The piazza, church and famous Scalinata
Spagna (Spanish Steps) have long provided a gathering
place for foreigners. Built with a legacy from the
French in 1725, but named after the Spanish Embassy
to the Holy See (which is still located in the piazza),
the steps lead to the French church, Trinità
dei Monti. In the 18th century the most beautiful
women and men of Italy gathered here, waiting to be
chosen as an artist's model. In May each year the
steps are decorated with pink azaleas. lf you can't
manage the steps there's a lift to the top outside
the Spanish Steps metro station. It might look like
the perfect spot for a picnic, but don't get too enthusiastic.
Theoretically you are not allowed to eat whilst sitting
on the steps. The municipai police who patrol the
area can be quite strict, and transgressors can be
fined. lt's all aimed at keeping the steps clean after
a major restoration in 1995-96, but the police would
do better to catch the vandals who are defacing Rome's
monuments with graffiti.In the piazza is the boat-shaped
fountain called the Barcaccia, believed to be by Pietro
Bernini, father of the famous Gian Lorenzo. The Viale
della Trinità dei Monti at the top of the steps
leads to the Pincio. Half way along the road on the
right is the Villa Medici, perhaps Rome's best piece
of real estate with undoubtedly one of the city's
best views. The palazzo was built for Cardinal Ricci
da Montepulciano in 1540. Ferdinando dei Medici bought
it in 1576 and it remained his family's property until
Napoleon acquired it in 1801, when the French Academy
was transferred here...
