Highlights of the Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna is a square in central Rome. A boat-shaped fountain stands in the center, with the Spanish Steps rising behind it to the top of the hill. The fountain, steps, and Trinità dei Monti church form a continuous scene, offering different views from the lower part of the square and from the hilltop.
Spanish Steps
The staircase leading to the church of Trinità dei Monti at the top of the hill is known as the Spanish Steps. It is famous as the place where the princess played by Audrey Hepburn ate gelato in the film Roman Holiday. Eating and drinking are now strictly prohibited.
Officially called the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, it connects Piazza di Spagna with Piazza della Trinità dei Monti at the top of the hill. Designed by Francesco de Sanctis in the 18 century, the staircase is characterized by its gently curving layout with landings along the way. From below, you can look up at the church head-on, while the view gradually expands as you climb to include the fountain, the piazza, and the cityscape beyond.
This is the view over the square from in front of the church of Trinità dei Monti after climbing the Spanish Steps.
At the top of the steps stands the Church of Trinità dei Monti, with its two bell towers. One of the pleasures of walking here is not only the symmetrical view looking up from the square, but also the vista from the hill, where the steps overlap with the cityscape.
Fountain of the Boat (Fontana della Barcaccia)
The boat-shaped fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps is called Fontana della Barcaccia in Italian. A small boat appears to sink into its oval basin, with the bow and stern shaped alike. Pietro Bernini created it from 1626 to 1629, and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini is thought to have possibly been involved as well. Its low design, which makes it look as though it is floating on the water’s surface, is distinctive, and it has become one of the signature views of Piazza di Spagna.
Basic Information about the Spanish Steps
- 🔗 Official website
- It introduces the history and provides an overview of Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps and the Fountain of the Barcaccia.
Piazza di SpagnaCentro romantico della Roma Ottocentesca, già nel XV secolo assunse un ruolo commercialmente molto importante per l...www.turismoroma.it
- 📍 Address
- Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
- 💶 Price
- Visiting the piazza and the Spanish Steps is free.
- 🎫 Tickets
- No ticket or reservation is required to visit the piazza and the Spanish Steps.
- ⏱️ Recommended time
- Allow approximately 30 minutes to 1 hours to see the piazza, the Fountain of the Barcaccia and the Spanish Steps. ⚠️ The time required varies depending on crowds, how far you climb the steps and how long you spend taking photos.
Getting to the Spanish Steps
Subway and walking
From Roma Termini station, take Metro Line A toward Battistini and get off at Spagna station. After passing through the gates, follow the signs for Piazza di Spagna up to street level, then enter the square from the eastern side of the Spanish Steps. The Fontana della Barcaccia stands in the center of the square, with the Spanish Steps extending behind it, making the layout easy to understand on arrival.