Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s most recognisable squares, set at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Its centrepiece is the Fontana della Barcaccia, a low, boat-shaped fountain by Pietro Bernini, traditionally associated with his son Gian Lorenzo. The square takes its name from the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, based in the Palazzo di Spagna since the 17th century.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, this part of Rome became a gathering place for Grand Tour travellers, artists and writers. The Keats-Shelley House, beside the steps, occupies the building where poet John Keats died in 1821 and is now a museum devoted to the Romantic writers. Above it, the Spanish Steps rise towards the church of Trinità dei Monti; built with French funding in the 1720s, they are an enduring piece of Rome’s Baroque cityscape.
There is plenty to explore beyond the square itself. Via dei Condotti leads past luxury boutiques, while nearby Via Margutta offers a quieter walk along a street long associated with artists and filmmakers. From the top of the steps, continue towards the Pincio Gardens and Villa Borghese. In spring, azaleas are traditionally displayed on the steps, adding a splash of colour to the stone.
Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for a less crowded view. Metro Line A stops at Spagna, a short walk from the square. Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can result in a fine, so take in the view standing or continue to the terrace above.