03/11/2025
The Spanish Steps Still Captivate: A Timeless Blend of History, Art, and Elegance
The Spanish Steps in Rome, built between 1723 and 1726 in the Rococo style, connect Piazza di Spagna to the French church, Trinità dei Monti. The staircase has 135 steps and three terraces, symbolising the Holy Trinity. At the top, by the Egyptian obelisk, you'll find a stunning view—often shared with crowds of visitors. Despite the name, the steps were commissioned by the French, but the Spanish embassy once stood in the square below, giving the site its name. Officially, they’re called Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti. In the square, don’t miss the Fontana della Barcaccia by Pietro Bernini. Shaped like a sinking boat, it recalls the 1598 flood of the River Tiber.
Its gentle water flow is due to low pressure from the old aqueduct. Although the French hoped to place a statue of King Louis XII here, the pope refused, causing delays. Today, the surrounding area is home to high-end shops, with Via Condotti as the fashion hub.
