When it comes to the main attractions of the Eternal City, many will remember the Capitoline Hill on which Rome arose, the symbol of Italy - the Colosseum, destroyed and other famous historical monuments. And not everyone, unfortunately, will celebrate the most popular meeting place of local residents, so I would like to tell you in more detail about the architectural structure, which is considered a real curiosity.
The name of this historical masterpiece is not a mistake in Rome tourist guides, as many may think. And this is by no means a Spanish-style staircase, although centuries-old history Italian landmark is closely connected with the country of flamenco and bullfighting.
A man-made work, considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe, has long been a source of inspiration for world photographers, artists, and filmmakers.
The history of this staircase, which ends the Piazza di Spagna and rises to the ancient church of Trinita dei Monti, deserves a separate discussion.
By agreement between the French king and the Pope at the end of the 15th century small area on Pincio Hill in Rome is being given over to the construction of a temple. Almost a hundred years later, Spain buys a site next to Trinita dei Monti to build its embassy there.
States that have been walking towards peace for a long time decide to build a ladder that will connect the symbols different countries to actually show Europe how strong the diplomatic ties between them are. In honor of this significant event, the French ambassador allocates money for construction, wanting to please his king, and Cardinal Mazarin decides to decorate the top of the majestic structure with a huge sculpture of himself. Louis XIV.
True, not everything went so smoothly, because the case took place in Italy, and the Pope was very indignant when he learned of the intention to install an inappropriate statue of a foreign ruler. And the grandiose construction project was frozen.
In 1717, almost 60 years later, a competition was announced among architects for best project a wide staircase that perfectly demonstrates the stability of strong relations between powerful powers. Spain and France could not agree in any way on what style the future building would be built. historical monument. It is known that negotiations were held for six years, until the last word The Pope did not say, placing the construction in the hands of the unknown architect Francesco de Sanctis.
Since 1723, construction of a monumental staircase in the Baroque style has been underway. The place where the luxurious structure was erected was pre-fortified, as they were afraid that the ground might not be able to support the powerful structure.
After 2 years, the most beautiful Spanish steps in Rome, which initially bore the name of a nearby church - Trinita dei Monti. Later, the architectural monument is given the name by which everyone now knows it - Scalinata Spagna.
The Spanish Steps, the architect of which nevertheless refused to install a sculpture of Louis, nevertheless combined heraldic (lilies) and Italian (crowns and eagles - attributes of the Pope) in its decoration.
One hundred thirty-eight steps made of travertine - a natural stone that combines the properties of marble and limestone - are not the same in size throughout the entire path. At first glance it seems that they are not difficult to overcome, but this impression is very deceptive. Climbing the narrowing and widening steps is very difficult even for a healthy person, and if you consider that in the summer the temperature rises to 40 degrees, you can imagine how difficult the path to the top is.
The Spanish Steps, whose amazing design resembles the open wings of a butterfly, is divided into three segments. At the top of the hill there is a spacious platform from which a magnificent view of Roman sights opens.
At the foot there is a cozy fountain, built even before the construction of the famous staircase and depicting a sinking boat. According to ancient legends, it was here that a submerged longboat was found in the square after a flood. The area is always crowded, and there is a myth among tourists that it is here that the most tired traveler is charged with energy and strength from the murmuring water.
This popular place, which amazes not only tourists with its beauty and majesty, but also art experts, has been a destination for dates and business meetings for many years. A favorite corner for memorable photographs, it attracts noisy youth and creative parties, to which the city authorities are quite loyal.
This place is adored by lovers of high fashion, because it hosts shows of the most famous designers in the world. At the beginning of summer, the Spanish Steps turn into a kind of catwalk, along the uneven steps of which popular models in luxurious outfits carefully parade so as not to fall.
These days, the completely transformed Roman landmark is gathering a huge number of fans. Laser illumination, playing with light and shadow, creates stunning visual effects that will forever remain in the memory of those who were lucky enough to be present here.
What else should everyone who comes to visit need to know? ancient city admire the amazing structure to which Italians declare their love?
Tourists who have visited this amazing place claim that the Spanish Steps are beautiful at any time of the year. The city of Rome is proud of its landmark, rightly considering it a cultural and historical value not only of Italy, but of the whole world. And local guides always advise those who visit the ancient capital for the first time to sit on the ancient steps and enjoy the special atmosphere.
