Spanish Steps for Beginners

Crowds at the Spanish Steps

Just like everywhere in Rome, if you’re lucky enough to have nice weather, you’ll be greeted by rivers of tourists at the Spanish Steps, jostling to take the most interesting selfie with the steps in the background. Probably one reason why sitting on the steps is prohibited is to ensure smooth pedestrian flow. The fine for sitting on the steps can go up to 400 euros.

For this reason, our favorite time to visit the Spanish Steps is early morning. However, to beat the crowds, it’s good to find a hotel nearby. We’ve selected some of the best hotels near the Spanish Steps according to our choice.

Spanish Steps in Rome

Why are the Spanish Steps so popular?

Honestly, in my opinion, it’s not one of Rome’s top 5 attractions, but their popularity is also contributed by the fact that the most famous shopping street in Rome, Via del Corso, is nearby, so many take a break from shopping on the steps.

The Spanish Steps were built in the 18th century between 1723 and 1725. They were financed by the French diplomat Étienne Gueffier, who served the Holy See in Rome, with the aim of connecting the French church at the top with the Spanish Square. They were designed by architect Francesco de Sanctis after his death.

There are a total of 135 steps, and if you’re fit, it won’t be a problem to climb to the top to the Trinità dei Monti church, built in the 16th century, which houses one of the most esteemed masterpieces in Rome, Deposizione Danielea de Volterra.

Lively scene in front of the Barcaccia Fountain and at the Spanish Steps in Rome.

At the foot of the steps is the Barcaccia Fountain, which, in my opinion, represents the most beautiful part of the Spanish Square and the entire location. The beauty of this artistic piece is credited to Pietro Bernini, who created a stone boat from which water flows back in 1623. He was inspired by a boat stranded there after a major flood of the Tiber at the end of the 16th century, before Columbus sailed to America. Meanwhile, the fountain has been restored several times, with one of the restorations being sponsored by the Italian brand Bulgari, which has a store nearby. Bravo, Bulgari! By the way, there’s also a Bulgari hotel in Rome.

Lively scene in front of the Barcaccia Fountain in Rome.

When we’re at the Spanish Steps, we take the opportunity to walk to Borghese Park, where, after the hustle and bustle of shopping, we seek refreshment and a relaxing environment.

If you’re staying far from the Spanish Steps, you can use public transportation. Ways to get to the Spanish Steps include:

Metro – Line A, Spagna station.
Bus – 160, 495, 63, 71, 80, 85, 990.
Train – FL4, FL5, R.

The view from the top of the Spanish Steps.
From the summit of the Spanish Steps, behold the bustling crowd below
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