In stock · No. BIGGIE RUN 53
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VINTAGE SALUTI DA ROMA POSTCARD - TREVI FOUNTAIN & SPANISH STEPS - CLASSIC 1960s MULTI-VIEW
Transport yourself to the Eternal City with this vibrant vintage multi-view chrome postcard showcasing two of Rome's most beloved landmarks in their mid-century splendor. This classic 'Saluti da Roma' (Greetings from Rome) card captures both the grand Baroque drama of the Trevi Fountain and the colorful floral spectacle of the Spanish Steps in bloom.
DESCRIPTION This striking multi-view postcard features Rome's most iconic landmarks arranged in an artistic composition against a rich blue textured background. The left circular image showcases the magnificent Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) with its elaborate Baroque façade dramatic sculptures and cascading waters - capturing the fountain in perfect detail from Neptune's commanding central figure to the tumbling waters over travertine rocks.
The right rectangular image presents the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) during their famous spring flowering when cascades of colorful azaleas transform this architectural masterpiece into a garden paradise. The twin bell towers of the Trinità dei Monti church rise majestically at the top of the stairs with the entire scene bathed in golden Italian sunlight.
In the upper left corner the traditional emblem of Rome featuring the Capitoline Wolf nursing Romulus and Remus above the 'SPQR' inscription appears in shield form connecting these modern views to the city's ancient origins. Bold white typography at the bottom proclaims 'SALUTI DA ROMA' (Greetings from Rome) completing this perfect souvenir of the Eternal City.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE This postcard captures two of Rome's most celebrated landmarks that have drawn visitors for centuries. The Trevi Fountain completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi stands as the largest and most ambitious of Rome's Baroque fountains where countless visitors have tossed coins to ensure their return to the Eternal City - a tradition that continues today.
The Spanish Steps built between 1723-1725 to connect the Piazza di Spagna with the French church of Trinità dei Monti represent one of Rome's most romantic and photographed locations. The annual tradition of decorating the steps with azaleas and flowering plants (captured beautifully in this postcard) began in the mid-20th century and continues as a celebrated spring ritual in Rome.
What makes this postcard particularly special is how it captures these landmarks during the golden age of Italian tourism in the 1960s before mass tourism and later renovations would subtly alter their appearance and atmosphere. The Trevi Fountain would undergo multiple restorations in subsequent decades while access to sitting on the Spanish Steps would eventually be restricted - making this a documentation of a more carefree era in Rome's tourist history.
CONDITION This vintage postcard is in good to very good condition honestly reflecting its approximately 50-55 years of age. The front image retains its vibrant colors with the distinctive chrome finish still visible despite some expected aging.
The front shows some minor aging/fading particularly in the blue background areas slight corner and edge wear and some minor surface marks that don't detract from the lovely images. Color retention in the photographic scenes is excellent especially in the vibrant flowering plants on the Spanish Steps.
The back displays minimal yellowing of the paper clean legible publisher information no writing or postal markings (the card was never used) and just a few small spots or minor marks from age. Overall this card has been exceptionally well-preserved compared to most examples from this era.
AGE/ERA This chrome postcard dates from approximately 1965-1972 the golden age of international tourism when visitors still collected postcards as essential souvenirs rather than simply taking digital photographs. The card was published by Plurigraf of Terni Italy (card #626) a premier Italian postcard producer known for their high-quality tourist views.
The specific printing techniques typography style and 'da fotocolor Kodak Ektachrome' notation on the back (indicating use of premium Kodak Ektachrome film) all confirm this dating. This places the card within the fascinating period when international tourism was booming but still maintained an air of sophistication and exclusivity.
The multi-view design with decorative blue background was particularly popular during this era representing the height of postcard design before simpler more photographic styles would become dominant in later decades. This style has become increasingly appreciated by collectors as representing a distinct aesthetic moment in travel memorabilia.
RARITY While multi-view postcards of Rome were produced in significant quantities for the tourist market
well-preserved unused examples from this specific era are becoming increasingly scarce. Most cards were either written on mailed (and subsequently damaged) or have deteriorated through improper storage over the decades.
This particular example stands out for several compelling reasons: the superior photographic quality by Plurigraf using premium Kodak Ektachrome film the artistic multi-view composition and the exceptional state of preservation with minimal fading or damage. The inclusion of both the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps in bloom makes this a particularly desirable combination.
With each passing year
these authentic visual documents of mid-century Rome become harder to find in good condition especially examples that have been well-preserved like this one. The growing interest in mid-century Italian imagery among designers and collectors has made these vintage views increasingly sought after.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE This postcard would make an excellent addition to collections focusing on Italian landmarks Baroque architecture European travel ephemera or multi-view postcards from the 1960s-70s. The card captures both the monumental grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and the romantic beauty of the Spanish Steps in bloom - the two most photographed sites in Rome.
The inclusion of the traditional Rome emblem with the Capitoline Wolf adds historical interest connecting modern Rome to its ancient origins. The premium production quality by Plurigraf using Kodak Ektachrome film ensures that the colors remain remarkably vivid despite the passage of half a century.
For the serious collector of Italian travel ephemera this card provides an important visual document of how these iconic sites appeared in the 1960s before subsequent restoration efforts and changes to access. The multi-view format itself has become collectible as a distinctive style from this peak period of international tourism.
THE JOY OF OWNING AUTHENTIC HISTORICAL EPHEMERA Holding this authentic piece of 1960s Roman tourism in your hands creates a tangible connection to the past that digital images can never replicate. This card was actually printed in Italy half a century ago purchased by a visitor standing before these iconic landmarks and somehow preserved as a memory of their journey.
Unlike modern reproductions this original card carries with it the authentic patina of age - the slight scent of vintage paper the distinctive printing techniques of the era and the genuine aging process that cannot be artificially created. There is something profoundly satisfying about possessing these authentic windows into how travelers experienced Rome decades ago.
As we move further into the digital age these physical connections to our shared cultural heritage become ever more precious. Each preserved postcard represents a small triumph against the relentless tide of time that has claimed so many similar items.
SHIPPING INFORMATION Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I combine shipping on all postcard purchases allowing you to build your collection economically. Your cards will be carefully packaged in archival-safe sleeves and shipped in rigid protection to ensure they arrive in the same condition they leave my hands.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY Authentic vintage postcards documenting Rome's iconic landmarks from the golden age of European tourism are disappearing pieces of travel history. Once these tangible connections to the past are gone they cannot be replaced.
Secure this piece of Roman heritage today before it joins countless others that have been lost to time. With growing interest in mid-century Italian design vintage travel ephemera and the iconic imagery of Rome's most beloved landmarks these authentic visual documents of the Eternal City only become more sought after with each passing year!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.