Piazza di Spagna

The famous square at the foot of the Spanish Steps, named after the 17th-century Spanish Embassy to the Holy See — still located in Palazzo di Spagna on the south side. The piazza marks the start of Rome's luxury shopping district: Via dei Condotti runs east toward the historic Caffè Greco (open since 1760, frequented by Goethe, Byron, and Casanova), and the surrounding streets are lined with Bulgari, Gucci, Valentino, and Prada. The Fontana della Barcaccia at the centre is by Pietro Bernini.