Rome's Spanish Steps - Are They the Most Popular Tourist Spot in the Eternal City?

Contrary to what the name may imply, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. Regardless, visitors to Rome have been delighted by them for many year. Some feel they are "just stairs" from the Piazza di Spagna to the Villa Medici, but as any experienced traveller knows, often-times it's not so much about the destination but about how you actually get there that truly matters.

The 137 steps that make up the Scalinata di Spagna or the "Spanish Steps" were constructed between 1723 and 1725. They can be found not far from the Piazza di Spagna which is a plaza that is triangular in shape. The Piazza di Spagna is also one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.

The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit in Rome. But it's good to glance down at these amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in their own right. They look delightful in any season but when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses along the walk.

When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend to ignore the law, so it's likely you'll still see people indulging in this practice.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find another of the many great outdoor art pieces by Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini's own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic "leaks" in the hull of the ship.

In addition to admiring the steps themselves and this delightful fountain, you can also take in the Memorial House to Keats and Shelly. After that fascinating stop, you can relax with a nice cool drink from the many bars that dot the city in that area and then climb the steps again on your return.

The steps are not designed to be an athletic challenge so there are three big flattened parts of the steps where you can take a breather to catch your breath and maybe have a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or just enjoy being among the Italian locals as a wonderful moment in your day. But when you do finish your climb of the Spanish Steps, make sure you turn and gaze back at where you have been. The view is breath taking and it will inspire you as you move on to reverently admire the Church of Trinta dei Monti

The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.

Just a short walk way is a well known spot known as the Via Veneto. This location became known in the 1950s as a place where a young girl could get pinched by a flirtatious Italian boy. While that kind of forward behaviour has calmed down in modern times, it is still a great area of Rome to shop, dine and enjoy the marvellous architecture all around you.

Don't miss out on the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even though these Italian steps were created by the French, the name dates back to the 18th century when the Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish Steps continues on to this day.

Rome, Piazza di Spagna - are the most popular tourist destination of the Eternal City?

Contrary to what the name may imply, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. Regardless of the visitors to Rome have enjoyed for many years. Some people feel "a few steps" from the Spanish Steps, Villa Medici, but like any seasoned traveler knows, it is often times not so much the destination but about how you actually get to there, that really counts.

The 137 steps, from which the Spanish Steps or Piazza di Spagna wereBuilt between 1723 and 1725. You can not far from Piazza di Spagna, a place, which is the form of a triangle to find. The Spanish Steps is one of the most popular sites in Rome.

The steps are landscapes, mysterious and elegant as Roma left a slight slope which passes through some of the most beautiful and popular, people like to visit. But it is good to look down on this scale because they look beautiful in their incrediblelaw. You see in every season sexy, but when spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, Piazza di Spagna, lives are in sight and the smell of azaleas, pour over the many greenhouses along the road.

If the Spanish Steps, is bursting with colors and aromas of white flowers, white Roman, it is summer. The weather in Rome is very hot, even in autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are alwayspopular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy a snack or a light lunch and only rely on yourself and enjoy the sights close to dinner. Unfortunately, the practice has been limited recently. Of course, this is Rome, and that is, people tend to ignore the law, it is likely that you will see, as people indulge in this practice.

If the bottom of the stairs is another of the many great works of outdoor art called The BerniniBoat Fountain or the good old boat. The ship, the heart of this impressive fountain is just the son of Bernini, Gian Lorenzo, whose name was planned. This beautiful fountain was built in 1627 on behalf of Pope Urban VIII Barberini. Water from these wells flows from the artistic imagery literally "escape" into the hull of the ship.

In addition, you can see the steps yourself and this beautiful fountain, you also take in the memorialHouse of Keats and Shelley. After this fascinating stop, you can use a good cold drink from the many bars that the city relax at that point and then go up the stairs when you return.

The steps are not designed to be a physical challenge, there are three large pieces of flat passages where he takes a break to catch your breath and maybe a bite to eat, buy souvenirs or just enjoy one of the Italian clubs to be such a wonderful time of the day. But ifYou end your climb to the Spanish Steps, be sure to turn and look back to where you were. The view is breathtaking, and inspire you when you move to admire the impressive church of Monti Trinta

The official name of this beautiful church, Holy Trinity to the Monte Pincio. The original design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the job. The Gothic style is unique, just like the neo-classical facade,They first met when you are on the steps. The love affair that many designers had with Roman art in the Egyptian style, in the third century is evident in the obelisk in front of the church.

Only a short walk way is a place known as the famous Via Veneto. This site was known in 1950 as a place where you might get a young girl trapped by a flirtatious Italian boys. While this type of behavior in later settled down in this day and age, is still a large area ofRome shopping, eating and enjoying the beautiful architecture all around you.

Do not miss the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps on your next trip to Rome. Even if the actions of French Italian are created, the name comes from the 18th Century, it was like the Spanish embassy nearby. And while the message is gone, what the international atmosphere of the Spanish to continue to this day.

Irresistible Roma - 5 Classic Highlights in the Eternal City Explore

If you violate the kingdom in search of ancient palaces and charming megalomania reminds of a glorious past, is not Rome, fantasy your will to conquer your senses as another. For first time visitors to Rome, Italy, dare not go home without you make your way to this classic five points and stop for ice cream anywhere.

