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| The Spanish Steps |
When I first visited the Spanish Steps I
was embarrassingly unaware of its history. Most of the visitors who perched on the steps were youngsters, students, and many were reading, lost deep in thought. The
plaque on a nearby building revealed the attraction – John Keats had died there
in 1821. He was only twenty-five, possibly the average age of those who were
undoubtedly immersed in his romantic words.
The building is now the
Keats-Shelley House, a museum that records the short lives of two of England’s poets. Shelley died in 1822; he was only twenty-nine.
Beyond the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat) at the base of the steps is Babington’s where they've served tea since the 1890s.
This is, unsurprising, a
bustling place. Like much of Rome it remains busy through to the small hours.
If you do get a chance to explore Rome by night, try and make it to the Spanish
Steps. It’s a very special place.
Oh these steps have been in so many films and one day, I plan to walk up them!
ReplyDeleteYou must! At the moment they're decked out with flowers - but I've never visited at this time of year.
DeleteBeen there. Ah, so long ago.
ReplyDeleteGood to have the memories, isn't it?
DeleteI read about the flowers in spring and had hoped to see them when we visited in May a few years ago. Unfortunately all we got was rain.
ReplyDeleteSad person that I am, I often peek at the Steps via a webcam. The flowers are now in place but have yet to bloom.
DeleteBeautiful part of town. There are some great restaurants down on Via Condotti too. La dolce Vita!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit to being disappointed with the Spanish steps. All the photos I've ever seen had flowers on both sides all the way up but when I went there (mid July) there was nothing at all. Plus the building at the top was surrounded with scaffolding and a huge advertising banner was hanging from the front - not very picturesque at all.
ReplyDeleteYou need to visit in the spring to see the flowers.
DeleteThanks, I'll remember that :)
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