Plaza of Spain in Rome: photos, hotels, how to get

The Plaza of Spain in Rome is one of the most famous and picturesque in the Italian capital. Its name in its native language sounds like Piazza di Spagna. There are many sights on this square. This is the fountain of Barkachcha, the temple of the Trinity on the mountain, the statue of the Immaculate Virgin. There is a palace of Spain, a famous staircase, many fashion shops and boutiques of famous brands. We will make a small trip along this square, and also give tourists some practical advice.

Plaza of Spain in Rome: how to get there and what's nearby

It is located in the center of the city, in an area called Campo Marzio (Marsovo Pole). This is the branch of the subway "A". Next to the square is the commercial avenue of Via Condotti, as well as the Lucky Street where Nikolay Gogol lived and wrote the first volume of the novel Dead Souls. And in the first coffee house in Rome, they enjoyed the drink Stendhal, Goethe and Andersen. At one of the corners of the square is the Palace of Propagation of Faith - the property of the Holy See. In the 16th century it was the private residence of Bishop Amelia. Now there is the Missionary Museum. From here it is easy to reach other interesting places of the Italian capital - for example, to the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese.

The palace and the column

Its modern name of the Plaza of Spain in Rome was after the opening of the embassy of this country. Since 1620 there is a palace there. It is called the "Palazzo de España". Here lived the ambassador of the kingdom in the Vatican. At that time the palace was on the periphery of the city, but then it gradually turned out to be in the center. In front of him in the nineteenth century a marble column was built in honor of the Roman Curia's acceptance of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. At the top of this pillar is an 11-meter bronze statue of the Madonna by Giuseppe Obichi. It is surrounded by images of Moses, David, Isaiah and Ezekiel. Every year, the Pope arrives here, decorates the head of the sculpture with a wreath with the help of a team of firemen and stairs, and also pronounces a special prayer.

Ladder and church

But the most popular attraction in the Plaza of Spain in Rome is undoubtedly the so-called "Steps". This is a grandiose baroque staircase. It consists of 138 steps. They lead to Pincho hill. There is a Trinity del Monty church with two domes. On the stairs twelve spans - narrow and wide. The church is considered one of the largest Franciscan churches in Europe. It's good not only its portal, but also the interior with frescoes of famous masters, including "Descent from the Cross". It was built by order of the French monarchs, and since there was representation of their relatives, Spanish monarchs on the square, both places were connected by a staircase. True, this project was implemented in life not immediately because of a quarrel between the pope and the Sun King. After the death of the latter, the staircase was built according to the design of architect Alexander Specki.

Fountain

In the center of the Plaza of Spain in Rome is the "Boat". "Barkakcha" is the name of a small but very famous fountain. It is also built in the Baroque style, and its author is one of the most outstanding sculptors of the time - Bernini the elder. The fountain was ordered by Pope Urban Eighth. The history of this architectural structure is interesting. In 1598, in Rome, there was such a severe flood that the area was completely flooded, and in the middle of it stranded a boat. The sculptor placed a longboat in the center of the fountain. It's like drowning in the water. This was done as a reminder of a catastrophe. From the stern and nose of the sculpture, streams flow. Water in the fountain comes from the ancient aqueduct "built still by the slaves of Rome," as Mayakovsky wrote. It's called Aqua Virgo.

Area in cultural dimension: films, books and festivals

All roads are known to lead to Rome. A staircase in the Plaza of Spain attracts lovers. This is a famous place for dating. It is not for nothing that she is regularly shown in the cinema and described in various literary works. But probably the most popular scene of all time is the footage from the movie "Roman holidays", where Audrey Hepburn is eating ice cream on the stairs. There are also exhibitions of flowers. This happens in the spring, so the beauty of the square is simply indescribable at this time. But in winter it is not empty. Various theater performances are arranged on the square. In a word, such a thing as "low season", this place does not know. It is always crowded, fun and colorful. There are a lot of living statues, artists march on stilts, read poems. In addition, the square is the center of modern fashion. Here the most modern brands and directions are presented and various entertainment presentations are held, including those from Valentino. There are also several museum houses of famous poets, such as John Keats and Mary Shelley.

Rome: hotels near the Plaza of Spain

"Swiss" - one of the most famous hotels nearby. It is on Via Gregoriana, just between the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, and it is perfectly landscaped, so it is suitable for families with children. The price includes breakfast. At the very top of the Spanish Steps, on the hill, is the five-star "Hassler Rome" (hotel). Plaza of Spain is surrounded by other hotels - Del Corso, At the Steps, Inn ... But hotels here are often very expensive, and they are preferred by wealthy American tourists. On the other hand, travelers recommend to settle in this square, because it is located in the 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 find a budget hostel from the series "Bed and Breakfast". Luxury from such a hotel is not expected, but you practically do not have to spend money on transport and you can wander around the streets of nocturnal Rome. Each of these hotels is in an old house and is infused with an authentic Italian spirit. So, living in the Plaza of Spain, you will know the soul of the city. And its rhythm you will feel when you take a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the audience.

Reviews

The reputation of this place is such that a lot of people rush at any time of year to the Plaza of Spain in Rome. The photos will be good when you come here in the early morning. In this case, you will not be prevented from removing all the sights of the square. There are no congestions of tourists, and you can safely walk through the famous Spanish Steps. Then very good views are opened from different angles. But seasoned travelers say that it is even better to visit the square at night. Then there is a mysterious, unique atmosphere. Romantics prefer to sit on the stairs during sunset. And from here it is convenient to make shopping. Some gourmets recommend local confectioneries and restaurants, although due to the fact that this is a tourist area, snacks and coffee can be expensive.