Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a monumental 18th-century stairway of 135 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna below to the Trinità dei Monti church above, built with French funding despite the Spanish name, which comes from the Spanish embassy long located in the piazza. The area has been a magnet for visitors since the 18th century, when it was a favored gathering spot for the era's Grand Tour travelers.
At the base, the Barcaccia fountain, attributed to Bernini's father Pietro, sits in the piazza, while the surrounding streets, including Via dei Condotti, form one of Rome's most exclusive shopping districts.
Sitting on the steps themselves has been officially banned since 2019 to protect the marble from wear, a rule enforced with fines, so the steps today are mainly for walking up and admiring the view rather than lingering.
Spanish Steps FAQs
No, sitting has been officially banned since 2019 and is enforced with fines to protect the marble.
The name comes from the nearby Spanish embassy, which has occupied the piazza at the base for centuries, even though French funds paid for construction.
135 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church above.
The Barcaccia fountain, attributed to Pietro Bernini, father of the famous sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Yes, Via dei Condotti nearby is one of Rome's premier luxury shopping streets.
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