7 things to know about Spanish Square | Discovery Guided Tours

Romantic runway of the 1800s in Rome, Spanish Square or Piazza di Spagna, has initially gained its commercial fame around the 15th century, thanks to the many hotels and homes of many foreigners, attracted by the area thanks to the presence of the Spanish and the French Embassies.

Spanish square, is one of the most important Catwalks in Rome, a place full of history and traditions. As if the Fountain of the Barcaccia, the Trinità dei Monti and the in vogue street of Via dei Condotti wasn’t enough, Spanish Square is custodian of tons of curiosities.
Here are the 7 things you need to know about the Spanish Square in Rome.

7 curiosities about Spanish Square

The Square’s 2 Names
Around half of the 17th century, this square had two names, due to France and Spain’s delegations housed in the buildings surrounding the square. The Northern section of this square, where the French Embassy was located, was called Piazza di Francia. While the southern section Piazza di Spagna, because of the Spanish Delegation hosted by the Holy Office of the Papal State.So Piazza di Francia or Piazza di Spagna? Two countries in the Roman square that faced each other in a symbolic rivalry for the official title, visible in the decor they both contributed to in the Piazza throughout the centuries. Since the Embassy of France moved its Estate, Spain was the winning contendent in 1647, giving the square its official name.
Rival artists
The rivalries didn’t just evolve around France and Spain. In fact there was a another famous rivalry concerning two big personalities in the baroque architectures of Rome, who also contributed to the creation of the beautiful Piazza di Spagna we all know and love today, the great Bernini and Borromini. They both lived here in the Spanish Steps, but the term “love thy neighbor” sure didn’t apply to them. In fact, even though their diatribes were mostly known through their Art work, like the four Rivers fountain and adjacent basilica in Piazza Navona, it is said that they continued to zing each other even during their spare time, while they were both at home.Since they lived one in front of the other, they would sculpt and create “artful” additions to their homes’ front windows or balconies. For instance, Borromini decorated his front windows with donkey years, pointing towards his arch rival’s house. While Bernini, who didn’t shy away from banter or confrontation, went a different way: he sculpted a giant phallus and placed on his balcony overlooking the Spanish Steps.Even though this some what hilarious rivalry has left us a vast amount of breathtaking masterpieces by the two, the city decided to remove the goliardic provocations from Spanish Steps, due to indecency.
Red Lights on the square
Another spicy curiosity about this square, one of the most visited and most beautiful places in Rome, is that it used to be a pivot of illicit conduct, specifically prostitution.But why the Spanish square?
It all began after 1527 and the Sack of Rome, when the city was starting to rise up again, thanks to the Catholic European ally forces. Being the Spanish square a long street, easily reachable from North in Porta del Popolo, it was the ideal place for visitors and horsemen to find any kind of restoration, no pun intended. Hard to believe it, if you look at it today. All noble and renascimental. Goes to show: you should never judge a book by its cover.
The Church of Trinità dei Monti
At the top of the famous Stairs, on the Spanish Steps, is the famous church of Trinità dei Monti, built with stone from the French city Narbonne.Trinità dei Monti means Trinity of the Hills, in honor, they say, of the hill called Pincio, that rises from the Spanish square. The Pincio and its park also rises where there once were the Horti of Lucullo, a magnificent botanical garden of the Roman Empire, filled with plants trees of every variety. Adjacent to which was the most beautiful Roman Villas of all, perhaps, the Villa of Lucullo. Ontop of which the Church of Trinità dei Monti is built today.
Even though the Church is French, the soil on which is built is more Roman than anywhere in the Nation.During your Rome tour, if you are in the Spanish Square area, we highly recommend a visit. This church is absolutely beautiful and the views are simply breathtaking.
The little Red House
This house in the Spanish square is the Keats-Shelley Memorail House. It hosts a beautiful museum and a library open to public.This building in the general hub of the Square, might seem an ordinary building part of the beautiful, colorful atmosphere. But it is the place where the English poet Keats spent his last moments in life. Its called the Little Red House, la Casina Rossa because of its distinctive color, very picturesque. You can find it at the feet of the Spanish steps on the Right side of the stairs of Trinità dei Monti.On the other side, the left side of the stairs, is the twin building which houses the famous tea room Babington’s, created from the idea of two wealthy English women. This Tea Room was the central hub for political, artistic, intellectual and literary encounters. It is today a very traditional part of the Spanish Steps.If you are interested in English literature and poetry, you can consider to integrate this places in the Spanish square, during your Rome tour. A stop at the little Red house and then off to an afternoon tea in one of the most creative halls in Rome.
The Stair case

