For some reason the Spanish Steps were one place I knew I had to visit when in Rome. They weren’t the only attraction I hoped but they were the one I couldn’t in any circumstances miss. I don’t even know why this was, just it was. Therefore, it was one of the places we visited on our first afternoon in the Eternal City.
We actually waled there from the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major heading more or less north in a straight line along Via Agostino Depretis until it turns into Via della Quattro Fontane after Via Nazionale and then in turn into Via Sistina after Via del Tritone. This comes out at the Trinità dei Monti the catholic Church at the top of the steps.
The walk took about 25 minutes plus stops to admire some building and fountains along the way. For those less energetic there is a Metro (subway) Station Spagna on the Orange Line just to the north of the steps and several bus routes pass close by. The HOHO Bus does include it as one of it’s scheduled stops. Although due to narrow streets and congestion the actual HOHO stop is on Via Ludovsi opposite the Hotel Eden about a ten minute walk away.
There is some debate as to how the Spanish Steps received their name. It is generally accepted that they were constructed to connect the Trinità dei Monti at the top of the 29 metre (95 foot) hill to the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See at the bottom in the Palazzo Monaleschi. Apparently, construction was authorised by Pope Gregory XIII in the 1580s to complete the recent updates to the façade of the Church. Costs were covered by the late Etienne Gueffier a French diplomat who at his passing in 1680 left some of his fortune to cover the construction. A competition for a design was conducted in 1717 and the stairs were finally completed in 1725. Naturally over the centuries repairs and renovations have been ongoing with the latest being in 2016.
There are 135 steps in the stairway in total. Single wide section at the top and bottom are connected by two curving middle sections. The steps are quite steep and the stonework could become slippery when wet so some care should be taken when ascending or descending.
In addition, the staircases, and indeed the whole area are not surprisingly crowded, It is illegal to actually sit on the steps and doing so carries a fine of 400 Euros. However, this didn’t seem to to deter the hordes of selfie stick carriers who stopped to preen and pose.
Ascend or descend is definitely something you will want to do. There is a beautiful observation platform at the top in front of the church and the Sallustiano Obelisk which dominates this plaza. At the bottom is the large Piazza di Spagna surrounded by several cafes and high-end retail stores. In it’s centre is Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia built in the 17th Century.
The view from the bottom looking up with the church and the obelisk is spectacular, however the view from the top overlooking the city especially at sunset is beyond description.
One of the things I did notice while descending on the right hand or northern side was a series of what appeared to be apartments to the north of the steps. I was later to find out these are part of Internazionale Domus Rome Residence. The view from their small balconies must have been spectacular but I wonder what such proximity to the crowds had on enjoying a quiet coffee out there.