Art and Culture of Rome Journal #1- 8/19/2010

A.) 1. Fontana della Barcaccia is a fresh-water fountain Pizza di Spagna
2. Fontana della Baraccia is at the base of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna
3. From the research that I have done there is no exact measurment given or what material was used to for the fountain. But to give an approximate size of the fountain it is about the size of a medium boat and is in the shape of a boat with a prow and on the sides, two jugs from which water purs out, falling into the tank underneath.
4. Fontana della Barcaccia us a baroque styled, fresh-water fountain in Rome in Piazza di Spagna. According to aboutroma.com, "Fontana della Barcaccia, Fountain of the old boat." Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini were said to have collaborated collaborated on the decoration of the boat with a prow and on the sides, two jugs from which water pours out, falling into the tank underneath.

The fountain was comissioned by Pope Urban VII and the shape of the fountain was chosen because, prior to the rivers being built, the Tiber flooded in 1598, and Piazza di Spagna experienced a bad flooding as well. The flooed left water one meter high. Once the water went away, it is said that a boat was left behind the square.

B.) 1. The Spanish Steps in Rome, at the Piazza di Spagna. The purpose of the Spanish steps is for people to gather together to socialize.
2. The Spanish steps connect the townsquare to to the church Trinia dei Monti
3. The Spanish Steps is the longest and widest staircase in Europe, with 138 steps and the staircase is built from stone and is somewhat steep.
4. the Spanish Steps were built to unite Via dei Babuino(the easternmost of the three main arteries radiating into the city from the Piazza del Popolo) with Via Felice, the steps were built by Francesco de Sanctis. At the end of the 17th century it was called Trinita dei Monti, after the church that dominated the square from above, but it was later given the name we know today after the Spanish Ambassador who lived there.

The steps combine straight sections, curves, and terraces to create one of the cities most dramatic landmarks. Centuries ago the spanish steps were used for artists' modesl who would dress in colorful traditional costumes, hoping to catch the attention of wealthy artists. Now people today go to the Spanish steps to sit at, write poscards, take photos, flirt, but not eating is allowed.