The Spanish Steps sweep down from the church of Trinità dei Monti to Piazza di Spagna, forming one of Rome’s most recognizable public spaces. Built in the 1720s to a design by Francesco de Sanctis, the 135 travertine steps turn a steep hillside into a theatrical series of terraces and curves.
The name reflects the presence of the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See nearby, though the staircase was funded by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and leads to a French church. At the foot of the steps, the boat-shaped Fontana della Barcaccia adds another distinctive feature to the piazza.
Come early in the morning for a quieter look at the architecture and the view over Rome’s rooftops from the top. Sitting on the steps is prohibited and can result in a fine, so take a break elsewhere in the piazza. The Spagna metro station is close to the base, making the Spanish Steps easy to reach while exploring central Rome.