Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are much more than just a simple passage between Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church. They are Rome’s “living room,” a monumental open-air theatre where locals and visitors have been meeting for centuries. With its 135 steps, it is the longest and widest outdoor staircase in Europe, with every twist and turn showcasing Baroque dynamism.
French money, Spanish name, Italian style
The name of the steps is somewhat misleading, as they were financed from the estate of a French diplomat, Étienne Gueffier, and connected the French church at the top with the square below. The name eventually came from the Spanish Embassy located in the square.
Built between 1723 and 1725, the staircase is a testament to the genius of architect Francesco de Sanctis. The aim was to bridge the steep height difference, but Sanctis achieved this not with a straight line but with alternating terraces, curves, and resting spots, offering different perspectives of the city from every point. In spring (April-May), the steps are traditionally adorned with hundreds of blooming azaleas, creating one of Rome’s most spectacular moments of the year.
From the square to the view
The area around the steps offers a concentrated dose of cultural and aesthetic experiences:
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Fontana della Barcaccia: Located at the foot of the steps, this fountain, shaped like a sinking boat, was designed by Pietro Bernini (father of the famous Gian Lorenzo). According to legend, a boat was left in the square after a flood in 1598, inspiring the sculpture.
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Trinità dei Monti: The Gothic church at the top of the steps, along with the obelisk in front of it, dominates the cityscape.
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Keats-Shelley Memorial House: The building to the right of the steps is where the famous English Romantic poet John Keats passed away. Today, it operates as a museum.
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Via Condotti: Opposite the steps begins Rome’s most famous luxury shopping street, a hub of the fashion world.
Sustainability and the "No Sitting!" rule
To preserve the Spanish Steps, strict rules were introduced in 2019, which remain in effect in 2026 as part of sustainable tourism efforts:
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No sitting on the steps: The police strictly enforce this rule, penalising anyone who sits on the steps. This is not just an aesthetic issue: the weight of thousands of visitors and food and drink residues left on the stones have caused irreversible damage to the travertine limestone. Today, the steps are solely for transit and enjoying the view while passing through.
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Environmental protection: Several small electric buses (e.g., line 119) stop near the steps, allowing visitors to explore the city centre without noise or pollution. The nearest metro station, Spagna (Line A), is right next to the square.
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Drinking water: The water from the Barcaccia fountain is drinkable! Many tourists are unaware, but fresh, cold water flows from the small taps on the side of the fountain, so feel free to refill your bottle.
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Slow tourism: To avoid the crowds, visit at sunrise. The light is most beautiful at this time, and the monumental silence of the steps offers a truly profound experience.
Practical information
The steps are free to visit. Avoid the “rose sellers” and illegal street vendors around the square, as they often disturb visitors and detract from the area’s charm.
Target group
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Class trips
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Families with younger children
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Families with older children
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Multigenerational programs
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Friends
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Seniors
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Couples
