Insiders Guide to the Spanish Steps Rome

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti in Italian) is a set of steps in Rome, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti above. The Spanish Steps is the longest and widest staircase in all Europe.

This incredible staircase of 138 steps was built in 1723–1725, linking the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See with the Trinità dei Monti above. This was the church that was under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France. In 1828, under an agreement worked out by Pope Leo XII and Charles X of France, the church and monastery were entrusted to the "Religieuses du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus", a French religious order.

Today's Spanish Steps: During Christmas a 19th-century crib is displayed on the first landing of the Spanish Steps. During May, part of the steps are covered by pots of azaleas. In modern times the Spanish Steps have included a small cut-flower market. The steps are not a place for eating lunch, being forbidden by Roman regulations.

The apartment that was the setting for 1961 British movie The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone is halfway up on the right, and Bernardo Bertolucci's Besieged is also set in a house next to the steps. Famous American singer/songwriter Bob Dylan refers to the Spanish Stairs in one of his songs.

If you'd like accomodation near the Spanish Steps area, why not browse our selection of Spanish Steps Apartments available for Short-Term Rent - there's bound to be one that's perfect for your vacation, holiday or business trip. This is one of our more popular areas for visitors looking for accommodation in Rome.

Atmosphere of the Spanish Steps Area

This beautiful and elegant area of Rome is pumping daily with people, designer stores and upmarket bars and restaurants. Piazza di Spagna is found just south of Villa Borghese park, midway between Piazza Barberini and Piazza del Popolo and just off the Via del Corso, Rome's main shopping street.

The area is a very upmarket residential area, inhabited by Roman families who live there seemingly oblivious to the tourism and enjoying life - like in any regular neighborhood. Throughout the day if you divert from the main shopping streets like via Condotti and via Frattina to some of the smaller side streets you'll find the local Roman's going about their daily market shopping in one of the fruit and vegetable stalls as well as a small daily fish market.

Bustling cafes such as Bar D'Angelo on via delle Croce keep the local shop keepers charged with coffee and wonderful snacks all day long, while the various traditional trattorie and pizzerie along with some of Romes most exclusive restaurants keep both the locals and tourists more than satisfied with their wonderful Roman cuisine.

Transport in and out of the Spanish Steps Area

Metro: There is a metro station just outside the Spanish Steps from which you can reach Rome's main train station "Roma Termini". For a metro map, bus map and train information check out our Rome transport guide.

Bus: The bus station of Piazza San Silvestro is a 5 minute walk from The Spanish Steps and you'll find buses to take you to just about any part of Rome. Not only the regular buses but also there are several electric buses that have routes through the the Spanish Steps area.

Taxi: There are two cab ranks in Piazza di Spagna itself one at either end as well as one in Piazza del Popolo near to the Hotel di Russie and a third that sits off via del Corso between the Fendi and Benneton buidings.

Car: Information on keeping your rental car in Rome