Italy rome area spain. Italy. Rome. third walk: from piazza di spagna to piazza navona. Construction of the Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna is located relatively close to the Trevi Fountain, so on the first evening in Rome we decided to walk around the city at night and walk from Trevi to Piazza di Spagna. After 15 minutes we were already in one of the most picturesque squares in Rome. The square got its name from the Spanish embassy building located on it. In the center of the square is the famous Boat Fountain by Pietro Bernini, made together with his son, the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1627-1629). This is, indeed, a living and figurative embodiment of a sinking boat, with streams of water flowing from the stern and bow.
The fountain got its name “Barcaccia” (longboat) due to its shape of a half-submerged boat and was installed in memory of the flood that happened in 1598, when a boat ran aground in a flooded square. The fountain is supplied with water from the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct.
In the foreground is the Barcaccia Fountain, in the form of a boat, and in the distance near the Palace of Spain rises the marble “Column of the Immaculate”, embodying the idea of the Immaculate Conception and the figure of the Virgin Mary at the top of the monument. She stands on a ball and a crescent - symbols of the top of the world. Under her feet is a serpent, which since ancient times has been associated with original sin, but here it is defeated.
The pedestal of the column is also marble, on it are installed the figures of the biblical prophets Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel and the great King David. They not only decorate the column, but also serve as additional supports for it.
A wreath of flowers always hangs on the statue’s right hand. Moreover, it is not bronze or plastic, but real. Every year, on December 8, the Pope comes to this square with a wreath of fresh flowers. As a rule, these are white lilies - a symbol of purity. These flowers are placed on the hand of the Virgin Mary using a crane and there they hang for a whole year - until the next ceremony.
This column, dedicated to the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, was installed in Piazza di Spagna in 1854. Unlike the Christian Church, Catholics firmly believe that the Virgin Mary was also conceived outside of sin.
On this occasion, I remember the story of the guide in the Vatican. She cited the motto of Italian students: “Sin without conceiving, and conceiving without sin!”
Piazza di Spagna is also famous for its Spanish Steps, the steps of which rise up to Piazza Trinito dei Monti.
The Spanish Steps, built in Rome more than three centuries ago, is a famous architectural monument whose history can impress everyone. It received its name thanks to the idea of the French ambassador to Rome, Etienne Geffier, who proposed to connect the Trinita dei Monti church and the Spanish Square as a sign of the unbreakable union of the French and Spanish powers.
And this idea so captured the imagination of the representative of France that he decided to create a monumental structure at his own expense, which he announced in his will, allocating 20,000 crowns for the construction of the staircase.
The well-known Cardinal Mazarin also took part in the construction of the Spanish Steps, thanks to whom the top of the structure was crowned with a statue of Louis XIV. It is interesting that some documents that have come down to posterity since those times indicate the cardinal’s intention to realize the ambassador’s dream not in Rome, but in Italy. Having learned about this, the Pope was very angry at the mere thought that the top of Pincio Hill in Rome would be crowned with a statue of the French king. Of course, the staircase construction project was rejected, but only for a while.
Already in 1717, it was launched again, but the architectural ensemble itself was built according to the sketches of Francesco de Sanctis, an unknown architect at that time. The construction of the structure continued for two years and in 1725 the Spanish Steps appeared in Rome, but without the statue of Louis XIV: at the site of its supposed placement there are attributes of papal power - an eagle and a crown, as well as symbols of the royal house of Bourbon.
The construction begins in Piazza de Spagna, from the middle of which it rises up to the Pincio hill. The Spanish Steps are made of travertine and have 138 steps, each of which has a concave shape and different lengths. Designed by the architect de Sanctis, the building has only undergone one restoration, which was carried out in our time in 1997, and it seems that the second restoration is now taking place in 2016, since the staircase is closed to the public and we were not able to climb 138 steps. It’s a pity, we specially trained before our trip to Chisinau on our granite staircase near Komsomolskoye Lake, which has 218 steps.
If we managed to climb, then at the top of the Spanish Steps, in front of the Church of Trinita dei Monti, we would see the obelisk of Sallust. The dark obelisk is visible in the photo against the background of the white church.
The Obelisk of Sallust is an ancient Roman imitation of Egyptian designs, made during the era of the Empire. Then the obelisk was located in the luxurious gardens of Sallust, located north of the city. The Romans “copied” the hieroglyphs on it from an Egyptian prototype of the 13th century BC, which they brought from Heliopolis and installed in the Circus Maximus.
The obelisk of Sallust was damaged during the sack of Rome by the Goths in 410. And at the end of the 18th century Giovanni Antinori installed it in this place. In addition to the cross, the lily of the French kings was added to the bouquet on top of the obelisk.
