Why the Spanish Steps Are One of Rome’s Most Famous Landmarks

The Spanish Steps in Rome – Shutterstock

The Spanish Steps, known in Italian as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are one of Rome’s most recognisable landmarks. They rise in elegant curves from Piazza di Spagna at the base to Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top, where the church of Trinità dei Monti stands.

Built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726, the staircase is made up of 135 travertine steps arranged across three terraces. These terraces refer to the Holy Trinity. With its wide design and dramatic sweep, it is considered the widest and longest staircase in Europe. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its scale and central position in the city.

Design and Architecture

The Spanish Steps were designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi. A competition was held in 1717, and de Sanctis won, although Specchi was long believed to have actually produced the winning design.

The staircase draws on earlier architectural ideas. Divided and symmetrical stairs had been created in the 1600s by Donato Bramante for the Belvedere Courtyard. Shaped and angled steps were introduced by Michelangelo in the Laurentian Library. The Spanish Steps take these ideas and expand them into a grand, flowing design.

Decorative details reflect both French and papal influence. The Bourbon fleur-de-lys appears alongside Innocent XIII’s eagle and crown. The result is a monumental staircase that links the square below with the church above in a bold and balanced way.

Why Are They Called the Spanish Steps?

The official Italian name refers to the church at the top: Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti. The church itself was under the patronage of the Kings of France during the 18th century, and part of the funding for the steps came from the French diplomat Étienne Gueffier.

So why are they called the Spanish Steps?

The name comes from Piazza di Spagna at the base. In the 17th century, the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was located in the square. Over time, the staircase took its popular name from the square rather than the church.

Trinità dei Monti and the View from the Top

View from on top of the Spanish Steps – Editorial credit: S.Tatiana / Shutterstock.com

At the top of the staircase stands the church of Trinità dei Monti, built between 1502 and 1587. It was commissioned by King Louis XII of France. Inside, visitors can see frescoes by Daniele da Volterra, including works in the internal chapels.

Outside the church stands the Sallustian Obelisk. Named after the Roman historian Sallust, it once stood in his gardens and was later placed here in 1789. From this high point, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across Rome.

From the top, you are also close to Villa Medici and the park of Villa Borghese, making this area a natural starting point for further exploration of Rome.

Piazza di Spagna and the Barcaccia Fountain

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Barcaccia Fountain at the Spanish Steps — Barcaccia Fountain at the bottom of the Spanish Steps – Editorial Credit: Yosefer / Shutterstock.com

At the base of the steps lies Piazza di Spagna. In the centre of the square is the Fontana della Barcaccia, built between 1627 and 1629.

The fountain was designed by Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It takes the shape of a sinking boat and was inspired by the flood of the Tiber River in 1598, when a boat was carried into the square. Its water comes from the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct, which still operates today.

Piazza di Spagna is also known for shopping. Via Condotti begins here and is lined with high-end fashion boutiques.

A Meeting Place for Writers, Artists, and Fashion

For centuries, the Spanish Steps have been a gathering place. In the 18th and 19th centuries, artists and writers met here. On the right side of the steps stands the former home of English poet John Keats, who died there in 1821. Today, it is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House.

The steps have also hosted major fashion shows between 1990 and 2000. Well-known models such as Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer took part in events that were broadcast on television.

Each year, the staircase becomes part of local traditions. Since 1951, azaleas have decorated the steps in late April to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Rome. On 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, floral tributes are placed nearby, and the Pope visits the area.

The Spanish Steps Represented in Art

The Spanish Steps have appeared in many films and television shows. They featured in Roman Holiday (1953) and The Talented Mr Ripley (1999). They also appeared in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), although a replica was used for the car chase scenes.

The steps have been referenced in songs, including “When I Paint My Masterpiece”, and appear in novels such as Tender Is the Night and The Stars My Destination.

Visiting the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are free to visit and can be reached by metro at the Spagna stop. Early mornings are usually quieter, while sunny days in spring and summer can be busy.

Modest dress is required if you plan to enter Trinità dei Monti. From here, you can continue towards Villa Borghese or explore the surrounding streets.

Standing on the steps, you are at a crossroads of history, art, religion, and daily Roman life. Few places in the city bring together so many layers of the past and present in one setting.

This video shows off the scale as well as gives as a brief overview of the Spanish Steps: