The Piazza di Spagna is quite simply one of the most famous and beautiful images to be found anywhere in the world. In Rome during the renaissance period, the Piazza was one of the most popular attractions in the city, attracting artists, writers and romantics alike and was full of hotels, Inns and residencies.

Originally named the Trinita dei Monti after the seventeenth church that dominates the square. The area was later given its now world famous name after the Spanish ambassador who lived there.

The Barcaccia fountain can be found at the foot of the steps and was built by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo, who later went on to become the creator of some of the most important Baroque art to be found in the city, including the baldachino of St Peters Basilica. The fountain tells the story of the historic flood of the River Tiber in 1598 and refers to the legend of a fishing boat carried away by the river and found in this exact spot. The Sun and Bee decorations are a symbol of the Barberini family with reference to Pope Urban VIII who commissioned the original work.

The most spectacular and famous attraction however has to be the Trinita dei Monti, with its ramps and stairs that intersect and open out like a magnificent fan. No trip to Rome would be complete without sharing a glass of wine on the steps which has now become something of a tradition that you will be more than happy to take part in.