What is so special about the Spanish Steps?

The Spanish Steps are a symbol of Rome's elegance and historic charm, blending architectural beauty with cultural significance. The structure is a popular gathering place and is connected to Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti. It has hosted multiple fashion shows and has been featured in popular movies.

Why can't you sit on the Spanish Steps in Rome anymore?

Sitting on the steps has been prohibited since 2019 to prevent wear and tear on the historic staircase and to improve pedestrian flow in the area.

Why was it called Spanish Steps?

Although the steps were funded by a French sponsor, the Spanish connection stems from the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. That said, the official name is 'The Stairway to the Church of Trinita dei Monti', which is a mouthful compared to 'Spanish Steps'.

Is the Trevi Fountain by the Spanish Steps?

The Trevi Fountain is technically not next to the steps. However the two landmarks are close to each other. The fountain is a 10-minute walk from the steps.

How old are the Spanish Steps?

The steps were completed in 1725, making them 300 years old in 2025. The structure, designed by Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi was built to connect the Trinità dei Monti church with Piazza di Spagna.

How many steps are in the Spanish Steps in Rome?

There are 135 steps in the staircase. The iconic structure is one of Rome's most visited sites.

Can you drink from the fountain at the Spanish Steps in Rome?

There is a small public fountain at the base of the Spanish Steps called the 'Fontana della Barcaccia,' and the water is potable. Visitors are welcome to drink from it, as with many of Rome's public fountains fed by ancient aqueducts.

Spanish Steps in Rome: History, Piazza di Spagna and Visitor Tips

By: Kaweesa Abubakr | Published: 04/12/2024 | Modified: 08/23/2026

The Spanish Steps are one of Rome's most recognizable landmarks, linking Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church above. Visitors come for the view, the Baroque staircase, Fontana della Barcaccia, nearby shopping, and the easy walk to other Rome highlights such as Trevi Fountain and Piazza del Popolo.

With places like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, touring the Eternal City is like a journey through time. However, the Spanish Steps structure stands out for its grandeur and storied history. It's the reason why it should be on your list of places to visit during a trip to Rome. Because it is close to many famous landmarks, it's easy to fit into a tour of Rome in one day.

What to See at the Spanish Steps

Trinità dei Monti

The steps are on a steep slope in a part of the city where you'll find many of the most famous places. At the top of the steps, you have the Trinità dei Monti church, with a large obelisk close to the main door. Charles VIII of France funded the French style church with Gothic arches in 1497. It has two hard to miss bell towers.

Piazza di Spagna

At the bottom, you have Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square), one of the most popular squares in Rome. The Fontana della Barcaccia fountain is the main draw of the square, where you'll often see a crowd of tourists and locals. People in Rome also come here to catch the best views of the steps.

Fontana della Barcaccia

Pope Urban VIII asked for the water feature as part of a project to build fountains in the city's main squares. Skilled sculptor Pietro Bernini (the father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini) built the fountain, one of his best-known works in the Eternal City.

Visitors will notice the water feature's 'sinking ship' shape with water flowing from the sides into the basin. A 19BCE aqueduct supplies the water, which flows from seven points. A legend about a ship placed at the square after River Tiber flooded the city in 1598 inspired the concept.

Keats-Shelley House

Also present at the foot of the steps is the Keats-Shelley House museum. Famous English poet John Keats spent his last days at the house before his death in 1821. He was only 25 years old at the time. While his work wasn't well known during his lifetime, it gained fame after his death. So much so that his work inspired many other English poets. The museum has preserved Keats' bedroom as a way of drawing attention to his tragic death.

Column of the Immaculate Conception

The Column of the Immaculate Conception (Colonna dell'Immacolata Concezione) is a stone and marble art piece about 130m east of the fountain. It is at the south end of Piazza Mignanelli, another of the main squares in the city. Visitors should stop by this piazza to see this work of art.

Views from the Top

The top of the Spanish Steps gives you a great view over Piazza di Spagna, with Fontana della Barcaccia below and the rooftops of the shopping street Via dei Condotti stretching beyond the square. The views are best in the morning, before the crowds arrive. Late evening offers softer light around Trinità dei Monti and the surrounding streets.

Spanish Steps Aerial View — Spanish Steps

The staircase is a gateway to luxury shopping and fine dining. The beauty of the structure has also made it a frequent filming location for popular movies and TV shows.

