Spanish Steps Rome

The Spanish Steps Rome were actually commissioned in 1723 by the French Ambassador Etienne Gueffier.

He wanted to link the French church of Trinita dei Monti on the hill above to the Piazza di Spagna.

The headquarters of the Spanish ambassador in the Piazza a century earlier is how the steps and piazza got their names.

The 138 steps form the longest and widest staircase in Europe. They were designed by the relatively unknown Francesco de Sanctis.

These steps were the hangout of famous romantics like Goethe, Shelly and Keats. They still are a meeting place for locals and visitors alike....a great place to people watch and a favorite stop when sightseeing in Rome.

There is an elevator that goes to the top of the Spanish Steps Rome.

Piazza di Spagna

Many exclusive shops surround the Spanish Plaza. Enjoy the many restaurants, trattorie, and trendy wine bars nearby.

At the foot of the Spanish Steps is the Fontana della Barcaccia, commissioned in 1627 by Urban VII. The "Sinking Boat" Fountain is powered by an aqueduct and said to commemorate a Tiber flood that left a boat stranded there.

Facing the steps on the right is the Museo Keats-Shelley, Museum of Keats and Shelley, which is a working library with a collection of literary memorabilia. This is housed in the place where John Keats, known for "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever", died in 1821.

Top of the Spanish Steps in Rome

The Egyptian Obelisk, brought from the Sallustian Gardens on the Quirinalin, was erected here in 1789 by Pope Pius VI.

Trinita dei Monti & Obelisk by Fczarnowski

Church of Trinita dei Monti
Santissima Trinita dei Monti with its two cupolas was built by Charles the VIII of France in 1495. It was plundered in the French Revolution and restored by Louis the XVIII in 1817.

The adjoining convent of the Sacred Heart nuns has the painting of Our Lady called the Mater Admirabilis. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus came to pray before this painting that she might be permitted to enter Carmel at the age of 15.

To the left at the top of the steps walk to the Pincian Hill and public garden for favorite views of the city of Rome.

Best Place to Stay near Spanish Steps

Check out this seperate page for a complete list of the best Spanish Steps Hotel Rome.

Luxury Hotels Rome Spanish Steps

The Inn at the Spanish Steps Rome is a small, 24 room luxury hotel in a great location next to the historic coffee house Antico Caffè Greco.

This lovely boutique hotel was founded in 1760 and has a great rooftop terrace for breakfast or wine and appetizers.

Budget Hotels Rome near Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps Apartment Rentals Rome Italy

If you are looking for a holiday rental near Piazza di Spagna, I have a few suggestions...

This Spanish Steps rental is in a 300 year old building giving it character and charm. There is a nice terrace to have breakfast or a beverage in the evening.

A modern and delightful apartment, this vacation rental near the Spanish Steps Rome also has a nice little terrace balcony. Note that this apartment is on the 5th floor with no lift. Check out the traveler reviews on this one.

Splurge on this fantastic penthouse apartment perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion has a beautiful huge terrace with gorgeous views of Rome.

For more ideas on rentals, check out my seperate page of Spanish Steps Rome vacation rentals.

On your next Rome Italy vacation....

Climb these steps when the sun is setting. From a hundred belfries the bells ring for Ave Maria and there, across the town, and in a blaze of golden glory stands the great dome of St. Peter's; and from the terrace of the Villa Medici you can see the whole wonderful view, faintly pencilled Soracte far to your right, and below you and around you the City and the Seven Hills. -Vera

Here are some other pages that might interest you for Rome vacations:

• Trevi Fountain Rome
• Piazza Navona
• Jewish Ghetto