Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Spanish Steps

No, not THOSE Spanish Steps, but rather the so named 'Spanish Steps' in the Sheridan-Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, DC (connecting 22nd and S streets NW). Originally, steps in this location led to a grand 18th century estate named Belair which was later changed to Kalorama, Greek for 'fine view', in 1807 by then owner and poet Joel Barlow. These steps were built in 1911 when the neighborhood was being developed at the height of the city beautiful movement and later were rebuilt (following decades of neglect) in 1999 by a group of neighbors. They now hold a rather romantic character and many a DC girl has been proposed sitting here in summer. Now who needs to go all the way to Rome when we have our own Spanish Steps in our backyard!

11 comments:

Karena said...

So true, I love discovering wonderful spots like this through your eyes, Stefan!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

The Devoted Classicist said...

This is a great feature of the neighborhood that I found when I was taking dimensions of the nearby Woodrow Wilson House for HABS drawings many years ago.

An Aesthete's Lament said...

More neighborhoods should possess such treasures.

Style Court said...

Stefan -- love how you captured the steps.

Kind of random thought but it's funny how both D.C./Alexandria area and L.A. have (or had) a "Belair" and a Beverly Hills. (Thinking of the Bev Hills neighborhood in Alexandria.) Although I realize the Belair (estate) and Bel Air (neighborhood) connection is kind of a stretch :)

quintessence said...

Oh how lovely - I had no idea that D.C. had its own variety of Spanish Steps. Quite the romantic spot!!

Francine Gardner said...

I have very fond memories of these steps..

Thomas Hogglestock said...

Nine years ago this month on our very first date John and I stood on these steps and I said "This is where we will get married." Well we didn't get married there, but I guess it confirms love at first site.

Windlost said...

How lovely - I had no idea about these. I must click your "Washington" links and see what other sites you have posted about. Always learn from you Stefan!
P.S. We are having David's birthday supper at the Tabard Inn in a couple of weeks!! Thank you for the suggestions and just a short metro ride from Woodley Park.

xo Terri

jason said...

how beautiful!

N. Chandeliers said...

We have a lot of these Spanish steps here in the Philippines built during the Spanish colonial era. Most are now tourist destinations. The most famous are the one found in Intramuros, Manila.

Thombeau said...

That top photo is absolutely gorgeous!