Spanish Steps in Rome (Italy)

History of Spanish Steps

Rome’s Spanish Steps dates back to the year 1723, when people still had an all-inclusive view of planning the city. These steps in Rome, make you climb the steep slope connecting the Piazza Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna. It is further dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church which is located at the top. The flight of 135 monumental steps is an important landmark in the history of Rome and has seen a number of changes such as initially it was in the wooded steps format and it has been restored several numbers of times.

The Spanish Steps showcase great sculpture and art. It was built to connect the Trinità dei Monti church and the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, which are both located above — to the Holy See and Spanish Square below. These steps are a combination of straight flights, curves, terraces, and vistas. A number of renovations have been done on these steps, including the latest one in the year 1995.

Facts about the Spanish Steps

Let’s take a look at some of the facts about the Spanish Steps which make it a major attraction in the city of Rome in Italy.

1)      There are total of 135 steps.

2)      The attraction got its name from being located in the proximity of the original embassy of Spanish.

3)      The staircase of the Spanish Steps are the longest and wildest ones.

Attractions near the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are located on the easternmost side of the old city center. You can check out a number of designer shops in the base of the Spanish Steps. A number of portrait painters sit across the Steps. There are a number of places which can be explored at the Spanish Steps.

John Keats museum is located at the right corner near the base. It is actually the house of Keats where he lived and then died. Now, a complete memorabilia of English Romance Generation can be found in the museum.

You will find Fountain of the Old Boat or Fontana Della Barcaccia located just at the bottom of Spanish Steps. It is a 17th Century fountain and it has a legend that during the floods of 1598, this boat was left behind after the water withdrew.

Shopping in the Spanish Steps

There are endless boutique designer shops located in a small area near the Steps and it has a great range of bars and restaurants. It is called as the Via dei Condotti and it faces the Spanish Steps. This is the place where you would go if you want to put your hand on the brands like Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Prada and Armani. It is not only one the busiest but also the richest places in Italy and is best known for shopping in Rome.