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"From Piazza Di Spagna To The Quirinale"

Rome Tourist Guide Routes  

From Piazza di Spagna to the Quirinale

Piazza di Spagna, a square nestled into one of Rome's most elegant areas, is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists alike.

Although the underground stops at the square, it is far more charming to get here on foot. A pleasant, picturesque walk along the pretty Via del Babuino takes you from Piazza del Popolo straight to Piazza di Spagna.

Via del Babuino is one of three streets that begin at Piazza del Popolo, at a fork known as Il Tridente (Via Ripetta and Via del Corso are the other two). These streets are an absolute must for anyone fascinated by Renaissance art and architecture, antique shops or the crème de la crème of elegant fashion. This corner of Rome isn't a typical urban area; it is a bona fide outdoor museum, filled with a wealth of artistic and historical treasures that almost no other city can match.

Piazza di Spagna, the square of the famous steps depicted on countless postcards, doesn't really need an introduction. The square has a unique flavour, an atmosphere that is both lively and romantic at the same time. The Spanish Steps have become an unmistakable Roman landmark and are one of the most popular meeting places in the city. Although the steps may seem daunting, especially on a hot day, you shouldn't get discouraged. The Santa Trinità dei Monti Church up top is definitely worth the effort. The Keats-Shelley House right next to the steps pays homage to these writers, who each spent a few years in the eternal city, and is a treat for lovers of romantic poetry. And if you are looking to do some first-rate, classy shopping you have definitely come to the right place. The shops lining the streets are a dream come true for anyone with a penchant for exclusive retail.    

Of all the streets leaving Piazza di Spagna, the most inviting is without a doubt the Via Condotti. The shop windows along this street are a feast for everyone's eyes but only few can afford to indulge any further. Designer names such as Prada, Moschino, Armani and Versace embellish the storefronts, turning this street into one of the world's most exclusive catwalks. After the eyes have feasted and the pocketbook feels a little lighter, it is time to stop in at the Caffé Greco for a well-deserved break and an excellent cup of coffee. Considering the surroundings, the café is also appropriately pricey, but the rich history and elegant decor more than justify the expense.

In order to continue the route to the Quirinale, it is best to head down Via Sistina. This street brings you to the Piazza Barberini, where its name changes to Via delle Quattro Fontane. This is also the entrance to the Palazzo Barberini, a perfect example of the ostentation that the family of Pope Urban VIII was notorious for. The family wanted nothing but the best and therefore commissioned three of the era's finest architects, Maderno, Bernini and Borromini, to design and build their residential palace. Centuries later the family is sharing the wealth; the palace is now open to the public and home to the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica with a wonderful collection featuring artists such as Federico Lippi, Caravaggio, Raphael and Tintoretto.

Heading down Via delle Quattro Fontane and taking a right on Via Quirinale takes you to a couple of Rome's most famous baroque churches, built by the celebrated, rival architects Bernini and Borromini. The first church along this street is San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, located at the corner where the two streets meet. This was Borromini's opera prima in terms of the many churches he eventually built throughout Rome. A few metres down Via Quirinale, you come across the Sant'Andrea al Quirinale Church, one of Bernini's most original, architectural masterpieces. The church's interior still preserves its magnificent decor, but there is something even more unique about this place. Bernini's design of the cupola created an astonishing lighting effect that remains impressive even today. Admission to both churches is free.

The spacious Piazza del Quirinale is just around the corner. The square is most notable for the palace that now serves as residence to the president of the Republic. It is therefore commonplace to see many carabinieri (local Italian police) strategically placed throughout the square. However, there are other things to see here besides uniforms. The centre of the square is adorned with a classic obelisk and statues representing the twins Castor and Polux, Roman era replicas of original Greek statues from the 5th century B.C.

Exploring the neighbourhood requires a slight physical effort since most of the streets contain rather steep stretches; the Quirinale is, after all, the tallest of Rome's seven hills. In addition to being the political epicentre of modern-day Italy, the Quirinale's maze of little streets also harbours one of Rome's most glorious and celebrated landmarks. The effort invested into exploring this area pays off the minute you step into the little square that contains what is probably the most frequently visited and photographed monument in Rome, the Fontana di Trevi.   

Ever since Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni took their infamous dip in Fellini's 1959 film La Dolce Vita, the fountain has become an international icon, inspiring people everywhere to emulate the couple. The fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and depicts Neptune, god of the sea, in a carriage drawn by sea horses and tritons. Many consider this tiny little square to be the highlight of any visit to Rome, and it is, despite throngs of other eager visitors, an absolute must-see stop on this route. While at the Fontana di Trevi, you should also indulge in a little bit of tradition. It is said that if you turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin into it, you will always return to the eternal city. And if you toss in a second, love will come and find you here in Rome.