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July 22nd, 2016

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If you are planning to spend your holidays in Italy, don’t miss Rome’s Spanish Steps, or the Scalinata Spagna.

The Spanish Steps: The Most Famous Steps in Rome

It is a great place to stop and soak up the atmosphere and view of the Eternal City, and it is a famous focal point for tourists and locals, alike.

The Architectural Beauty of the Spanish Steps in Rome

The Spanish Steps consist of 138 steps, which rise up a steep slope connecting the Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Piazza Trinità dei Monti and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It’s a beautiful view from the bottom and from the top.

The steps were built during 1723 – 1725 following a competition to design them in 1717 - which was won by an architect named Francesco de Sanctis. A French diplomat Francesco Di Sanctis financed them. They are a unique design involving a mix of curves, straight flights, terraces and vistas.

Want to dive deeper into the fascinating history of Rome's iconic landmarks? Our Walking Tours of Rome take you through centuries of stories with expert guides.

The Cultural Significance of the Spanish Steps Through History

In the 18th century, the steps became a meeting place for artists and poets alike. Perhaps they were drawn to the area because of its unique design. Even today, you can find a group of artists painting portraits of visitors. And as the steps start, on the right hand side, is the house where the English poet John Keats lived and died. It’s now a museum dedicated to his life that you will find a wealth of memorabilia of the age.

Since then, the steps have remained a meeting place of all types of people. In the 18th century, beautiful women lingered here hoping to be painted by the artists. This in turn attracted some of the most affluent residents of, and visitors to, Rome. Nowadays, as well as today’s artists, the steps are a breathtaking backdrop to tourists’ photographs.

Why Are They Called the Spanish Steps? 

The Spanish Steps owe their name to the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which has been located in Piazza di Spagna since the 17th century. The square and the magnificent staircase became a symbol of Spanish influence and diplomacy in Rome, creating a lasting connection between Spanish culture and this iconic landmark.

The Spanish Steps in Hollywood

The Spanish Steps have also made numerous appearances on the silver screen including in the 1950s film, Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It’s here their characters shared an ice cream on their famous Italian holiday. More recently the steps featured in the film version of the Talented Mr. Ripley, which starred Matt Damon.

Things to Do Near the Spanish Steps: Shopping and Culture

The sights around the Spanish Steps Rome are just as worthy of a visit. For instance, at the base of the steps is a rather unique looking fountain – or Fontana della Barcaccia - the Fountain of the Old Boat. It creates a fabulous photographic backdrop and it is said to be reminiscent of when Rome used to regularly flood, before the city walls were built. One of those occasions was in the 16th century when the Tiber flooded Piazza di Spagna with water reaching one meter high, and it left behind an old barge – which the fountain represents.

Rome’s Spanish steps are also home to Babington’s Tea Rooms. Originally set up in 1893 by two English residents of Rome – when it was only possible to buy tea in pharmacies. The rooms have been serving English tea for over 100 years.The Via del Condotti also leads off from the base of the Spanish steps and is home to some of Italy’s most famous fashion retailers – Gucci, Valentino, Benetton, Bulgari etc. If you head north from the Spanish Steps toward Piazze del Popolo you will find boutiques and shops that specialise in art and antiques.

The View of the Spanish Steps​ is one of the​​​​​​ Most Photographed Places in Rome

In a study via Google’s Panaramio application in 2014, the Spanish Steps were the most photographed area in all of Rome. The steps are a well-loved part of Rome and as such they are currently being lovingly refurbished which means one side is closed off. But it’s still possible to climb them and visit one of Rome’s most well known sites.

The Best Views at the Spanish Steps: Top Photo Spots

For the perfect photograph, head to the top of the steps at sunrise when the morning light bathes the travertine stone in a golden glow. The fountain at the base offers another stunning vantage point, especially when capturing the symmetrical sweep of the staircase. Professional photographers recommend visiting during the "blue hour" just after sunset, when the steps are illuminated and the sky takes on magical hues.

The Spanish Steps at Night: A Magical Evening Experience

As day turns to dusk, the Spanish Steps transform into one of Rome's most enchanting evening spots. The gentle illumination highlights the architectural details of the travertine steps, while locals gather to enjoy the cooler air and romantic atmosphere. Street musicians often provide a soundtrack to the scene, making it a perfect spot for an evening passeggiata (traditional Italian evening stroll).

In Summary, Why Are The Spanish Steps Famous?

The Spanish Steps' fame stems from their unique position as a cultural crossroads in Rome. Beyond their architectural beauty, they gained prominence as the historic meeting point where Rome's aristocracy mingled with artists and writers, including the English Romantic poets. Their distinctive design, featuring graceful curves and dramatic terraces, made them a natural stage for social life. Today, their reputation endures through countless films, fashion shows, and their proximity to Rome's luxury shopping district, making them not just stairs, but a symbol of Roman lifestyle and glamour.

Experience the Spanish Steps in Rome With Our Guided Tours and Expert Tips

At Avventure Bellissime – Italian holiday experts – we have the privilege of helping visitors to Italy experience Rome. Two of our tours take in the beautiful Spanish Steps:

We have an exclusive Vespa Tour of Rome that takes in the steps as well as the top attractions within the historical centre of Rome and Ancient Rome. Our friendly guide will take you to see the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Circus Maximus and Gianicolo Hill for a view of the whole city before finishing at a local wine bar.

Our Grand Day tour of Rome in a Day is essentially three tours in one. It includes a beautiful evening visit to the Spanish Steps as well as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. By day, we will use our ‘skip the queue’ tickets and explore the Colosseum, Constantine’s Arch, the Ancient Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you are thinking of organising your holidays to Italy, please do visit our website at tours-italy.com We offer a selection of Italian vacation packages as well as tours of Italy’s best-loved attractions – including Rome and the Spanish Steps.

Discover the hidden gems around the Spanish Steps with our Private Best Essence of Rome Walking Tour, including insider tips on the best boutiques and cafes.

Also, if you are looking for some travel inspiration, be sure to check out our other blog posts at tours-italy.com/blog/ It’s a great read about all things to do with Italian holidays– including advice on how to ‘skip the line’ at the Vatican, what to do when visiting Venice and even tips on how to save money when visiting Italy.