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One of the most popular meeting places in Rome, Piazza di Spagna offers a breathtaking visual experience, one that attracts many visitors and photographers each year. The Piazza, located below the Trinità dei Monti, is connected by a long, historic set of stairs known as Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti or Spanish Steps.
Built in 1725, the Spanish Steps are impressive three flights of stairs that contain over 130 steps. The beautiful array of flowers in early summer offers a visual that is sought out from visitors far and wide. Tourists from all around come to enjoy the view and many just sit on the steps while they watch the vast number of people and the events of the day taking place in the area. However, you won’t see anyone eating their lunch there as that is forbidden by Roman urban regulations. Christmas time ends the year and tourists find another popular attraction at the steps with an impressive 19th-century crib on display on the first landing of the staircase.
As found in most squares, Piazza di Spagna offers an intriguing fountain, the Fontana della Barcaccia, designed by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The low water pressure in the area necessitates that it sit very low, located at street level, to function. Because of this, it is best viewed from up on the Spanish Steps. As most fountains contain statues of admired individuals, this one features a small boat, which puzzles many visitors. Looking back at history offers an explanation of its significance. In 1588 Rome again was flooded as the Tevere reached levels higher than it could hold. It was a tragic event and many people lost their homes to the sudden high waters. When the waters subsided, a small flat-bottomed boat that was used to rescue people and move their possessions was all that remained in the mud. This symbol of all the efforts that took place to survive the flood inspired the Berninis to construct this beautiful monument.
The southern part of the piazza is marked by a column erected to commemorate the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception. It is a landmark worth admiring with a statue of the Virgin Mary looking over visitors at the top and statues of the prophets Moses, David, Isaiah and Ezekiel around the base. On December the 8th of each year the Pope comes to celebrate the Immaculate Conception. This is another of the many events and sights to be enjoyed in this beautiful area.
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