5 Classic Highlights in Rome, Italy

Excluding the exceptional coffee,clothing and footwear shops, ice cream, pasta, places, Pizza, museums and churches on every corner, in the heart of Rome, the Eternal City, is its long history. The myth has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of the Roman god of war, Mars.

These highlights in Rome tell a story that resonates even more in the rock paintings and walls a lot of these places. Take a journey through the history of Rome - and notForget a comfortable pair of shoes - the cobblestone streets can be painful!

1) Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most spectacular fountain in Rome. In 19 BC, was one of the aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome fresh. E 'was named the Aqua Virgo, the Virgin after discovering, and has been used for years in Rome for more than 400 water systems were destroyed by the Goths.

The current Fountain was completed in 1762 and Neptune, the Roman god of water and the sea (as Poseidon in Greek mythology). The sons of Neptune, Triton is seen below it, taming seahorses, which are pull his car while checking the raging waters. It 'been said that once you throw a coin into the fountain, has secured another visit to Rome.

Travel secret? Near the Trevi Fountain Square is also the place where you can find some of the best ice cream> Rome.

2) The Spanish Steps (Steps of Trinità dei Monti)

Known as the largest scale in Europe, the Spanish Steps of 138 steps, built in 1723-1725. They were built around the Piazza di Spagna at the base connects to the Piazza Trinita dei Monti in its upper part, which included a newly built church (Trinity of the Mountains), funded by the Bourbons in France. If you look closely, you'll notice that the French fleur-de-lys in and around the sculptureSteps.

At the bottom of the stairs of the Spanish Steps, is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana Barcaccia), which was built in 1627-1629 - and is now used by many tourists for their water bottles for their time on the load water Piazza di Spagna.

3) The Pantheon

As you pass through the dark columns of the portico in front of the Pantheon, it asks if you want to go into a crypt. But once you step inside, natural light that floodsbecause of this temple to all the Roman Gods will bring you to a place of submission to the old heads, that this place is created.

A circular opening in the center of the roof "Big Eye" to provide light and ventilation, while a system of drainage of the soil deposited by rain that passes through them. The cement used to build the temple is still a mystery how the modern concrete would not be able to withstand the weight of the Pantheon.

The building was built by the militaryGeneral Agrippa in 27 BC but was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD again. It is considered the best preserved building of its time and the shape of the world.

saved from destruction in the Middle Ages - in 609, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church. Then it became a tomb for 's Rome, as the painter Raphael and two kings of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, including formats.

Choirs and small groups often visit to engage inPantheon of noise, a phenomenon for musicians and architects. Catch a mass or service, and here you can trust even more in awe of his mysterious plan still immaculate.

4) The Vatican's St Peter's Square and Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel

Whether you are a believer or just a visitor, a tour of the Vatican a sensory overload, but earns much of its debt. Splendor and glory: it can be described in two words. Be prepared to wait in long lines and womenmust dress modestly (Show no legs or arms!). If possible, visit on Sunday and catch the Pope through a small window.

While the Vatican is the smallest country in the world with a population of about 800, but it is also probably one of the most mysterious, a store of secrets and historical sites in the world. Here is the seat and head of the Catholic Church, the Pope is.

In ancient Rome, this worship place as a holy place.After the great fire of Rome in 64 CE, Christians have been killed after many here, the apostle Peter, the head who was crucified. Monuments and a church was built here in 326 and then to St. Peter's Square and Basilica - built as a tomb of St. Peter. The Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded in 1500, when the bodyguards of the Pope. Continue their traditional uniforms, the bear always a fun show for the visitors for the first time in the Vatican.

It isso much to see in the Vatican City and can be overwhelming. Here are the highlights.

Start at Piazza San Pietro and familiarize yourself with the massive construction of the castle itself. But you prepare yourself what awaits you inside as you walk in silence through the catacombs below the tombs of past Popes and the same S. Peter. You are not alone if you feel the shivers down the spine.

As St. Peter's Basilica in force, be prepared to crane your head in any directionHundreds of sculptures, paintings and statues, including the Pietà by Michelangelo. Spend an afternoon in search of the Vatican Museums to the hundreds of thousands of works of art, statues and pieces dedicated to the church - and be ready as you enter the Sistine Chapel for another experience especially shocking: a ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Remember, no pictures and there is a chapel, there will still be silenced by the guards.

5) Colosseum and RomanForum

Last but not least, visit the Colosseum in Rome is incomplete without setting your sights on the band. To avoid lines, please visit the Roman Forum before and now you have your passport, you must provide access to the latest Forum and the Colosseum in the afternoon - you will not regret when you pass by hundreds of people waiting in line the Coliseum.

A walk through the massive Roman Forum, once the heart of imperial Rome, is not a walk in the park OldThe monuments and stones stand where once hummed with gardens, walks faithful in the temples, market places, fountains and pebbles. Tip: take a tour or a trip you through the ruins of what once were and their significance Guide - otherwise you just look at old rocks!

The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre and was the largest of its kind built in ancient Rome in 70-80 AD, on the east side of the Roman Forum. Made inSeat 50,000 people, this site presentations, having presented clearly visible in the film Gladiator. The citizens of Rome, would come from all classes, and watch the gladiator fights. When you visit, take some time to enjoy his glory - but do not forget to appreciate the intricate design in the field that housed the gladiators and wild beasts.

Do not forget, dressed in a photo with a Roman soldier pose!