Spanish Steps

Overview

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are the most sweeping, elegantly theatrical, and famous staircase in Europe. Cascading down incredibly gracefully from the Trinita dei Monti church, they form the aristocratic heart of modern Rome.

Highlights

• The Architecture: 135 massive travertine steps designed in a fluid, butterfly-like sweeping motion, using forced perspective to make the climb appear less daunting.
• Trinità dei Monti: The striking, twin-towered 16th-century French church commanding the highest point of the steps, holding a brilliant Sallustian Obelisk.
• Fontana della Barcaccia: The beautifully sunken, elegant "Fountain of the Ugly Boat" carved by Pietro Bernini (the father of the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini) lying at the base in Piazza di Spagna.

History

Built between 1723 and 1725, the steps were actually funded by a wealthy French diplomat (Étienne Gueffier) to connect the French church at the top with the Spanish square at the bottom (named after the nearby Spanish Embassy). In the 18th and 19th centuries, the steps became the massive bohemian hub for international artists, writers, and beautiful locals hoping to be hired as painters' models.

Visitor Tips

• The Ban: Since 2019, sitting on the steps is strictly, forbidden to protect the fragile travertine stone. Police patrol and will ticket you immediately if you sit down.
• Springtime: If visiting in April/May, the entire staircase is gloriously buried in hundreds of massive pots of blooming pink azaleas.
• : 15–20 minutes.