Address: Italy, Rome, Piazza di Spagna
Start of construction: 1723
Completion of construction: 1725
Architect: Francesco de Sanctis
Number of steps: 138 pcs
Coordinates: 41°54"21.7"N 12°28"58.2"E
Inimitable, unique and the most beautiful staircase throughout the Old World - this is the Spanish Baroque Steps in Rome. If someone thinks that the “Spanish” steps in the sunny capital of Italy is just a typo, he, naturally, is deeply mistaken.
Bird's eye view of the Spanish Steps
The thing is that the most beautiful staircase, which was built almost three centuries ago, has Spanish roots, as well as French ones. This greatest monument of architecture, built in the Baroque style, completes the Piazza di Spagna in Rome and Via Condoti, and leads to the famous church of Trinita dei Monti.
The French ambassador in Rome, Etienne Geffier, tried to please his king and proposed linking the Piazza di Spagna in Rome with the Trinità dei Monti church, which, in his opinion, should have shown the whole of Europe how close the connection is between France and Spain. Geffier decided not to disturb his king, so that he would not have to spend money on this project from the French state treasury: he wrote a will in which he left 20,000 crowns for the construction of a beautiful staircase. The well-known Cardinal Mazarin, who decided that a statue of Louis XIV should be erected forever at the top of the stairs, did not stand aside. Alas, almost immediately after drawing up his will, Etienne Geffier died and did not have time to see what today from 3 to 5 million people admire every year.
Church of Trinita dei Monti at the top of the stairs
True, while preparing a grandiose project, both the French ambassador and Mazarin apparently forgot for a while that they decided to start construction not in their homeland, but in the capital of Italy. In a city that at one time was the center of the Great Roman Empire. The Pope, according to some evidence that has survived to this day, was furious at such a proposal and opposed the idea that “ eternal city“On the top of Pincho Hill there was a statue of the French king. The project was not approved, and construction of the Spanish Steps never began during the lifetime of the French king, who nurtured such strong love to Spain.
True, in 1717 a competition was announced for the design of a baroque staircase, in which the design of an unknown architect, Francesco de Sanctis, won. However, he was more interested in philosophy, Italian language and literature rather than design. However, it was his project that was considered worthy of attention, and in 1723 a grandiose construction began, lasting only 2 years: in 1725 the amazing Spanish Steps appeared in Rome. True, the statue of Louis XIV was never approved: in the stairs you can only find the symbols of the Bourbons and, of course, the attributes of the power of the Pope - an eagle and a crown.
View from the Spanish Steps to the Barcaccia Fountain and Via dei Condotti, the oldest street in Rome
As mentioned above, the construction of a unique staircase was associated with various complications. But, thanks to the compromise found then, today any tourist can enjoy the splendor of this masterpiece, from the top steps of which (there are 138 in total) a picturesque view of the northeastern part of the capital of Italy with its huge number of attractions opens. At the foot of the Spanish Steps you can relax by the Barcaccia fountain, made in the shape of a small boat. True, the word “relax” is not entirely appropriate in this context: crowds of tourists and Romans constantly gather at the fountain itself, as if gaining strength from this source of water. The fountain attracts especially many people around it in the summer, because the temperature at this time of year in Rome often exceeds +40 degrees Celsius.
In order to reach the top of the stairs and fully enjoy the view, you must climb 138 steps. The word “overcome” best describes the climb up the Spanish Steps in Rome. All its steps are bizarrely curved and constantly narrow and widen. It may seem like just a few minutes and you will find yourself at the top of Pincho Hill, but climbing the Spanish Steps is not a challenge for the weak.
Barcaccia Fountain
Sometimes you not only have to overcome difficult flights, but also maneuver among tourist groups that constantly stop to capture the most beautiful baroque staircase in Europe. By the way, not only tourists, but also famous art critics consider it the most beautiful. Not long ago, a sociological survey was conducted on the World Wide Web among lovers of architectural monuments: all its participants almost unanimously decided that the Spanish Steps in the “eternal city” are far superior in beauty to even the legendary staircase in Montmartre.
The Spanish Steps are familiar not only to tourists who have visited Rome, but also to connoisseurs of high fashion, as it often hosts shows of the latest collections of famous couturiers. At this time, the staircase is completely transformed. Thanks to the lighting and the play of light and shadow, models smoothly descending the steps, the staircase seems like something fantastic and a work of art inaccessible to the common man. Despite this, after the gala show, any guest of the city or just a couple in love can sit on the steps of this historical and architectural monument of Rome and enjoy contact with the world of beauty.
