BrowsingRome Blogging about my experiences and sharing my thoughts about Rome, Italy and beyond
While browsing through Rome this beautiful afternoon, I happened to pass by Piazza di Spagna and what a lovely sight it was. This piazza is definitely a lively space in the city center and has clearly been a meeting place for centuries with the early baroque fountain, the Fontana della Barcaccis (Fountain of the Ugly Boat) right in the center.
The basin of the fountain does look like an ancient sailing vessel and was designed in 1625 by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous artist Gian Lorenzo.
Leading upwards from the Piazza are the Scalinata dei Monti, better known as the Spanish Steps. Look up, and on the right hand side is the house John Keats lived in until 1821. He was a great friend of writer Percy Shelley and the house is now a Keats-Shelley Memorial House with a small museum of memorabilia of their lives and work.
The Via del Condotti leads out from the square and is the home to many designer names such as Gucci, Yves St Laurent and Christian Dior. I remember a cousin who spent some time here and the shops here are certainly thankful for the support!
To the left of the steps is the famous tearoom, Babingtons, specializing in English teas. They are also known for their quality bacon and egg breakfasts and light lunches, served in the charming old world property.
I had tried it out once for English tea and though it was rather costly, it was nice change. However, as a visitor, I would suggest you spend your time here enjoying delicious Italian food!
At the top of the ascent of 137 steps you will be rewarded with the Egyptian Obelisk and the elegant façade of the lovely Church of Trinita dei Monti. The symmetrical frontage of the church has a pair of bell towers and it was constructed in 1502 by the French King, Louis XII. The interior frescoes are by Taddeo Zuccari and two of the paintings are by Michelangelo’s assistant, Daniele da Volterra.
Piazza di Spagna , in my opinion, makes a great central location to use as a base for exploring the city on foot with many smaller hotels nearby.