They’re not Spanish. You can’t sit on them. And if you try, it might cost you €400.
Welcome to the Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
This sweeping staircase connects the bustling Piazza di Spagna below with the elegant Trinità dei Monti church above. It draws tourists, photographers, and fashion shoots by the dozen. It’s even appeared in films like Roman Holiday.
But there’s more to the Spanish Steps than a photo op. Let’s take a look one of the world’s most famous staircases.
>>> Click here for a sunset tour of the Spanish Steps and Central Rome
Overview, Facts & Tips
Fun Facts about the Spanish Steps
| Name | Spanish Steps / Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti / Scalinata di Piazza di Spagna |
| Date of Construction | 1725 |
| Architect | Francesco de Sanctis |
| Number of Steps | 138 |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Admission Ticket | Free |
| Public Transport | Metro Stop: Spagna |
The Italians don’t refer to the steps as the “Spanish Steps.” No. Instead, they call them La Scalinata.
When to visit?
Anytime is good. But spring and winter are best.
In spring, the steps are covered with pink azaleas from mid April to early May. It’s a tradition going back to 1952 to celebrate the upcoming feast of Rome’s founding.
In winter, the steps and piazza below have Christmas decorations, trees, and nativity scenes. They’re usually sponsored by designers like Dior or Bulgari.
The steps are particularly beautiful at night, with Via Condotti all lit up below.
Just expect massive crowds after December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Where To Stay
Do you want to stay near the Spanish Steps? It’s a hotel jackpot, though prices may test your wallet!
One of my favorite hotels in Rome, the Hassler Roma, is right there. Plus, you can check out:
J.K. Place Roma
A luxurious boutique tucked in a historic palazzo, this hotel offers just 27 elegant rooms decorated in soft neutrals with period antiques. Guests enjoy an intimate cafe and spa services.
Hotel de Russie
A Rocco Forte gem known as “paradise on earth,” complete with a tranquil Secret Garden, spa, Stravinskij Bar, and fine dining at Le Jardin. Just off Via Condotti, it’s a refined escape amid Rome’s hustle and bustle.
Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville
This luxury property includes a rooftop terrace, stylish garden, and full spa services. It’s remarkably close, just a few steps from the steps themselves, and offers upscale dining and wellness options.
Portrait Roma
This hotel is sleek, modern, and ultra chic. Penthouse suites offer up sweeping city views. It’s a fashionable choice for guests who want design flair and boutique exclusivity near Via Condotti .
The Spanish Steps Explained
History
The steps are indeed not Spanish. They were built in the 18th century, 1723-25.
The funding was not Spanish either. It was French. It was a French diplomat who left money for the staircase.
Why did he do it? Because the church at the top of the staircase, Trinità dei Monti, is a French church.
Then, why are they called Spanish? Because of the presence of the Spanish embassy to the Vatican at the bottom of the stairs. It’s just a vicinity situation.
It’s a monumental staircase. The primary architect behind the Baroque design was Francesco de Sanctis.
Alessandro Specchi also submitted a design. But it was over-the-top theatrical consistent with the Roman Baroque style and the French found it too off-putting.
Design
The overall design is late Baroque, with some French Neo-Classical influence (due to French patronage).
It should remind you of Bramante’s design for the Belvedere Courtyard at the Vatican Museums. That was a space connecting the papal villa to the palace, with a series of ramps and terraces.
The Spanish Steps are similar, symmetrical but varied. It’s essentially a processional path. It’s grand and ceremonial, but still accessible.
On its lowest level, there’s a ramp divided into three parts. When you get up to the landing, there’s a wall that sends you left or right. Then, there’s another set of stairs, another landing, etc.
It eventually leads you all the way to the top where you’re greeted by the obelisk in front of the church.
The obelisk sits squarely centered between the church’s two towers. It looks very much like an Egyptian obelisk. But it’s actually a Roman imitation, not a true Egyptian original.
The whole effect is regal and stylish. It’s beautiful Baroque at its best.
In essence, it’s not just a way to get from A to B. The steps were designed as a place to be seen, walk slowly, or linger. The landings are like mini piazzas with a theatrical setting.
The Spanish Steps enhance the view both from below and above, making it one of the most photogenic and best viewpoints in Rome.
Fountain at the Bottom
At the base of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna sits the quirky Fontana della Barcaccia, or “Fountain of the Leaky Boat.”
It was designed by Pietro Bernini and his more famous son, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, under the patronage of Pope Urban VIII. The pope wanted every Roman square to have a fountain.
The design was inspired by a real life boat that washed into the piazza during a Tiber flood. Hence, the sunken, half submerged shape.
It wasn’t just a pretty centerpiece, either. Like many fountains in Rome, it was built to provide clean drinking water.
Restored in 2014, it’s now gleaming and easy to appreciate. Both as a functional public work and an early example of Bernini’s flair for the theatrical.
Church at the Top: Trinità dei Monti
The Trinita church was founded in 1502 by Louis XII of France, tied to the Minim friars (Order of Minims). In 1585, Pope Sixtus V consecrated it.
Architecturally, it’s an Italian Renaissance style with early Mannerist elements. The facade was likely based on Giacomo della Porta’s designs, while the interior was remodeled by Domenico Fontana.
Twin bell towers give it a symmetrical facade. Inside, there are 17 richly decorated side chapels showcasing Mannerist frescoes by artists like Daniele da Volterra.
Built to reinforce French influence in Rome, the church belonged to France until after the Revolution
Why Are The Spanish Steps So Famous?
Now, the stairs have become immortalized for many reasons.
First off, the English poet John Keats lived and died there. You’ll see his house (a museum now) just to the right of the stairs.
Other Romantics loved the steps too. Along with Keats, Lord Byron, Wagner, Openshaw, Goether, and others hung out there.
For British aristocrats of yesteryear, this was the culmination of the Grand Tour to see Europe’s most famous sites.
Then, a bit later, a famous movie, the Roman Holiday, came along. It featured the steps and made them a Roman icon.
Later on, the Spanish Steps became a popular venue for fashion shows. Even Valentino made an appearance there!
It became such a popular destination that the city eventually had to intervene and prevent people from loitering on the stairs.
You know what would happen. People would gather. Out comes the guitar and a bottle of wine and some food. Then, there was trash everywhere.
They’re 300 year old stairs after all. So, now it’s forbidden to sit down and drink beer here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the Spanish Steps. You may find these other Rome travel guides useful:
- 1 day in Rome itineraries
- 2 days in Rome itinerary
- 3 day itinerary for Rome
- 4 day itinerary for Rome
- 5 day itinerary for Rome
- Hidden gems in Rome
- Best museums in Rome
- Guide to Palatine Hill
- Guide to the Roman Forum
- Guide to the Colosseum
Pin it for later.
