The Spanish Steps - All You Need To Know
The Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome is one of the most photographed places in the city.
The 138 steps, also known as the “Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti”, designed by Italian architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, Europe’s widest staircase was constructed between 1723 and 1725 thanks to the funding of French diplomat, Etienne Gueffier.
Reasons to Visit the Spanish Steps
Since 1951, the beginning of spring is always marked by the steps being covered in pots of bright pink azaleas, a beautiful sight for those who have the chance to visit during that time of the year.
When Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck rode across Rome’s streets on a Vespa in the 1953 blockbuster movie Roman Holiday, The Spanish Steps were featured in the famous scene where Hepburn is eating a gelato…
At the centre of the square facing the staircase is the “Barcaccia”, which means “ugly boat” and it is one of the most beautiful Baroque fountains in Rome.
On the right of the steps is the Casina Rossa (little red house), where the English poet John Keats lived and died in 1821.
The stairway itself is of 138 steps, if you cannot manage this there is a lift, next to the Metro Station, which will take you to the top of the Steps.
Even though the Spanish Steps are considered to be a place to rest after the long walks through the city of Rome, new regulations made in 2019 make it illegal to sit or eat on the steps; now if seen doing you can be fined hundreds of euros. This was done to help preserve the monument.
The Spanish Steps are still a place for artists, painters and poets to visit. Today, at the top of the steps you will find some artists painting visitor’s portraits.
From the base of the steps, there are lots of very narrow lanes crammed full of designer shops waiting to be explored.
The steps have needed to be restored many times over the years, with the latest restoration being in 1995.
The steps are surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk, called Obelisco Sallustiano. The obelisk is one of the 13 ancient obelisks in Rome and was built by the Romans following the Egyptian style which was very popular in the city.
The Trinità dei Monti at the top of the steps is maintained by France, making it perhaps the most famous French church that’s not in France. It features a distinctive French Gothic architectural style.
The best time to visit the Spanish Steps is early morning around 7 or 8 AM, be warned that outside of these times, it can get very crowded.
When it comes to visiting Rome itself, the best times if you want to avoid the crowds are during spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October).
As always be on your guard for pickpockets and thieves, although generally safe it is worth taking general precautions while visiting, especially if it is very busy.
Getting to the Spanish Steps
By Metro take Linea A (red line) and exit at Spagna. The station is right next to the Spanish Steps.
Plenty of buses go to Barberini or Piazza del Popolo / Flaminio about a 10-minute walk away.
A lovely Rome walk is to start at the Spanish Steps and end at Piazza Navona visiting the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon on the way.
Remember The Spanish Steps are free to visit and when you get to the top the views are breathtaking.
