Piazza di Spagna - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Fountain of Four Rivers is a fountain in Rome, located in the Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of the stairway of Trinita dei Monti. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini and designed by Pietro Bernini, the fountain sits at the base of Rome’s Spanish Steps and is a popular gathering spot in the square. The fountain was built in the style of sumptuous Baroque with travertine as its material. It is one of the favourite destinations for tourists and also for the locals too.

The Spanish Steps are a set of steps dating from 1723, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinita dei Monti at the top dominated by Trinita dei Monti Church. The steps are a wide irregular gathering place consisted of 138 steps placed in a mix of curves, straight flights, vistas and terraces. They connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper piazza Trinita dei Monti, with its beautiful twin tower church dominating the skyline.

Santissima Trinità dei Monti is a 16th century convent and titular church at Piazza Trinità dei Monti 3 in the rione Campo Marzio. It is best known for its commanding position above the Spanish Steps which lead down to the Piazza di Spagna. The church and its surrounding area (including the Villa Medici) are a French State property.

Via Condotti is a street in central Rome that dates back to the ancient Roman era. It is known for its fashion boutiques. Major names in fashion have shops along the street. Being near the Spanish steps, the street is visited by large numbers of tourists.

A beautiful villa and architectural complex with a large Borghese garden, on the Pincian Hill. There is also a beautiful fountain which increases the beauty of this villa. In 1801 Napoleon bought the building, and in 1803 the Villa Medici became the headquarters of the French Academy in Rome. It also houses the recipients of the Prix de Rome.

Via del Corso is a well-known historical street in the center of Rome that connects piazza Venezia to piazza del Popolo and measures approximately 1.6 kilometers. It is the central artery of the road complex known as the Trident. Today, the Corso is a popular place for the passeggiata, the evening stroll for the populace to be seen and to see others. It is also an important shopping street for tourists and locals alike.