One of the Spanish square’s superstars is certainly its stair case. Which has nothing to do with Spain, ironically. It was created to connect the Spanish neighborhood with its Embassy’s territory, however it was entirely created and ordered by the French jurisdiction, being the owners of Trinità dei Monti.
The Roman Architect that took the project in hand created a marvelous baroque stair case, that widens on the sides and narrows in the center, going up, before two separate sets of stairs reach the very top vista, infront of the obelisk placed at the feet of the Church of Trinità dei Monti.This peculiar geometrical effect resembles the wings of a butterfly, which makes this Square all the more magnificent. It was finished in 1725 and since then it has attracted thousands of visitors each day, hosting events, fashion runways and moviesets.
The fireman’s column
The Pillar of the Immaculate Conception is a gigantic column, 11 meters tall, beautifully decorated with reliefs all the way to the top, where a bronze statue from the 19th Century of the Virgin Mary stands overlooking the entire neighborhood of the Spanish Steps, her arms wide open.The locals call it the Fireman’s column, because of an ancient tradition. It was donated by an army of firemen, to the City, on December 25th 1856, to honor the Virgin Mary.
To this day, the Roman Fire Brigade, holds a ceremony every year, on the day of the Immaculate Conception, December 8. A religious ceremony overseen by the Pope himself at the presence of tourists, Cardinals, pilgrims, politicians and Government representatives.
After the ceremony the fire brigades salute the Virgin Mary, they hop on a fire ladder to reach the top of the Pillar and place a wreath of beautiful white flowers blessed by the Pope, to lay in the statue’s hands.If you are in Rome the first week of December, you should definitely stop to join this beautiful tradition. The column is impossible to miss. You will find it in Piazza Mignanelli, immediately before you enter the Spanish Steps.This square serves as a connection. With ancient times, traditions, cultures, art and literature and even with the world’s Nation!During your Rome tour, keep these seven things in mind. They are just some of the things you’ll discover about the Spanish square.

Private Rome Highlights Tour

Private Rome Highlights. The title says it all! If you are not big on long day tours, this just might be the perfect solution for you. A nice, 7 hour private Rome Highlights tour from pick up to drop off, to visit the absolute best sights in Rome. Highlights of Rome is the perfect combination of convenience, time and comfort. Your personal tour driver will welcome you with open arms (with a sign with your name, between them) directly at the dock of your cruise ship! All of our tour drivers in Rome have special permission to access the restricted docking areas of Civitavecchia Port After a quick introduction, a nice chat to learn more about your day, you will arrive in Rome. The Eternal City. Of course, we are famous for being flexible and for offering tailored options, to satisfy every possible need. But just, for a review on what a Highlights of Rome tour would entail, here is all the details. Driving on cobblestone streets, surrounded by centenary pine trees, you'll be transported in different period in times, just by looking out the window from your passenger's seat. Bypassing some Archeological sites as the Piramide of Caio Cestio, embedded in the surrounding atmosphere of the Aurelian walls and the entrance of the neighborhood of Aventino, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of Rome. A Pyramid from the Roman Ages, standing on the exact spot where the primary ancient Roman roads intersect. Driving along Viale Aventino you'll find the famous Circus Maximus to your right The famous Ancient Roman stadium hosted so many competitions that it's purpose, perfectly suits the name. A circus, of ancient times, traditions and glorious stories. Just behind the Circus Maximus, still visible are the ruins of the Palatine Hill. Another historical Landmark in Rome. Behind Palatine Hill stands tall the Colossus, the one and only Colosseum,. While you enjoy your tour drivers anecdotes and details, as you approach the Colosseum you can step out to take pictures! If you'd like to visit it on the inside, your tour driver will be happy to wait for you by the vehicle. And you can find options to book skip the line tickets during the booking process, just in case. The drive around continues Next off the list is Capitoline Hill, where the Town Hall and Mayors office is. Capitoline Hill may just be the symbol of Rome, aside from the Colosseum, since it's where the politics and well-being of the city are discussed. Passing by Piazza Venezia, you will find Italy's last King's Memorial. As many Italian landmarks, it is quite hard to miss, not just because of it's enormous sizes. Driving toward the city center, take a detour, to the Amazing Pantheòn, hidden in the Piazza della Rotonda, surrounded by tall buildings in tiny cobble streets. Then off to the Trevi Fountain. You can't say you've seen Rome, if you haven't made a quick stop to see this gigantic fountain. More importantly, if you haven't tossed the coin into it. Since you are already in one of the most gorgeous areas of the City, we highly recommend stopping in Campo de Fiori, or Trastevere, two ancient neighborhoods, filled with so much beauty and history. But more importantly, filled with amazing places to eat! Enjoy a traditional Roman meal in one of the squares of the neighborhoods. Sip on a glass of red wine and take it all in. Your highlights of Rome will continue with one, very special, final stop. Saint Peter’s Basilica! One of the Holiest places on Earth! Admire its High Renaissance and baroque architecture. With its greatness of art and golden details, marble and mosaics, the atmosphere is overwhelming. Be sure not to miss Michelangelo’s Pieta, completed when the master was only in his 20s. Just when you think you've seen it all, heading back to your cruise ship, you will drive through some of the most enchanted, picturesque scenery in Italy.

