Leaving the Trevi Fountain, you can wander the back streets towards the Spanish Steps. A huge McDonald's restaurant is near the Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps. When touring anywhere, I see American fast food restaurants as two things--a place to buy a Diet Coke, and a place to use the toilet! Rome is like most European cities, and you will find a fast food restaurant near every tourist attraction. I'm sure some are offended by the presence of such blatantly commercial establishments, but they sure come in handy if you are thirsty or looking for a rest room.
The Spanish Steps were not built by the Spanish but are so-named due to their proximity to the Spanish Embassy during their construction in the 19th century. In fact, they were designed by an Italian architect and almost entirely funded by the French as an entrance to the Church of Trinita dei Monti, which sits at the top of the steps. The church was started in 1502, but the steps were not added until 1725. At the foot of the steps sits the house were the famous English poet John Keats lived and died.
Leaving the Spanish Steps, you can window-shop on the Via Condotti. This street is almost heaven for those of us who are fascinated with the fashion industry. Via Condotti and many of the surrounding streets are lined with the famous (and not so famous) fashion houses. Even though those who can afford to can buy these name brands in the U.S., there's something special about seeing the shops in their original home.
By early evening, you might be looking for a drink or dinner. There are many outdoor restaurants near the Pantheon in the Piazza della Rotunda. The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient monument in Rome, having been rebuilt by Hadrian in 125 A.D. The masons who constructed the Pantheon used granite as one of the building materials, which helped ensure its longevity. It was originally dedicated to all of the gods, but was transformed into a church by Pope Boniface IV in 609 A.D. The Pantheon is topped by the widest flattened dome in the world, exceeding that at St. Peter's by about 3 feet. Light streams into the monument by day, and rain pours in through the hole in the dome when it rains. The columns on the front are marvelous. Sitting in a cafe in the piazza and studying the Pantheon and the crowds is a perfect end to a day spent touring the streets of Rome.
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