Why go

The Spanish Steps are one of the great urban set pieces of Baroque Rome. Built between 1723 and 1726 to a design by Francesco De Sanctis, the 135 travertine steps sweep up from Piazza di Spagna in curves and terraces to the twin bell towers of Trinità dei Monti. For three centuries they have been a meeting place for artists, poets and travellers on the Grand Tour, and a backdrop for countless films and fashion shoots.

Today the view from the top, down Via dei Condotti towards the dome of St Peter’s in the distance, is still one of the best free sights in the city.

What to see

  • The Barcaccia. The fountain shaped like a half-sunken boat at the foot of the steps, by Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo.
  • Trinità dei Monti. The French church at the top, with views over the rooftops from its terrace.
  • The Keats-Shelley House. The house beside the steps where John Keats died in 1821, now a small museum to the Romantic poets.
  • Via dei Condotti. The luxury shopping street running straight from the foot of the steps.
  • The Sallustiano obelisk. The Roman obelisk standing in front of the church at the top.

Plan your visit

The steps are free and open at all hours. The most important rule to know is that you may not sit on them. Since 2019, the city’s urban police regulation has banned sitting, eating and drinking on the steps, and officers patrol the piazza and issue fines of up to €250, higher if the stone is damaged or dirtied. You are welcome to walk up and down, stop for photographs and admire the view.

In spring the steps are traditionally decorated with pots of azaleas, and in December a large nativity scene and Christmas tree usually appear in the piazza. The area is busiest from late morning to sunset.

Getting there

Spagna station on Metro line A opens directly onto the piazza at the foot of the steps, and its passages also lead up towards the top. The Trevi Fountain is about ten minutes’ walk south, and Piazza del Popolo about the same to the north along Via del Babuino.

Tips

For an empty staircase come before 8.30am, when only street cleaners and photographers are about. At the top, turn left and follow Viale della Trinità dei Monti past Villa Medici to the Pincio terrace, one of the best viewpoints in Rome at sunset, and continue into Villa Borghese. If the climb is difficult, use the Metro station to reach the upper level. Look out for street sellers pressing roses or bracelets into your hand; a firm no thanks is enough. Babington’s tea rooms, open since 1893, sit at the foot of the steps.

The Keats-Shelley House is a quiet antidote to the crowds outside. It keeps the small room where Keats died, along with letters, manuscripts and a library of Romantic poetry, and its windows look directly onto the steps. The church of Trinità dei Monti is also worth a few minutes for its frescoes and calm interior, and its forecourt is one of the best places to watch the light change over the rooftops in the evening.