The Spanish Steps
These iconic stairs are the backdrop to the Fontana della Barcaccia and lead to the Trinità dei Monti church. They are a quintessential inclusion for a romantic Rome photo, and their magical seemingly multiples as the sun sets and the city lights illuminate the stairs. This slight incline, known as the Pincian Hill, was once outside of the Rome city limits. Thanks to the stairs which were constructed between 1723-1725, this northeast corner of the city is now undoubtedly part of Rome.
The 135 step thoroughfare was actually constructed by a French diplomat, Monsieur Étienne Gueffier. The name ‘Spanish Steps’ hails from the dominating European regime at that time; the Bourbons. The Bourbon family is most known for Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette who were ruling France at the time of the French Revolution. But the Bourbon dynasty stretched southward into Spain, and the Bourbon Spanish Embassy was overseeing the Trinità dei Monti at the time. They put forth funds to link the church to the Palazzo Monaldeschi, where the fountain stands today. The architects in charge of the design were Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi.
These steps have made appearances in several films,TV shows, and songs such as Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece”. They are easily accessible and a must-see for anyone visiting the Eternal City. Join us on our Rome Night Bike Tour and experience this beautiful corner of the city as day turns into evening.
Rome Tours
See the Spanish Steps
