Spanish Steps

Rome, Italy

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.

The monumental stairway of 135 steps was built with French diplomat Étienne Gueffier's bequeathed funds of 20,000 scudi, in 1723-1725, linking the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, and the Trinità dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France, both located above - to the Holy See in Palazzo Monaldeschi located below. The stairway was designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi.

The Steps are featured in numerous film and novel scenes.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Piazza di Spagna 23, Rome, Italy
See all sites in Rome

Details

Founded: 1723-1725
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Simon Felix (13 months ago)
Excellent history and nicely arranged steps make this a must be when visiting Rome. People are welcoming and the fountain at the bottom really gives this place an excellent review. It was in fast x and mission impossible: dead reckoning part 1 films. So good! Would recommend this place to visit!
Hoosieronthemove (13 months ago)
The view at night from here is just spectacular. Somehow I always missed walking here during the daytime, but at night time, it’s absolutely gorgeous looking out and seeing Rome and the bustling city streets. I would not want to go down the steps though when it’s raining, they’re worn and a bit uneven.
Rahul Sapru (13 months ago)
A must-visit destination for anyone exploring Rome! Spanish Steps is an iconic landmark that offers a picturesque setting to soak in the city's charm. The stunning staircase, provides a perfect spot for relaxation and people-watching. Here are a couple of tips which I wish I knew beforehand: 1/. arrive very early or very late to beat the crowds, 2/ don't forget to carry water and 3/ check timings for the Trinità dei Monti if you want to visit that too because the church was closed when we arrived
Chanté Goerke (14 months ago)
It’s still such a beautiful sight to see especially if you know the history behind it but it was so overcrowded you couldn’t really take in the whole scene, people were sitting everywhere around the fountain and on the steps so walking up was quite frustrating. We went out of season (winter) so we were very shocked to see it that busy, don’t want to even know what in-season looks like…
Anthony Plaxen (14 months ago)
Visited in February they were so picturesque and perfect. A beautiful site in Rome to visit on any day. The steps are majestic and are a symbol of Rome itself. Perfect to visit in the morning time around sunrise, they are less busy and more elegant. Perfect spot for a quick snack on the steps. Beautiful in the winter time and very clean. Highly recommend if you’re visiting the city, it’s an important point of interest for any novel traveller.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.