PIAZZA DI SPAGNA

Finally, through sheer perserverance, we found the Spanish Steps (what with the heat and mind-boggling signs ).


Piazza di Spagna, the square, has been described in many guides as "one of the most majestic urban monuments of Roman Baroque style" but forgive me, if I cant share the sentiments...
Perhaps, it was due to the frustration of finding it or the wilting flowers adorning the stairs, but in the end, I wasnt THAT impressed with it.




THE SPANISH STEPS
The staicase with its ramps and stairs connect the square to the church, the Trinità Church, that dominates the piazza from above.



It was so-named after the Spanish ambassador who lived there... just in case you're pondering over it.

View from the steps




The Spanish Steps, I've forgotten how many steps (we actually counted them as Nafisa and I laboured up the steps!) had a butterfly-like plan. Created by Francesco De Sanctis in the eighteenth century, this daring architectural feat with its ramps and stairs is designed in Italian Baroque style.


However lacking I thought the attraction was, still it attracted curious tourists like yours truly,
who then happily flocked around the fountain at the bottom of the steps..eager to cool themselves after the weary journey


This famous Barcaccia Fountain, is the work of Pietro Bernini and his son, Gian Lorenzo(who created the renowned baldachino of St. Peter's Basilica).





Oblivious to the form of a sinking ship, sun and bee ornamentation found at the fountain, as usual, Nafisa just had to touch the water, ... Cool and refreshing





Later, refreshed by gelato, we forged ahead to via Condotti...Rome's famous shopping street