One of Rome’s iconic landmarks, the Spanish Steps has been adored by travellers for centuries. My friend was giving me a tour of Rome when I first came here. We were standing on the Terrazza Viale del Belvedere and she was pointing to famous buildings on the skyline. She left the reveal of this icon last, pointing directly below us and telling me that is where we were going next.
Top travellers say the best time to visit here would be between April and May. That’s because at this time of year pink azaleas bloom on the steps. Adding some vibrancy to the steps, and making for some incredible photo opportunities.
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Finding the Spanish Steps
If you don’t fancy taking the scenic walk like I did, you can get here by train too. The Spanish Steps are located next to the Spagna station. I found a lot of Rome to be easily connected to the Metro, making your travel easy.
The name refers to the Spanish Embassy in the Holy See which would have been located in the Piazza Di Spagna (Spanish Square). The steps themselves were actually financed by a French Diplomat named Ėtienne Gueffier. For centuries the Spanish Steps have attracted not only celebrities and artists but also hopeful models dreaming of being scouted.
Artists and photographers from all around the world often find themselves drawn to the monument. To this day you can find painters at the top of the stairs. Audrey Hepburn herself even once caused a stampede here. American tourists began to flock to the Steps after they featured as a backdrop in her movie “Roman Holiday”.
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Piazza Di Spagna (The Spanish Square)
At the bottom of the stairs in the Spanish Square, you can find a fountain named Fontana Della Barcaccia or “Fountain of the Old Boat”. It is of a boat spouting water as she sinks. As with all art, this fountain tells a story. The River Tiber used to frequently flood before the city walls were built. In 1958, a severe flood submerged the Piazza Di Spagna up to a meter. After the water receded, a boat was left stranded in the square, leading to the creation of this fountain as a tribute to that event.
I absolutely adored exploring around the Spanish Steps. Near the fountain, you will find Via Dei Condotti. Commonly referred to as the richest street in Rome, where you will find the likes of Prada, Gucci and Versace stores making residence here. If you fancy a bit of shopping whilst in Rome and you have the budget, this is definitely the place to do it.
If you venture just a little bit into some of the side streets you will find local stores that will show you a real glimpse of Rome. I loved a marble carving I picked up in one of the smaller stores. One of the oldest marble carvers in Rome crafted it, and every time I gaze at it, fond memories of my time roaming these streets flood back. This makes it the perfect souvenir for me.
Do’s and Don’ts of the Spanish Steps
Do
Go shopping, the Spanish Steps is close to Via dei Condotti, known as the richest street in Rome this is where you can find some of the worlds most famous brands to go on your shopping spree.
Don’t
Sit on the steps. Since the Spanish Steps became a UNESCO World Heritage site to help preserve them they have banned people sitting on them, and those caught doing so risk a heavy fine.
Do
Visit the the ‘Fontana della Barcaccia’ or Fountain of the old boat at the bottom of the steps and learn more about the square and its history.
Don’t
Just visit the main streets. Sticking to the main tourists spots and taking direct the direct route is the easiest way to miss out on what makes Rome unique. You can find local stores selling better food or more unique souvenirs than you’d find on the usual paths.
After you’ve visited here there are some great tourist spots nearby. I would recommend heading to either the Fontana Di Trevi or perhaps the Pantheon next. Both are within walking distance and you can marvel at the city as you walk. I attempted to navigate my way there using signposts; however, these can be easily missed. So inevitably Google Maps had to come to the rescue.
Tourists, be cautious as fines await those who sit on the steps of the Spanish Steps, now a UNESCO site. Authorities can impose hefty fines, amounting to hundreds of euros, on individuals caught sitting on the steps to deter damage. Instead of spending money on fines, savor “la dolce vita” (the good life) like the Italians—indulge in fine dining at restaurants and explore the city’s shopping scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to get to the Spanish Steps is by train. It is just a short walk from Spagna Metro station.
The steps are open 24/7, allowing you to come early morning or late at night to try and beat the crowds.
Nearby you have the Trevi Fountain you can visit. This is my favourite spot in Rome and you can read about it using the link below.
Yes the steps are open 24/7 so you can visit in the mornings or at night for a quieter photo.
If you visit between April and May not only do you get great weather but the pink azaleas bloom and the steps look their best.
The Spanish Steps were built between 1723 and 1726, making them nearly 300 years old.
Yes, but you cannot sit on them if you want to have a rest. Sitting on them can put you at risk of receiving a heavy fine!
No, since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site, sitting on the steps is banned. This is to help prevent erosion and damage, preserving it for future generations. It is no joke, and if you are caught doing so you can expect more than a stern ticking off. Hefty fines can be given out to those caught taking a seat.
No, since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site, sitting on the Spanish Steps is banned. This is to help prevent erosion and damage, preserving it for future generations. It is no joke, and if you are caught doing so you can expect more than a stern ticking off. Hefty fines can be given out to those caugh taking a seat.
The Trevi Fountain is a 10 minute walk away from the Spanish Steps.
The Trevi Fountain is a 10 minute walk away from the Spanish Steps.
Despite the name, the steps were actually commissioned by the French. The name Spanish Steps comes from the 17th century, when the Spanish embassy was located on the square “Piazza di Spagna” at the very base of the steps, which in time caused the name to extend to the steps.
The UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of 135 steps.