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Spanish Steps

Name: Spanish Steps
Rating: 4.6

4.6 ·

Discover the Spanish Steps, Rome's grand 18th-century stairway between Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti. Climb the terraced staircase for classic photo views, then linger by the Barcaccia fountain below where visitors gather since sitting on the steps is banned.

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Reasons to go

Completed in 1725 to link the Bourbon-funded piazza with the French-owned church above, with 135 steps in its terraced design
The staircase's Italian and French patrons gave it an English name derived from the Spanish embassy that has stood in the square since the 1600s
The Keats-Shelley House at the base marks where the poet John Keats died in 1821

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Full description

Completed in 1725 to connect the Bourbon-funded piazza below with the French-owned church above, the 135-step staircase takes its English name from the Spanish embassy that has stood in the square since the 17th century. Its scenographic, terraced design made it a magnet for Grand Tour painters and later for photographers, and the Keats-Shelley House at its foot marks where the poet died in 1821.

Sitting on the steps themselves is now banned, so the crowd tends to gather near the Barcaccia fountain at the base instead. It's a quick, essential stop for anyone tracing central Rome's key sights.

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Address

Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy · Campo Marzio

Website

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

20 min

Best time

early morning, early evening or evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

Sitting on the steps is prohibited and fined, so plan to view rather than linger on them
go at early morning or evening for a clearer view without the day's crowds
combine with a walk up Via dei Condotti, Rome's luxury shopping street, at the base.

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Reviews

The Spanish Steps are one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and a wonderful place to experience the city's atmosphere. Built in the 18th century, the staircase connects Piazza di Spagna with the beautiful Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Climbing the steps is rewarded with lovely views over the square below,…

Nikolas Kardoulias

5/5

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