The Spanish Stairs
The Spanish Stairs are placed in the Spanish Square in Rome, Italy. The official name is Scalinata delle Trinita dei Monti but nowadays they are rarely called this way.
The stairs were created between 1723 and 1726 and were designed by Francesco de Sanctis. Roman artists, designing fountains, churches or other architectural forms, were always aiming to create them in such a way that people would think of God looking at them. That is why Rome is so filled with Christian symbols. It is a similar situation with the stairs because they are connecting the Spanish Square with the church of Trinita dei Monti (of the Holy trinity). It was also emphasised by the shape of the stairs and decorative elements. Three terraces means the Holy Trinity. The lowest and at the same time the widest part of the composition gives an impression of overflowing waves what is supposed to remind of a great power of the Holy Spirit, whereas waving lines and rounded shapes are to emphasize the movement as a symbol of life.
The Spanish Stairs are one of the most visited tourist attractions of Rome. Thus, you can hear laughter and feel a pleasant atmosphere created by the vibrant crowd of turists all day long. During several months various cultural and religious activities take place there, e.g. fashion shows in July or the Christmas stable in December.
In front of the stairs there is the fountain La Barcaccia designed by Pietro Bernini. The name means 'the old, derelict boat' referring to a river boat once brought there during a flood of Tiber. Besides that, all around the square there are museums: Keates-Shelly Memorial House in commemoration of English romantic poets or Casa de Chirico with keepsakes of Giorgio de Chirico. In the square, there is also a palace housing the Spanish Embassy which was the origin of the name of this square and stairs. You can find there boutiques of the best brands as well.
Similar places by:
Architect |
Francesco de Sanctis Alessandro Specchi Carlo Maderna |
|
---|---|---|
Style |
Baroque |
|
Category |
church fountain square architecture |
|
Material |
|
marble grass travertine |
Hint |
Very crowded |