On entering the piazza, you are immediately taken aback by such elegance: the yellow, brownish ochre-colored buildings, BERNINI's Fountain and the celebrated SPANISH STEPS rising up towards the CHURCH of SS. Trinita dei Monti, all helping to create a refined, 18th century atmosphere. It is therefore no coincidence that high-fashion brands such as GUCCI, BULGARI and VALENTINO all have show-piece shops just of the piazza. Home to English poets JOHN KEATS and PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY, the world famous piazza, located at the foot of the Pincio Hill, has always been considered both a priceless cultural gem as well as a popular tourist attraction.
During the 15th Century it assumed a very important commercial role for the presence of the many hotels and residences inhabited by foreigners, recalled in this area by representatives of the Spanish government's.
The Spanish Steps (1723-26) were built, under the pontificate of INNOCENT XIII and the direction of the Roman architect FRANCESCO DE SANTIS, to be the meeting place for all citizens.
IN the middle of the square stands the so called BARCACCIA (1626-29) the fountain by Pietro Bernini, father of GIAN LORENZO. The fountain has the shape of a boat with an identical bow and stern and is immersed in an oval pool. The edges of the sides are very low, giving the impression that the boat is about to sink.
