Spanish Steps

About

The Spanish Steps (Italian: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are a celebrated marble staircase that climbs a steep slope between Piazza di Spagna at the base and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Completed in 1725, the 135 steps were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, reflecting the baroque elegance that characterizes much of Rome’s historic center. The Steps are not only a passageway but a cultural icon, attracting millions of visitors each year. From the base you can admire the picturesque Fontana della Barcaccia, a 17th‑century fountain that pre‑dates the staircase, and walk up to the Keats‑Shelley Memorial House, where the English Romantic poet John Keats lived in 1821. At the top, the domed façade of the Trinità dei Monti church offers sweeping views of Rome’s skyline, making the climb a favorite spot for photographers and romantics alike. Despite its popularity, the Steps remain a public space free of charge, though visitors are reminded that sitting or eating on the staircase is prohibited by local regulations. The narrow passage and frequent crowds mean that a leisurely visit typically lasts about 1–2 hours, and the best times to experience the Steps are during the quieter spring months (March to May) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner.

Highlights

• 135 Steps
• Trinità dei Monti Church
• Fontana della Barcaccia
• Keats‑Shelley Memorial House

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours