Spanish Steps

Explore Rome's iconic Spanish Steps, a Baroque masterpiece connecting Piazza di Spagna to Trinità dei Monti. Discover its history, unique design, and cultural significance in Italy.

Overview

The Spanish Steps, known in Italian as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy. This monumental stairway gracefully links the Piazza di Spagna at its base with the Trinità dei Monti church at its summit. With its elegant Baroque and Rococo design, the steps are not merely a functional ascent but a captivating architectural spectacle that draws millions of visitors annually. At the foot of the steps, in Piazza di Spagna, lies the charming Fontana della Barcaccia, or Fountain of the Old Boat, adding to the picturesque setting.

History & Cultural Background

The Spanish Steps were constructed between 1723 and 1725, though some sources extend the completion to 1726. Designed by the Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis, with contributions from Alessandro Specchi, the project was financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier. The primary purpose was to create an impressive connection between the Spanish Embassy, located in the Piazza di Spagna, and the French church of Trinità dei Monti that crowns the hill. This explains the seemingly paradoxical name: despite French funding and the French church at the top, the steps are named after the Spanish Embassy, which had been situated in the square since the 17th century and gave the square its name. There were initial debates, including a French proposal for an equestrian statue of King Louis XIV at the top, which was ultimately rejected by the Pope, leading to a compromise reflected in the carvings on the staircase, featuring both the French fleurs-de-lis and the papal eagle.

What Makes It Special

Comprising 135 steps, or 138 if counting the landings, the Spanish Steps are celebrated as the longest and widest staircase in Europe. Their irregular, butterfly-like design, featuring 11 ramps that divide, wind, and reconnect, creates a dynamic and theatrical visual effect. Crafted from travertine, the steps harmoniously blend into the urban landscape, transforming a steep slope into an artistic and accessible pathway. The design not only serves a practical function but also offers platforms for rest and appreciation of the surrounding views. At its base, the Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia, sculpted by Pietro Bernini and potentially his more famous son Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicts a semi-submerged boat, inspired by a legend of a boat stranded in the square during a Tiber flood. At the summit, in front of the Trinità dei Monti church, stands the ancient Egyptian Sallustiano Obelisk, adding another layer of historical intrigue to the site.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Spanish Steps served as a vibrant social hub and an inspiring gathering place for artists, poets, and intellectuals. Notable figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron frequented the area. English Romantic poet John Keats lived and died in a house adjacent to the steps, which is now preserved as a museum, the Keats-Shelley House. The steps have also graced the silver screen, famously featured in films like "Roman Holiday," where Audrey Hepburn enjoyed gelato on its steps, though sitting and eating are now prohibited to preserve the monument. Each spring, typically from mid-April to mid-May, the steps undergo a stunning transformation when they are adorned with thousands of vibrant pink azaleas, creating a breathtaking floral display that celebrates Rome's anniversary. The area around Piazza di Spagna is renowned for its luxury shopping, with prestigious streets like Via dei Condotti emanating from the square. Interestingly, the Trinità dei Monti church features two clocks on its facade, one displaying Roman time and the other Parisian time, a nod to its French origins.

Visitor Perspective

The Spanish Steps are freely accessible to visitors day and night, offering different experiences depending on the time of day. While the steps can be crowded during peak hours, particularly around lunchtime, early mornings or evenings provide a more serene atmosphere and offer spectacular views of the city, especially when lit up at night. Visitors should note that, since 2019, sitting on the steps is prohibited, with fines enforced to protect this historical monument. The Spagna Metro station on Line A offers convenient access, emerging directly onto the Piazza di Spagna. From the top of the steps, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Rome, extending across the elegant Via Condotti towards the Tiber. Exploring the surrounding area is highly recommended, including a visit to the Keats-Shelley House and the charming Fontana della Barcaccia, before perhaps indulging in the luxury boutiques or relaxing at one of the nearby cafes.