Dome

View from the top of the stairs, looking west over Rome; As built, the scheme conformed to de' Sanctis's approved designs with some omissions, including a fountain that he had intended for the large central terrace and a number of statues for the balustrade. Two buildings on either side of the base of the steps were also built (1726-1727) to frame the approach. The design of the steps is ingenious, the intermediate terraces being intended to mitigate the steepness of the ascent. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.groveart.com/ (accessed 1/21/2008)