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

During the Middle Ages, Piazza di Spagna was the seat of the Spanish embassy at court. This is where the name of the square comes from. Palace of the Spanish Embassy dominated the entire area of Spain.

A little later, this place was chosen by the French, who built Pincio 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 offered their own versions of the staircase design, and each side insisted on its own version, not wanting to give in to the other side. Eventually, the Pope intervened and decided to entrust the construction of the staircase to an architect Francesco de Sanctis.

In 1997 spanish steps was restored.

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

One of the most chic streets in Rome begins from the fountain - Via dei Condotti, which houses some of the most expensive shops in the city.

And about 100 meters from the fountain there 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 loved to sit with a cup of tea in this cafe.

There were such great people as Goethe And Schopenhaer, A Gogol I loved coming to this cafe while working on dead souls.

On the south side of Plaza España is Fide Palace, where 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 IX.

This is one of the most famous fountains in the world. On the spot fountain Even in ancient times there was a spring that fed Rome with water.

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 pulled 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 the map of Rome

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