Piazza di Spagna – Spanish Steps

An eighteenth century work, this square has an unusual and irregular aspect and is at the foot of the Pincio Hill.The celebrated Spanish Steps of its monumental stairway lead to the French church of Trinità dei Monti, an iconic sight with its two symmetrical bell towers.
The stairway was built between 1723-1726 by Francesco de Sanctis.

At the foot of the Spanish Steps sits the Barcaccia fountain, made in the late sixteenth century by Pietro Bernini, the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the famous sculptor and architect. It was built in memory of a disastrous river Tiber flood, in 1598.

The neighborhood streets are the smartest of Rome (Via Condotti and Via del Babuino), location to all the most prestigious fashion boutiques, such as Prada or Gucci.

From the top of the steps one can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. Near the church is the beautiful garden of Villa Medici, now the headquarters of the Academy of France in Rome (built in 1570 by Ammannati).