Nestled in the heart of Rome, Piazza di Spagna stands as one of the world’s most iconic, charming, and visited squares, making it one of the most characteristic and evocative places in the Eternal City. Located in a privileged position, in the bustling heart of central Rome, in the Campo Marzio district, this square, where historic shopping streets converge, from Via Condotti to Via Frattina, from Via del Babbuino to Via Borgognona, is internationally renowned.
With its prestigious hotels, luxury boutiques, historic restaurants and cafes, and above all with the prestigious Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is not only one of the clearest symbols of majestic Roman Baroque, but today it is also one of the most exclusive meeting places in Rome. If you are visiting Rome don’t miss the opportunity for a stop in Piazza di Spagna.
The History of Piazza di Spagna
Originally, Piazza di Spagna was called Piazza della Trinità, named after the Church of Trinità dei Monti, consecrated by Pope Sixtus V in 1587. In those years, that area was considered suburban, a stopping place for horse-drawn carriages transporting foreigners to Rome through Porta del Popolo, which at the time was the northern entrance to the city.
The adjacent land was cultivated with vineyards and was overall in decline, relegated to the outskirts of the city.
It was from the sixteenth century onwards that the area around the square began to assume a commercially relevant role due to the presence of many hotels and houses that provided accommodation for pilgrims and foreigners who came to visit Rome. It was in this context that in 1620 King Philip IV of Spain purchased an entire building that became the headquarters of his ambassadors to the Vatican, so much so that it still is today. From this purchase comes the name “Piazza di Spagna”.
The Construction of the Spanish Steps: A Marvel of Roman Architecture
Before the construction of the famous staircase, the square and the Church of Trinità dei Monti were connected only by two very steep streets, located along the slope and accessible only on foot.
It was only in 1723, at the behest of Pope Innocent XIII and designed by the Roman architect Francesco De Sanctis, that the spectacular Spanish Steps of Trinità dei Monti were built, connecting the slopes of the Pincio with the church of the Santissima Trinità and the underlying Piazza di Spagna. Designed to be the new meeting point for citizens and foreigners, even today the staircase is a place of meeting and gathering, so much so that it is called the “living room of Rome“.
La Barcaccia: The Elegant Fountain at the Heart of the Square
The center of the square, surrounded by historic noble palaces, is dominated by the fountain called the “Barcaccia” (1626-29), the work of Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo. The fountain has the shape of a boat with identical bow and stern and is set in an oval pool. On the bow and stern are two large coats of arms of Urban VIII with three bees. The fountain was fed by the Acqua Vergine aqueduct.
The term “barcaccia” is inspired by the boats used on the Tiber in the nearby port of Ripetta.
The Romantic Era of Rome in the 19th Century
The Eternal City became one of the most sought-after and lively centers in Europe in just a few decades, as well as a sought-after destination for artists and travelers.
Must-See Attractions Around Piazza di Spagna
In addition to the Barcaccia and the famous Spanish Steps of Trinità dei Monti, Piazza di Spagna is surrounded by important historic buildings. From the Memorial House of English poets Keats and Shelley, to the Casa Museo of the painter Giorgio De Chirico, to the Palazzo della Propaganda Fide.
Adjacent to the square is the Column of the Immaculate Conception, a nineteenth-century monument erected in Piazza Mignanelli in front of the Spanish embassy. A Corinthian column sculpted in ancient Rome, it was discovered in the late Renaissance.
Conclusions
For its intricate history and the charm that has remained unchanged for more than three centuries, Piazza di Spagna is not just a square; it is a testament to the spirit and immortal beauty of Rome.
