The
piazza, church and famous Scalinata Spagna (Spanish
Steps) have long provided a gathering place for foreigners.
Built with a legacy from the French in 1725, but named
after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See (which is
still located in the piazza), the steps lead to the
French church, Trinità dei Monti. In the 18th
century the most beautiful women and men of Italy gathered
here, waiting to be chosen as an artist's model. In
May each year the steps are decorated with pink azaleas.
lf you can't manage the steps there's a lift to the
top outside the Spanish Steps metro station. It might
look like the perfect spot for a picnic, but don't get
too enthusiastic. Theoretically you are not allowed
to eat whilst sitting on the steps. The municipai police
who patrol the area can be quite strict, and transgressors
can be fined. lt's all aimed at keeping the steps clean
after a major restoration in 1995-96, but the police
would do better to catch the vandals who are defacing
Rome's monuments with graffiti.
In the piazza
is the boat-shaped fountain called the Barcaccia, believed
to be by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous Gian Lorenzo.
The Viale della Trinità dei Monti at the top
of the steps leads to the Pincio. Half way along the
road on the right is the Villa Medici, perhaps Rome's
best piece of real estate with undoubtedly one of the
city's best views. The palazzo was built for Cardinal
Ricci da Montepulciano in 1540. Ferdinando dei Medici
bought it in 1576 and it remained his family's property
until Napoleon acquired it in 1801, when the French
Academy was transferred here...
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