FAVOURITES
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PHOTOS
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Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s busiest squares; this marvelous urban setting and favorite evening hangout is named after the Spanish Embassy located in front of the massive Column of the Immaculate Conception.
Initially suburban, the area was first used as a rest stop for horse carriages and foreigners before entering Rome; the increased traffic favored the flourishing of a vivid intellectual scene attracting writers and artists from all around. This thriving cultural hub and crossroads soon brought to the construction of hotels, businesses and prestigious buildings that to date continue to surround the square.
The peculiar Fountain of the Ugly Boat sculpted by Pietro Bernini in white travertine stone – clearly visible via our live webcam - can be found at “center stage”. The fountain, the very first functioning with water running from Rome’s Aqua Virgo Aqueduct, takes the form of the so called “barcacce”, traditional boats used in the nearby port of Ripetta for the transportation of wine; although, it is also of popular belief that the fountain is a recreation of an odd looking boat that washed up during the flood of 1598.
Sitting elegantly in front of the city’s most curious fountain are the beautiful Spanish Steps; 135 travertine steps - designed by Francesco De Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi – connect the Spanish Embassy to Trinità dei Monti, a church dating back to the 16th century commissioned by King Louis XII of France. The stairway was inaugurated by Pope Benedict XIII during the 1725 Jubilee. At the top of the Spanish Steps stands the impressive Sallustian Obelisk. Last, but not least, Rome’s Piazza di Spagna is also home to the Palace of the Propagation of the Faith designed by celebrated Architects Bernini e Borromini.
The city’s most crowded and popular shopping streets, such as Via dei Condotti, Via del Babuino, all come together in Piazza di Spagna; after leisurely strolls locals enjoy evenings in the square, long talks and drinks on the Spanish Steps!
Come spend your lazy afternoons in Rome, Piazza di Spagna awaits! Start daydreaming with all our live cams broadcasting from the square now!
Fun Facts
On the bottom right-hand side of the Spanish Steps stands the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, in this building John Keats spent his last months; weakened by tuberculosis Keats and friend Joseph Severn moved to Italy chasing warmer weather, the poet died on February 23rd 1821 at the age of 25, he was buried in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome.
Comments
Right now, 17.30 local time, it’s the busiest I’ve seen the square be since the whole covid nuisance began. It’s good to see.
People just feel less constrained and not quite as vulnerable out in the open air.
Hi all,, been a while since I have been on this camera.
What is with all the people and no social distancing ???
WTF,People up and down stairs,umberellas,fake rain ???
Thank you cm NYC.
Yes! A big video shoot on steps- people with light-up umbrellas------if you find out what it's for- please post.
My first thought is Travelers Insurance......but......
a photoshoot for something possibly selling umbrellas !!
Hello - especially to jean pattie and sassy sally -----I think my white haired friend has returned!- taking a train that comes into the piazza a little after 6am-----and she has been wearing a different coat - makes sense it's winter now- (Because of the coat, I have to see her a few more times to be 100% sure it's her.) ...
Wow lots of people here tonight! Wonder if something is going on?
Morning all. "cmNYC", have you seen your white haired friend yet. Just curious.
"Sassy Sally" I'm sorry I just noticed this. I'm in the UK. It was just an off hand comment I'd made.
Photo shoot going on today on the steps
OH Barry I am sorry to hear that. The UK is the same, it is round us now not out there anymore. So very sad and so very real.
"cm NYC" Hello I am only just reading your reply now, Thank you for coming back to me. Its a bit early as we are 1 hour behind you.
The Covid the new strain is going crazy here I am sad to say I now know a lot of people with it. I have taken to going to the Basilica in Italy, as Jeannie knows the mass is in Latin and the lay people speak in Italian, It has been and is great to hear again It does not take long to get into the hymns and sing along with everyone. Lots of memories. Have a good day every one and keep healthy and safe. And warm
Hey Paul you’re right. Forgot that the lockdown was partially lifted fir Christmas.
coronavirus rules in Rome