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The piazza, church
and famous Scalinata Spagna (Spanish Steps) have long
provided a gathering place for foreigners. Built with
a legacy from the French in 1725, but named after the
Spanish Embassy to the Holy See (which is still located
in the piazza), the steps lead to the French church, Trinità
dei Monti. In the 18th century the most beautiful women
and men of Italy gathered here, waiting to be chosen as
an artist's model. In May each year the steps are decorated
with pink azaleas. lf you can't manage the steps there's
a lift to the top outside the Spanish Steps metro station.
It might look like the perfect spot for a picnic, but
don't get too enthusiastic. Theoretically you are not
allowed to eat whilst sitting on the steps. The municipai
police who patrol the area can be quite strict, and transgressors
can be fined. lt's all aimed at keeping the steps clean
after a major restoration in 1995-96, but the police would
do better to catch the vandals who are defacing Rome's
monuments with graffiti.
In the piazza is the boat-shaped
fountain called the Barcaccia, believed to be by Pietro
Bernini, father of the famous Gian Lorenzo. The Viale
della Trinità dei Monti at the top of the steps
leads to the Pincio. Half way along the road on the right
is the Villa Medici, perhaps Rome's best piece of real
estate with undoubtedly one of the city's best views.
The palazzo was built for Cardinal Ricci da Montepulciano
in 1540. Ferdinando dei Medici bought it in 1576 and it
remained his family's property until Napoleon acquired
it in 1801, when the French Academy was transferred here...
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