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Rome City

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Rome in a Day Tour

Welcome in Rome! There is really no better way to start a Roman vacation than with this private tour. One of our personal tour driver will welcome you at your hotel or any other place of your convenience in Rome, to whisk you away, on a 7 hour trip through history, art, archeology and the basic Rome way of living that is just a delight and so interesting to experience. This Tour of Rome will start off with a stop in the famous Piazza Venezia a famous circular square constantly beaten by hundreds of cars and vespas and motorini (what we call mopeds and bikes). While horns are blaring in the traffic, passerby's always in a hurry and the famous Italian charm for hand gestures and raised voices the main constant, all you will notice is the monumental structure overlooking the Piazza. A monument dedicated to Italy's last king Victor Emanuel the Second, and resting place of the Unknown soldier. A fallen soldier from WW1 that is laid to rest there to honor and tribute every Italian soldier who's fought and fallen in every war old or recent. You can notice An imposing horseman in a giant bronze statue, overlooking the entire city center, to magnify the importance of the Italian Kingdom in its glory days. And just above is a building, temple-like in structure, with white marble steps and columns, placed on top of one of Rome's legendary hills. Italian flags hanging on it's ends. This monument is really hard to miss. Fun fact: The monument of Victor Emmanuel, officially called Altare della Patria (the Altar of the Nation) is also known simply as the wedding cake. For it's distinctive shape, built in white, marble layers, one floor after the other. Resembling a big white wedding sheet cake. This altar shares its space with Capitoline Hill, Capitol Hill or simply known as Campidoglio. It is one of Rome's 7 hills placed in between Campus Martius and the Roman Forum, and it is head of the Roman Government, With an incredible square commissioned by Pope Paul the third and created by Michelangelo himself in the 16th century. But Capitol Hill does not only hosts Rome's City hall, the Mayor's office and the Capitolini Museums (which offers a vast amount of marble artifacts, artwork and other curiosities from Roman times) but it offers AMAZING VIEWS of the city below, on one end of the hill is Piazza Venezia, Campus Martius and modernization, on the other the Ancient citadel of the Roman Forum. A perfect balance between present and the past. Speaking of Roman Forum, you absolutely go across Via dei Fori Imperiali, an ancient way in Rome that crosses this part of town, with the Forum's archeological site on both sides. Envision Temples, Market places, Marble buildings and life conducted in these squares centuries ago. This is where Roman Senate would reunite, where citizens would gather to worship archaic divinities and conduct their business. To keep the Ancient Roman theme alive, walking straight through the ancient Roman Forum you will arrive at the Colosseum The one and only Colosseum, the Flavian Amphitheater An ancient, imposing structure built to delight and entertain the people of Rome, in the prime of its years. With gory, cruel hunts and gladiator fights but also fun scenes of Naval battles, where they would fill the Arena with water and float around in ships. A colossal building in the heart of Rome, to gather the people, to bring people together. We absolutely recommend a stop here. But Rome is full of wonderful things to see, in a fun, intuitive and entertaining way. With squares, steps and fountains and churches. Take Piazza Navona for example The most extravagant of Rome’s Square, adorned with the fountain of The Four Rivers by Bernini, and the church of his rival, Borromini. Visit Piazza Della Rotonda, where you can see the Pantheon, the best preserved and enchanting monument of ancient times. The Spanish Steps A wonderful square, world famous for the beautiful stair case that comes down from Trinità dei Monti with beautiful views of Via dei Condotti, intersecting with via del Corso. The most "In" streets for shopping, with great boutiques and haute couture. Walking along the narrow streets you can find other curiosities such as the mighty Pantheon on Piazza della Rotonda, the once temple dedicate to All the Gods, the Ancient Roman building is now an active Catholic church. Then, of course there is the Trevi Fountain, a little further down the streets. Make sure to take tons of pictures of this magnificent fountain that attracts so many people from all over the world, in that small square. This private tour is a whirlwind of emotions! You'll be catapulted into the Middle Ages, Ancient Roman Times, then to Renaissance times, and back to Roman times. With a stop to grab a quick bite to eat, if you like. Your tour driver will know the perfect place. In fact, near the end of the tour, you will have to make another mandatory stop at the Aventine Hill, another majestic hill, hosting picture perfect views of the Eternal City. Then head to the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were performed in imperial Rome, as we can see in one of the classic American movies, Ben Hur. At the end of the tour, your tour driver will take you wherever you like to be dropped off at, hotel or other. This itinerary can be tailored and can change, so it's not a strict preview. All this is just to give you a taste of all the wonderful places you could see during your time out on the streets of Rome. *Upon request, the icing on the cake would be to reserve one of our professional guides: if you want to enrich your activity, we highly recommend selecting the service of one of our expertise guides for the day!

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