Spanish Steps and Barcaccia Fountain in Rome interesting facts

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are one of the more popular landmarks on the tourist map of Rome, often mentioned in the same breath as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.

The popularity of this location is clearly evident from the multitude of tourists constantly wandering around the adjacent Spanish Steps Square. Frequently, a stroll around this interesting monument becomes quite challenging, especially in the summer, when tourists from literally all over the world can be found there, each wanting to take a photo or shoot a TikTok video.

The Spanish Steps, their history, and history

The Spanish Steps, a picturesque and exceptionally beautiful structure in the Baroque-Rococo style, are like many other landmarks in Rome dating back to the first half of the 18th century. These scenic stairs were designed by Francesco De Sanctis, an Italian architect known for works such as the Trinita dei Pellegrini church, located in the centre of Rome.

The architect’s goal was to spectacularly connect the Spanish Steps Square (Piazza di Spagna) with the Trinita dei Monti church (the Church of the Holy Trinity) on the Pincian Hill. The church is currently under the care of French Catholics, and its mission is to welcome French-speaking pilgrims arriving in Rome from around the world.

The construction of the Spanish Steps took many years, and the work was completed in 1725. The inauguration was led by Pope Benedict XIII himself. The completion date was not arbitrary, as the year 1725 was considered a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, a special time for the faithful, reminding them of their divine origins.

The shape of the stairs reflects all the principles and concepts of the Baroque style. One of the most important is the profound perspective, at the end of which a monumental building awaits the viewer. Additionally, the stairs were intended to serve as a natural stage, as theatrical performances were planned to be held in this very location.

A significant challenge for the architect was the location of the Trinita dei Monti church at the top of the hill, reached by the stairs. The orientation of the temple is slightly turned in relation to the stairs leading to it. To address the unnatural alignment of both structures, Francesco De Sanctis decided to place the Sallustian Obelisk in front of the church as an axis connecting the two buildings.

The obelisk was brought to Rome by Emperor Lucius Domitius in the 3rd century AD. The obelisk stands almost 14 meters tall and was transported to the top of the Spanish Steps from the Gardens of Sallust.

The Spanish Steps today

This famous monument of Rome have become a significant part of the tourist route through Rome. Every year, they host fashion shows featuring many famous designers. Additionally, each spring, the steps are adorned with beautiful flowers, and a floral festival takes place in their vicinity.

Visiting the Spanish Steps in Rome is also worthwhile in winter. For Christmas, a massive Nativity scene crafted by local artists is displayed on the steps.

The Spanish Steps are among the longest and widest staircases in Europe, although residents of Odessa argue that their Potemkin Stairs are longer and slightly wider.

La Barcaccia fountain beneath the Spanish Steps

La Barcaccia is a Baroque fountain located at the Spanish Steps Square beneath the Spanish Steps in Rome. The fountain takes the form of a sunken boat, intended to remind the residents of Rome of the great flood when the Tiber River flooded the city in 1598. The commission for the fountain came from Pope Urban VIII, and the Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini and his son Gianlorenzo were the architects who executed the project.

According to legend, during the flooding of Rome, a brave inhabitant of the Eternal City saved people by rowing from house to house on a small, humble boat. Eventually, the boat sank along with its courageous oarsman, and the spot where it was found was chosen to erect a monument commemorating this event.

Another rumour suggests that initially, a tall fountain with Spanish motifs was planned for this location. However, the water pressure from the Aqua Virgo aqueduct was too weak, prompting the builders to opt for the boat-shaped sculpture as it allowed for a lower water level in the fountain.

Spanish Steps in Rome practical information

You don’t have to march across the city to see the Spanish Steps. In the square next to the Trinità dei Monti church, there is a metro station on line A called Spagna. From the station, you can take the elevator to Piazza di Spagna beneath the Spanish Steps.

The address of the Spanish Steps is: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy.

Spanish Steps information and curiosities

• The Spanish Steps were built in 1725.
• The Spanish Steps, often referred to as the heart of Rome’s tourist attractions, are the perfect place to start or end a journey through the city.
• They are considered the longest and widest staircase in Europe, second only to the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa.
• Beneath the Spanish Steps stands the Fountain of the Boat (Fontana de Barcaccia), and at the top is a small fountain called the Soup Tureen Fountain (Fontana de Terrina).
• Allegedly, when viewed from above, the Spanish Steps resemble the shape of a butterfly with spread wings and are considered the most beautiful spot in Rome, though personal taste may vary.
• During spring, the steps are adorned with beautiful bouquets of flowers, and nearby, vendors set up stalls selling colourful bunches.
• The Spanish Steps were financed by the French diplomat Etienne Gueffier, who was greatly honoured for his friendship by the Spanish king, Philip V.
• In the 18th century, the Spanish Steps were a highly popular place, and anyone of importance in Rome had to be seen near them at least once a week.
• Every evening, a crowd gathers at the top of the Spanish Steps, waiting for the spectacular sunset over Rome.
• The name “Spanish Steps” has been in use since the 19th century when the Spanish Embassy started operating nearby.
• Via Margutta, one of the most beautiful streets in Rome, branches off from the Spanish Steps Square. This street gained fame in the iconic film “Roman Holiday” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
• Another famous street is Via del Babuino, home to many antique shops and bookshops.
• In the 1980s, a McDonald’s was opened on the Spanish Steps Square, directly opposite the Spanish Steps. Among the residents of Rome, opinions about this remain divided to this day.
• To the right of the Spanish Steps, during the reign of King John III Sobieski, was the Polish Embassy.
• For several years now, there has been a complete ban on eating and drinking on the Spanish Steps.

Fontanna La Barcaccia informacje i ciekawostki

• The La Barcaccia Fountain started operating in the year 1627, which was 30 years after the great flood of the Tiber River.
• The last renovation of the La Barcaccia Fountain was carried out in 2014, costing 200 thousand euros, funded by a private donation.
• In 2015, the La Barcaccia Fountain was seriously damaged by Dutch football hooligans.
• Towards the end of his life, the English poet John Keats lived near the La Barcaccia Fountain, as he claimed that the sound and scent of the flowing water from the fountain helped him cope with his incurable illness.
• The La Barcaccia Fountain was part of a larger architectural plan in Rome, aimed at placing a series of fountains in the most popular parts of the city.

Polish version