Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Rome's most beloved Rococo monument
- A well-known symbol of Rome
Time required: 30 minutes
Public transport:
- Metro Line A: Spagna station
Address: Piazza di Spagna
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Soren Hugger Moller
Things you need to know:
- The Spanish Steps is a monumental stairway in Rome connecting two squares: Piazza di Spagna (at its base) and Piazza Trinity dei Monti (at the top)
- Piazza di Spagna (lower square) means Spanish Square, hence the name of the stairway
- The square took its name after the fact that the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was located here; the Spanish embassy is still housed in the same building, Palazzo Monaldeschi
- The stairway was built in 1723-25; it has 138 steps and it is the widest staircase in Europe
- The Early Baroque fountain at the foot of the stairs is called Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat) designed by the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the creator of the alter of St Peter's Basilica
- The church above the stairway is called the Trinita dei Monti
- The church and the surrounding area is the property of the French state
What to do there:
- Have a break, sit down and enjoy the piazza's vibrant life
- Do some people watching
Tips & Insights:
- In the summer it can be very crowded
- It is the most beautiful in the summer when the steps are full of flowers
