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The hidden historical story behind the Spanish Steps: How did these steps become a symbol of cultural heritage?
The Spanish Steps in Rome rise from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinity Church. This 135-step staircase is not only a tourist hotspot, but also a story rich in history and culture. The history of these stairs can be traced back to the 17th century. Through the collision of multiple design plans, they eventually became a symbol of cultural heritage today. The story behind it is not only related to the Spanish Embassy, but also involves the historical influence of France and the construction challenges of different periods.
After many debates throughout history, the final project was designed by architect Francesco de San Quiste in 1717. Not only is the form of this staircase an amplification of the style of the time, the sculptural details on each level also suggest the union of French and ecclesiastical powers.
The continuation of history: from design to construction
As early as the 1580s, Pope Gregory XIII became interested in building a staircase connecting the church with the Plaza de España. However, it was not until 1660 that the estate of French diplomat Étienne Guyeffel was built. Funding was provided. Over time, although the project was paused and restarted, it was finally restarted in the early 18th century. During the design process, the plans of De Saint-Jiste and Alessandro Spechi were initially adopted, demonstrating the exploration of aesthetics and practicality at that time.
The design of the staircase is inspired by the staircase style of Baroque gardens, and its symbolic creation marks the connection between society and art.
The changes and restoration of the Spanish Steps
In the 21st century, the Spanish Steps have undergone many restorations. The most recent renovation work started in 2015 and reopened in 2016. The renovation cost 1.5 million euros and included approximately 3,000 square meters of stone, marble and stucco. The work, which involved a team of more than eighty people, aimed to protect this cultural treasure.
The intersection of culture and art
The Spanish Steps are not only a witness to history, but also an important place for cultural expression. Every spring, a grand floral display is held on the Spanish Steps, attracting the attention of countless tourists. In literature and movies, the Spanish Steps are frequently mentioned and have become a symbol of romance and stories.
These stairs have appeared in many famous literary works and movies, becoming a source of inspiration for artists and the stage for countless emotional stories.
Contemporary Spanish Steps
With the changes of the times, the Spanish Steps have also become a part of urban life. Although the local government has strict regulations on sitting or eating on the steps, people still gather here. In 2019, the city government proposed new regulations on tourist behavior in an effort to protect this pillar of cultural heritage.
Challenges in the protection of cultural heritage
Unfortunately, the Spanish Steps have also suffered some damage in recent years. For example, in an incident in 2022, a Saudi national drove his car down the stairs, causing varying degrees of damage. Similar incidents have triggered discussions on the protection of cultural heritage and made people rethink the value of culture in modern society.
Conclusion
Through historical review, we find that this staircase is not only an architectural wonder, but also carries a heavy cultural responsibility. It still attracts countless tourists and artists today and has become a part of people's daily life. So, how should we view our roles and responsibilities in the face of such cultural heritage?