This ended our walk through the night in Rome, and we took the metro to get to the hotel.
April, 2016
(Various Internet sources were used in writing this essay)
"You can take the whole world, but leave Italy to me"
Giuseppe Verdi
More details about walks in Italy can be found in the book: " ITALIAN HOLIDAYS"
ITALIAN HOLIDAYS
This book can serve as a short guide to Italy in 7 days:
Three days in Rome(Piazza Venice. Piazza Navona. Trevi Fountain. Piazza di Spagna. Capitoline Hill. Roman Forum. Colosseum and Triumphal Arches. Mouth of Truth. Bridges and Tiber Embankment. Pantheon and Rotunda Square. Roman Castles (Castelli Romani). Appian Way. Grottaferrata, Crypt Ferrata, Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Tusculum, streets of Rome.
Two days in Florence: Church of Santa Maria Novella. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Baptistery of San Giovanni. Republic Square. Piazza della Signoria. Ponte Vecchio. Uffizi Gallery. Basilica of San Lorenzo. Santa Croce (“Holy Cross”) Piazzale Michelangelo. Palazzo Pitti.
One day in Venice: Murano. St. Mark's Square and Cathedral. City Tour.
In the book I also included non-tourist routes, which are very interesting and little known to a wide range of travelers. I hope that the book will also arouse interest among those who have already visited these places, and they will be pleased to once again mentally walk through familiar places, remember and compare this virtual trip with their own impressions of this amazing and beautiful Italy.
Book price 100 rubles
Rome hotels near Piazza di Spagna
Swiss is one of the most famous hotels nearby. It is located on Via Gregoriana, just between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and is well equipped, making it suitable for families with children. Breakfast is included in the price. At the very top of the hill is the five-star Hassler Rome (hotel). Piazza di Spagna is surrounded by other hotels - Del Corso, At the Steps, Inn... But the hotels here are often very expensive, and they are preferred by wealthy American tourists. On the other hand, travelers recommend staying in this square because it is located in the very heart of the city, and if you want to cover as many routes as possible in a short time, you should choose accommodation somewhere in this area. Of course, there are many expensive hotels here, but if you try, you can also find a budget hostel from the “bed and breakfast” series. You shouldn’t expect luxury from such a hotel, but you will practically not have to spend money on transport and you can wander the streets of Rome at night as much as you like. Each of these hotels is located in an old house and is imbued with an authentic Italian spirit. So, having lived in Piazza di Spagna, you will get to know the soul of the city. And you will feel its rhythm when you take a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the audience.
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 using 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 there is a 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 an entrance fee was annually put up for auction; 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 the former Montecitorio Palace. 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 2200 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 find ourselves at the final destination of this route - 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 guide:
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 Machelli] 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 the Christian Church of 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 it was opened in the center of the square 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.
Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous squares in Rome. In addition, it is also one of the most beloved and popular places in the Eternal City among tourists. There are always a lot of people here, and at any time of the year.
The square got its name from the Spanish embassy in the Vatican located on it, which began operating in the 17th century. The embassy was housed in the building of the Palazzo Spagna (Palace of Spain), built in 1622.
Several hundred years ago, the Campo Marzion area, where the square is located, was the outskirts of Rome, and now it is part of the large historical center of the city.
Sights of Piazza di Spagna in Rome
The area has the shape of two unequal triangles.
In the northern part there is Spanish steps and the beautiful church of Trinita dei Monti. The Spanish Steps consist of 135 steps and are recognized throughout the world as one of the most beautiful staircases. Its opening took place in 1725 under Pope Benedict XIII, who held the ceremony. The staircase was built with the aim of connecting the Spanish Embassy, located below, with the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. The last restoration of the staircase was carried out in 1995.
How to get to Piazza di Spagna in Rome
The nearest metro stop near Plaza de España is called Spagna. You need metro line A.
For example, from San Pietro metro station you can take bus number 64 to Termini station, then change to metro line A and get off at Spagna station.
From the Colosseum you can take bus number 85 to the Trevi Fountain stop, and from there walk to Piazza di Spagna (less than 500 meters).
You can also use taxi services. You can order a car through the Uber app on your smartphone or use the services of one of the local companies (for example, Radio Taxi at 06-3570 or Pronto Taxi at 06-6645). But taxis in Italy, and especially in Rome, are expensive, one of the most expensive in Europe.
If you like to walk, then you can easily walk to Plaza España from the main attractions of the city.
Below are the most popular routes from Rome's main attractions, St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum.
Walking route from St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican) to Piazza di Spagna:
Walking route from the Colosseum to Plaza de España:
Video:
