Mr. B and I have traveled to Italy on several occasions and while we have both been to Rome, surprisingly its never been together. With talk about traveling to Italy in our future we might just hold off visiting Rome until the renovation of the Spanish Steps are complete, which is estimated for Spring 2016. The beautiful, iconic marble staircase that connects the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church at the top of the staircase closed this month for renovation and restoration.
A magical place in Rome during the evening.
Above and below – Spring is an especially lovely time of the year to visit the Spanish Steps. They are graced with beautiful flowers that add to the charm of this wonderful public space.
The restoration and preservation project is being spearheaded by one of Rome’s top luxury jewelry brands, Bulgari. Bulgari Group chief executive officer Jean-Christophe Babin has stated:
“Rome’s rich archaeological, artistic and architectural heritage has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our collections. The extraordinary patronage of a monument which represents the heart of our story is yet another expression of the indissoluble bond between Bulgari and the Eternal City.”
The Spanish Steps by Frederick Childe Hassam, 1897.
The Spanish Steps play an important cultural role in the heart of Rome and serves as an important gathering place for tourists and locals alike. Taking a seat on one of the steps is a quintessentially Roman experience that can provide a restful retreat after hours of walking through the Eternal City. Trust me on this one! Find a spot anywhere on the steps and enjoy life parade before your eyes. Take a picture of your friends and family from the fountain at the Piazza di Spagna looking up to the steps and it is literally a “where’s waldo” moment.
Not surprisingly, the fashion industry has taken note of the Spanish Steps and has continually used it for photoshoots and even fashion shows. Talk about the ultimate runway!
Above – Harpers Bazaar
Above – Marte Mei Van Haaster as photographed by Tom Craig. Vogue Russia – September 2012 issue. Via
Above and below – Celebrating the Magic of Rome – Vogue Japan – August 2015
However, I am particularly enamoured with the black and white photos from the 1950’s featuring life and fashion of the time. Not surprisingly, the Spanish Steps have also served as a backdrop for the film industry during the 50’s (up through current day). Here is a round up of a few photographs taken during that era.
Above – Circa 1952.
Above – Anita Ekberg. Via
Above – Audrey Hepburn with her dog while shooting the film “A Nun’s Story”. Circa 1958.
Above – Audrey Hepburn photographed with Yorkshire Terrier, Mr. Famous and her mother, the Baroness Ella Van Heemstra. Circa 1959.
