A romantic centre of 19th-century Rome, this area had already gained commercial importance in the 15th century thanks to the presence of hotels and residences for foreigners, attracted by the proximity of the Spanish and French government delegations.

The Spanish Steps, built as a scenic connection between the slopes of the Pincio—crowned by the church of the Santissima Trinità—and the Piazza di Spagna, became an iconic meeting place for Roman citizens.