Spanish steps

The Spanish Steps are located in Rome and began to be built in 1721. It is considered the grand staircase that descends from the tops of the Pincio hill, where the Trinita dei Monti church is located, to the foot of Piazza di Spagna. Having been in Rome, it is impossible to imagine a city tour without visiting this architectural pearl. The appearance of the staircase is associated with the controversial history of the confrontation between the political views of France and Spain on Italian soil.

Church of Trinita dei Monti

The titular church of Trinita dei Monti was built by King Louis XII. French subjects considered it a significant place for national patriots who were far from their native country. Located at the foot of Pincho Hill, the Spanish Square had the same meaning for the Spaniards. After all, the Spanish Embassy was located here. When the two states were in difficult diplomatic relations, the temple and the square were connected by a staircase by the French politician Etienne Geffier. The construction of the Spanish Steps lasted about 4 years and was completed in 1725. The largest sum of money has been allocated for this project.

Construction of the Spanish Steps

There was a debatable factor in the plans of the French builders. Their idea was that during the grandiose construction of the Spanish Steps, a statue of Louis XIV would be installed at the head of the entire structure, but they did not allow the statue to be erected. An architectural competition was held in 1717. The winners were Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis and continued construction activities in 1723.

The Spanish Steps existed until the end of the 90s without restoration, but time inexorably destroys everything created by human hands. Cracks appeared on the steps, rains washed away the surface layer in some places, and the grandiose structure began to look pitiful. Then funds were allocated from the city budget for restoration work.

Festive decoration

The Spanish Steps took on a new look in 1997 and again shone with its splendor, attracting tourists to visit and admire the most beautiful stairs in Europe. With the coming of spring, the staircase blooms. This impression is created by numerous petunias and azaleas, which decorate the architectural miracle in all sorts of bright colors. And during the Christmas holidays, theatrical platforms are installed on the wide steps for extraordinary performances. The jewel of the staircase is undeniably the Church of Trinita dei Monti.

The Spanish Steps in Rome and in modern reality attracts attention from society. Famous brands hold fashion premieres here: Dolce&Gabbana and Valentino. By the way, their stores are located nearby. The staircase looks especially great on Fashion Days, when a satin runner is laid out.