Spanish Square & the Spanish Steps

A large complex of two squares of different altitudes connected by 138 steps—yes, these are the famous Spanish Steps in the center of Rome! They are a popular sight in the city. Construction of the staircase started in 1723 when French leaders decided to join the Bourbon Spanish Embassy with the seat of the pope in Palazzo Monaldeschi. They needed a clever solution to overcome the steep slope. It was Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi who proposed the staircase—the widest in Europe!

The Spanish Square stands at the bottom of the steps and is named after the embassy seated here. There is also a Baroque-style fountain depicting a sinking boat called Fontana della Barcaccia, which was probably designed by Pietro Bernini.

When you climb to the top of the Spanish Steps, you are treated to a view of Rome in all its beauty and greeted by the marvelous Trinitá dei Monti church. Formally a small chapel, the splendid 16th century church is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles and has two bell towers. In front of it stands an obelisk covered with hieroglyphs (not original). The Column of Immaculate Conception also stands nearby and honors dogmas of Christianity. When the azaleas planted around the wide steps are in bloom, the whole area is just magnificent. At the foot of the staircase is a house where the well-known English Romantic poet John Keats lived for a while and is also where he died. The museum is dedicated to his memory.

In the summer months, the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna can get overcrowded. Keep an eye on your children so they don’t get lost. Also, beware of omnipresent pickpockets. There are also many annoying sellers of souvenirs and the best you can do is to ignore them. The closest Metro stop is Spagna which is right under the Spanish Steps. Other major Rome landmarks, such as the Pantheon, Fontana di Trevi, and St. Peter's Basilica are within walking distance.

• Spanish Steps at Wikipedia