Greeks, French and the Spaniards, Too.

At the Bottom of the Spanish Steps

When we were in Vienna a few years ago we sought out Cafe Hawelka, an old venerable coffee house where well-know writers and artists would meet.  We've also been to the Algonquin Hotel where Dorothy Parker regaled and Harry's Bar in Venice where Hemingway liked to hang and beef carpaccio was invented.  In keeping with travel tradition we decided to try the Antica Caffe Grecco, the oldest coffee house in Rome.  Past patrons have included Goethe, Keats, Ibsen HC Anderson and even Casanova. While the pastries were artistic phenomenons and the joint was packed with memorabilia (as well as tourists), it felt more like a contemporary atmosphere than a walk back in history.  We paid dearly for a tiny, tiny espresso. 

A short walk on found us at the foot of the Spanish Steps admiring the Fontana Barcaccia, a boat shaped fountain that sits lower that street level and was believed to be designed by Bernini's father.  This is to accommodate for the low water pressure from the aqueduct.  We old dudes walked all the way to the top and visited the French church Trinita dei Monti.  To give the French credit, they actually paid to have the steps built in order to link their church with the Spanish Embassy.  There is a new rule in Rome; thou shall not sit on the steps.  The polizia roam (lol) the steps blowing their whistles at anyone who sits.  It's quite funny.  To the amusement of the polizia, Wayne and I helped by pointing out offenders. 

Palazzo Zuccari

Near the Trinita dei Monti are two interesting buildings.  The Palazzo Zuccari pictured above which was built by the artist Zuccari, and the Palazzo Borghese, those same people of the gardens and gallery.  See more of these at Flickr.

Observations of Visitors

     The sidewalks are a battle field. The smart phones are winning.

     The shop window designs are works of art.

Churches

     Trinta dei Monti

Fountains

      Fountain of the Piazza Colonna

      Fontana Baraccia