The Spanish Steps were not difficult to find. If you’re adventurous like us and you love exploring on your own without the benefit of a guide, you can use your phone to navigate the sights without getting too lost. If you are afraid you may miss out on something good or if you just feel more comfortable doing a guided tour, you will find Get Your Guide very helpful.
The Piazza di Spagna is surrounded by mostly 6 story villas. At the foot of the steps is the flat where the famous English poet John Keats lived during the latter part of his life. The Trinità dei Monti which is the church, sits at the top of the Spanish Steps. It is said that the Spanish Steps were built to link the Trinità dei Monti which was under the patronage of the King of France, with the Spanish Piazza di Spagna below. The Fontana della Barcaccia sits at the foot of the Spanish Steps in the middle of the piazza, it is a sinking boat fountain. Yep, you read that correctly!
The church is grand with beautiful paintings and frescoes, it is one of the the most peaceful places I’ve visited. I somehow felt as though I’d been there before and it seemed fitting to sit for a moment and say a prayer for my dear departed family members.
The view from the top of the steps is gorgeous! The city is laid out as far as the eye could see. Couples walk hand in hand or sit on the steps to admire the view and vendors offer fresh red roses for sale. It is certainly a romantic and picturesque spot and I could see why it’s been known as a meeting place for centuries.
The previous night a sweet talking vendor had offered us a bouquet of roses, we declined, but he was insistent “pretty lady this is for you, it is a gift from me please take it” earnestly. We accepted the roses and thanked him. He told us we were very pretty and offered to take a photo of us holding our roses, we thanked him again. That’s when he asked us for a ‘tip’ ha! just as we were beginning to feel pretty!
It was going on mid-afternoon so we decided to stop for tea at the famous Babbington’s English Tea Room. I was happy we found it because Lynn absolutely loves tea and although we had spent two days in London, the whirlwind of events did not present an opportunity for ‘proper English tea’.
This tea lover is happy! 
My tea selection 
Us beautiful gals
The old world tea room is delightful; their wide selection of teas from the far corners of the world are sure to delight even the pickiest of customer. The tea cakes and crumpets mmm mmm good! Since my boyfriend is also a tea enthusiast, I decided to get him what the server assured me was the best among the 7 Teas of Rome – The Emperor’s Tea. This special blend of black tea with hints of ginger was made in celebration of the Colosseum I was told.
If you ever visit the Spanish Steps remember to look for Babbington’s English Tea Room and do try the Emperor’s Tea. Have a look at their website here. they also offer other beverages so trust me, you’ll love it even if you’re not a tea lover!
Feeling refreshed after our delicious indulgence, we set off to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We were fortunate to see the Green Door of the Temple of Romulus being locked for the day at the Roman Forum! This is pretty special because the temple door still has its original lock and key which works perfectly!
To be continued..
