Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna has been the heart of non-archaeological Rome for at least 4 centuries. In this long, irregularly shaped square you have to admire two monumental attractions: the Spanish Steps and the Barcaccia fountain.

• Immerse yourself in the dolce vita and relaxed atmosphere of Rome. Enjoy an ice cream while admiring the Spanish Steps.
• Climb to the top of the Spanish Steps and enjoy the scenery of Rome.

Piazza di Spagna is a must during your stay in Rome. This corner of the city attracts many types of travelers because it has so many points of interest. Here are which ones:

The Spanish Steps were designed by Francesco De Sanctis and built around 1720 to connect the square to the lovely French church of Trinità dei Monti.

The staircase consists of 138 travertine steps and was financed with a donation from a French diplomat and a contribution from France’s King Louis XV.

Today this is a place loved by young tourists and you especially enjoy it in spring when it is decorated with flowers.

A life-size nativity scene is prepared at Christmas, and every December 8 the pope lays a wreath on the Roman column supporting the statue of the Virgin Mary.

This statue was erected in 1854 to commemorate the dogma of the immaculate conception.

Trinità dei Monti was built in the 16th century by the French and is still owned by the French state. Several important works of art are kept inside the church.

If you do not feel like going inside to visit the church, however, it is worth climbing the 135 steps of the staircase and admiring the view from above.

At the foot of the Spanish Steps is the Fountain of the Barcaccia, created in 1629 by Pietro Bernini, father of the more famous Gian Lorenzo.

This fountain is fed by the ancient Roman Virgin Water Aqueduct (the same one that feeds the Trevi Fountain).

Because water pressure is low at this point in the city, Bernini had the genius to place the basin below the street level and design the fountain as a sinking boat.

The fountain is decorated with bees and suns, symbols of the Barberini family that commissioned the work.

This old-fashioned and tea room was opened in 1896 by two English aristocrats to offer tea to homesick British travelers passing through town.

It is a great place to take a break during a day exploring Rome.

• Piazza di Spagna is so named because of the nearby Spanish Embassy.
• Every spring, the Spanish Steps are covered with hundreds of azaleas in bloom, from a tradition dating back more than 80 years.
• More than 1 million euros are raised for charity each year thanks to the coin toss.
• Piazza di Spagna was the location for the film “Roman Holiday” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Piazza di Spagna is located right in the center of Rome and is very easily accessible. The best way to get there is by subway, which has a stop right on the square.

Subway: Line A, Spagna Stop

Buses: 116, 117, 119,

Walking: Trevi Fountain (7 min.), Pantheon (13 min.), Piazza del Popolo (8 min.), Piazza Venezia (17 min.)