Spanish Steps: Rome’s Most Beautiful Staircase and Square

The Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) is a spot you can't skip when you visit Rome. It's one of the most majestic squares in Rome. It was created in the 1700s and linked to the church of Trinità dei Monti (built in 1502) by a staircase designed by Francesco de Sanctis.

It is, without question, the most famous staircase in Rome and one of the places to add to your list of what to see in Rome.

The Spanish Steps in Rome

The Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) in Rome are one of the most famous squares in the world. The name comes from the palace housing the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which stands nearby.

Millions of locals and visitors sit on these steps to soak up the sun, take a break or do a bit of people watching.

But even though you'll see plenty of photos with crowds sitting down, since 2019 it has been strictly forbidden to sit on the Spanish Steps.

Patrols have been stepped up since then to enforce the ban. You can take selfies on the staircase, but anyone who sits down and ignores the rule risks fines of up to €400.

Even if your stay is very short, even if you only have time to see Rome in one day, this place is so iconic that you shouldn't miss it.

What to see at the Spanish Steps

It's one of the most recognizable Roman monuments, and given how central it is, it's one of the best areas to stay in Rome. If you'd like to book a room nearby (we recommend it), take a look at 5 hotels near the Spanish Steps in Rome.

Fontana della Barcaccia

In the middle of the square you'll see the famous Fontana della Barcaccia (1629), an early Baroque work sculpted by Pietro Bernini with help from his son.

It was built in memory of a flood of the Tiber. Since there wasn't enough water pressure at the time, the solution was to half-sink the sculpture to disguise the technical problem and decorate it with gentle trickles of water instead.

Trinità dei Monti church

Climb the famous staircase and you reach the Renaissance church of Trinità dei Monti and the Sallustiano obelisk, an obelisk from the Roman Empire carved in imitation of Egyptian ones. It's one of Rome's 13 obelisks.

Like so many Roman settings, the Spanish Steps have also hosted major modern events, some simple but well organized such as flash mobs, others far more elaborate, like haute couture shows.

That's hardly surprising, since nearby Via Condotti is home to the world's most prestigious designer fashion stores. It sits in the central Rome neighborhood known as Campo Marzio.

It's close to another famous square, Piazza del Popolo, and to Palazzo Barberini (National Gallery of Ancient Art).

If you want to hear more stories and curiosities about the Spanish Steps and other corners of Rome, a free walking tour is a cheap and interesting way to get your bearings in the city. We've put together a list of the 10 best free tours in Rome, based on the top-rated and most popular options.

Getting there

Address: Piazza di Spagna. Metro: Spagna