Planning your Visit

The best time to visit the landmark is in the morning, when you're sure to see much thinner crowds. If you are arriving by metro, the closest station is Spagna. It is just a few feet from the obelisk in front of Trinità dei Monti. As you plan your visit, note that sitting on the steps is illegal. Eating is also not allowed. The rules are in place to prevent damage to the steps, and you may face fines of up to €400 for violations.

Spanish Steps with flower displays — Spanish Steps

If you enjoy flower displays, April is a great time to visit. During that period, the steps are adorned with azaleas to celebrate spring. The flowers' bright and lively colors enhance the structure's beauty.

Shopping at Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous squares in Italy. It is also a popular shopping center for luxury goods. There are tens of luxury stores and high-end watch retailers close to it, mostly along Via dei Condotti - one of the most expensive streets in Europe.

Others can be found along Largo Carlo Goldoni. Famous brands near the fountain include Bulgari, Dior, Prada, and Gucci. When it's time to shop in Rome, this is the place to do it.

One curious fact about the area is that, in 1986, fashion power house Valentino sued to have the nearby McDonald's closed due to noise and odors. It wasn't the only one unhappy with the fast-food spot. The eatery also triggered a protest by thousands at the piazza around the time it was set to open.

History

Pope Gregory XIII came up with the idea for the stairs in the 1580s. He wanted a staircase to connect to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. This explains the official Italian name, Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti (the Stairway to the Church of Trinita dei Monti).

After French diplomat Etienne Gueffier passed away in 1660, his estate offered funding for the project, but a will dispute delayed it. A conflict over adding a statue of King Louis XIV of France (the Sun King) also led to more delays. It was completed in 1725 after a contest to select architects for the project in 1717.

With a pope as the prime mover, Italian designers, and a French sponsor, how did it end up being named the "Spanish Steps"? The answer is nothing gripping. It was named after the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See (See of Rome). However, it's worth stating that the official name is "The Stairway to the Church of Trinita dei Monti". That is more logical, given its origin. The 'Spanish Steps' is simpler to recall, so the name stuck.

Architecture

The structure is a fine example of the Baroque style, which emerged in Italy in the 16th century and spread across European countries and then the United States through the 17th century. Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi designed it after winning a contest held in 1717.

The Baroque style features bold decorations and dynamic forms. It stands out for its grandeur and drama. The Spanish Steps embody these tenets, which explains why many visitors flock to it every year.

It has a total of 135 steps in a set of flights (drama), over a total of 3,000 meters squared (grandeur) and covering a steep hill of close to 29 meters. Mostly made out of travertine stone, it blends the use of bricks, marble, and plaster.

Spanish Steps at the Movies

Movies with scenes at the steps include the 1953 classic Roman Holiday, The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, the 2015 movie The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (some scenes used a replica since cars are not allowed on the steps). The allure of the steps also made the producers of MI - Dead Reckoning Part One select it as the site for the movie's premiere event.

Spanish Steps and High Fashion

The site is a popular venue for shows in the fashion industry. One recent high-profile show at the steps was Valentino's autumn-winter 2022-23 collection event. The show's runway started from the top of the stairs and stretched all the way to Piazza Mignanelli. Italian high jewelry brand Bulgari, which has strong ties to Rome, is fond of the structure. They host many events at the steps and have shown interest in keeping it close to its original state.

The company funded a €1.5 million face-lift of the steps in 2014 and marked the completion with an event in 2016 called "Spanish Steps Shining Again". It was a high-profile event that turned the site into a spectacle.

Where to Stay

There are many great hotels in Rome, but if want to be close to the Spanish Steps during your visit, you have one ideal option.

Perched at the top of the stairs next to Trinità dei Monti, Hotel Hassler Roma is a solid choice with a theme that matches the city's vibe. The rooftop terrace offers great views of the city. There's no doubt that it will be your favorite part of the hotel. Other popular areas of the hotel include the Ferretti Salon and the 7th-floor terrace bar. If you enjoy al fresco dining, you can look forward to lunch or dinner at the Palm Court.

The hotel also offers first-class service, a cozy "family-run inn" theme, and Michelin-starred dining at the Imago restaurant. Headed by Chef Andrea Antonini, Imago boasts of twelve exclusive tables, a 1,500-label wine cellar, and oversized windows with views of the city.