The Spanish Steps in Rome are probably the most famous steps in the world but interestingly the Spanish Steps is not their real name! Only in English are they known as the Spanish Steps but in Italian they are the la scalinata or ‘the staircase’.
They were completed in 1725 in the Piazza De Spagna (square) owing its name to the Palazzo di Spagna (palace) which has housed the Spanish Embassy since 1647 making it the oldest embassy in the world.
The steps originally connected Rome’s French community with the french church of Santa Trinità dei Monti at the top and the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See at the bottom.
The Spanish Steps are made up of 135 steps made out of travertine stone and they are also the longest and widest steps in Europe.
From the top of the steps there is a great view over the city including the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the ruins of the Roman Forum.
Where are the Spanish Steps?
The Spanish Steps are definitely worth a visit as they are a mere 10 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, a 15 minute walk from the Pantheon or a 45 minute walk from Vatican City.
Can you sit on the Spanish Steps?
Unfortunately as of August 2019 you are no longer allowed to sit on the steps. This rule was bought in to apparently protect the marble and ‘uphold decorum’ in the city. There are municipal police officers present and if you do get caught sitting on the steps you could be issued with a €400 fine!
The Spanish Steps fountain
In the Piazza De Spagna square at the base of the steps is a baroque (western 17th century style of art and architecture) fountain known as the Fontana della Barcaccia. The sculptural fountain is made into the shape of a half-sunken ship with water overflowing its sides into a small basin.
According to legend as the River Tiber flooded in 1598 water carried a small boat into the Piazza di Spagna. When the water receded a boat was deposited in the center of the square and it was this event that inspired the sculptures creation.
The source of the pure drinking water from the fountain comes from the Acqua Vergine which is a Roman aqueduct dating back more than 2,000 years to the age of Julius Ceasar who founded the Roman Empire.
Incredibly this aqueduct is still in operation today flowing more than 13 miles underground at depths of up to 40 metres feeding many fountains in the city including the Trevi Fountain.
Spanish Steps in the movies!
The Spanish Steps have featured in many famous movies including Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible ‘Dead Reckoning Part One’ where he appears to drive a yellow Fiat 500 down the steps chased by a massive Hummer.
Only some parts of the film were actually shot by the steps and around the piazza and the rest of the scenes were on a film lot as no vehicles were allowed onto the steps themselves.
You can see the scene from the movie here: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.
The Spanish Steps also featured in the Matt Damon and Jude Law movie The Talented Mr. Ripley where Matt Damon’s character, Tom Ripley, meets the wealthy heiress Meredith, played by Cate Blanchett.
Shopping near the Spanish Steps
Just off the piazza at the bottom of the steps are a number of streets including Via de Condotti which is home to some of the most fashionable brands in the world including Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Rolex, Gucci, Chanel and Versace as well as many boutique designers. This area is known as the luxury shopping area of Rome so if you’re after some bling this is the place to go!
