From Florence Visit Rome and the Vatican Museums by Train

The Spanish Steps, built between 1723 and 1726 based on a design by Roman architect Francesco De Sanctis (1693-1740), form a dramatic connection between the slopes of the Pincio, dominated by the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Piazza di Spagna below.

The romantic center of 19th-century Rome, it already assumed a highly important commercial role by the 15th century due to the presence of many hotels and homes occupied by foreigners, attracted to the area by Spanish and French government representatives. Under the pontificate of Innocent XIII, and under the direction of the Roman architect Francesco De Santis, the Spanish Steps (1723-26) were built, a spectacular connection between the slopes of the Pincian Hill, dominated by the Church of the Santissima Trinità dei Monti, and the Piazza di Spagna below, intended to be a gathering place for all citizens.

The most famous of Roman fountains: a jewel of water and stone. The Trevi Fountain, the terminal point of the Virgo Aqueduct, the only ancient aqueduct in continuous use to this day, is the most famous of Roman fountains. Its name derives from a place name in use in the area since the mid-12th century, regio Trivii, referring to the confluence of three streets in the square, or from the triple outlet of the water from the original fountain. The construction of the current Trevi Fountain is owed to Pope Clement XII, who, in 1732, announced a competition in which the greatest artists of the time participated. Among the various designs submitted, that of architect Nicola Salvi was chosen.

"The most beautiful remnant of Roman antiquity. A temple that has suffered so little that it appears to us as the Romans must have seen it in their time," was how the French writer Stendhal described it in the 19th century. A source of inspiration for the greatest architects of all time and long admired for its beauty, harmonious lines, and perfectly calculated geometric shapes, the Pantheon is indeed one of the best-preserved examples of Roman monumental architecture. Its history begins in 27 BC, when Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law, friend, and collaborator of Augustus, built a first temple in this area dedicated to "all the gods." Its current form, however, is due to Hadrian, who rebuilt it between 118 and 125 AD, expanding it, reversing its orientation, and opening a large porticoed plaza in front of the new temple.