The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti), a Baroque-style staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Church of Trinità dei Monti, are one of Rome's most recognizable symbols. The 135 steps are built on three levels, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

The name "Spanish Steps" comes from Piazza di Spagna, the square named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican that has been located nearby since the 17th century. French diplomat Étienne Gueffier financed the construction of the steps through a sum he left in his will, in order to connect the lower square with the French church at the summit. Almost 60 years later, the Pope agreed to advance the project, and in an architectural competition, Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis won.

De Sanctis created a flowing design resembling a waterfall, with curves, steps, and wide landings that create a theatrical and elegant feeling. The design includes seating and resting areas that encouraged social gatherings, and the structure successfully created visual alignment between the irregular buildings in the surrounding area.

Fontana della Barcaccia - At the bottom of the steps is a charming fountain in the shape of a leaking boat, designed in 1629 by Pietro Bernini, father of the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Church of Trinità dei Monti - At the top of the staircase stands a 16th-century French church with two impressive bell towers. In front of it stands the Egyptian Obelisk - which is not actually Egyptian but Roman, from the 3rd century. The obelisk was moved here in the 18th century.

Via dei Condotti - The luxury shopping street located at the bottom of the steps, with stores of Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Bulgari. This is Rome's most exclusive shopping area.

The Spanish Steps have gained worldwide fame thanks to classic films. The most famous scene is from the 1953 movie "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, where they sit on the steps eating gelato. This scene made the steps a symbol of Roman romance.

Keep in mind that the steps are always crowded with visitors, at least during the hours when most of the public is awake.