The Spanish Steps are one of the most unusual attractions in Rome. One of the symbols of the city, it is much younger than the ancient Roman heritage, which attracts the bulk of tourists to the capital. It is also surprising that it bears the name of another country, although it is closely connected with Italian history. Tourist portal website
Piazza di Spagna in Rome is the place where the representation of the kings to the Holy See and the French monarchs who were close to them was located family ties. The latter, moreover, were patrons of the nearby church of Trinita dei Monti. Initially, there was no connecting link between these two objects, but Etienne Geffier, a French diplomat, conceived a project that would connect these two points on the map.
Unfortunately, during his lifetime Geffier did not have time to implement the idea. However, his will indicated a desire to leave 20 thousand scudos (the monetary unit of the Papal States until the 19th century) for the construction of a staircase between the church and the square. The inheritance of a man who died in the middle of the 17th century. The diplomat attracted the attention of the minister, Cardinal Mazarin. He proposed to crown the staircase with an equestrian statue of the ruler of neighboring country Louis XIV. Naturally, such proposals did not arouse enthusiasm among the Pope - the project was shelved until early XVIII centuries.
In 1715, after the death of Louis, the idea of building a staircase was resurrected. A competition was announced for the best project, which was won in 1717 by the then little-known architect Francesco de Sanctis, beating the popular Alessandro Specchi. Sometimes they are mistakenly classified as a “creative couple.” In fact, the architects presented two various project. However, the final version of the Spanish Steps was born in discussions, so Specchi can still be considered a “co-author”. Tourist portal website
Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps - engraving by Gianbattista Piranesi Construction work began in 1723. It took Francesco quite a long time to produce necessary calculations- it was necessary to strengthen the hillside, prepare the area, and select materials. Construction took two years. The resulting Spanish Steps has 135 steps (the 136th is sometimes mistakenly called the drainage ledge, and in many publications the staircase is generally described as consisting of 138 steps). For the construction, a traditional stone for the Italian architectural school was used - travertine.
Replaced the flimsy one wooden stairs the luxurious baroque structure between Piazza di Spagna and Trinity Church has become as integral an element of the image of Rome as, or.
It is interesting that, despite the refusal to erect a monument in honor of the French king, the attributes of the monarchy of this country still found their place in the decoration of the Spanish Steps. For decorations, images of the coat of arms of the French branch of the Bourbon royal family were used. Also in the ornament you can see symbols of papal power - an eagle and a crown.
Having become the subject of disputes between the Franco-Spanish community of Rome and the papacy, the staircase remained an object that was ignored by the city authorities in subsequent years. This allowed it to largely preserve its original appearance to this day - restoration was carried out only in the 90s of the last century. In 1997, when the renovated Spanish Steps was reopened, streams of citizens and tourists flocked here. Tourist portal website
The Square of Spain (Piazza di Spagna), from which the Spanish Steps lead up to the church, is located in the very center. Since 1620, the most beautiful palace in Spain has been located here, but this is far from the only attraction in the space of the square, consisting of two unequal triangles.
Rome - Piazza di Spagna - Fontana della Barcaccia 
Rome - Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps
One of the most interesting objects here is the Barcaccia Fountain, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, whose full name, Fontana della Barcaccia, is translated into Russian as “ugly boat”. This Baroque fountain was built by Pietro Bernini in 1627, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII. The half-sunken longboat should remind residents of the capital of the flood of 1598, when the Tiber overflowed so much that it overflowed its banks and flooded the center of the Italian capital. Then a boat was discovered on the square, which became the prototype of the monument. By the way, Bernini not only built a fountain, but also restored a system of canals that were supposed to provide water to new areas of the city.
The construction of the fountain was fraught with some difficulties - it is filled with water by the Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct built in 19 BC. Since the water pressure in it is low, the structure had to be built below the level of the square, very close to the steps of the Spanish Steps. The fountain was restored several times, but still retained the appearance that was given to it by the author. The last restoration work was carried out in 2014, when 200,000 euros of private donations were spent on them. And a year later, the structure was damaged by Dutch fans who came to Italy to support their football team. Tourist portal website
Rome - Piazza di Spagna - Column of the Immaculate 
Rome - Piazza di Spagna - Colonna dell’Immacolata
In the southern part of the square, in front of the palace, in 1854 the “Colonna dell’Immacolata” was installed, designed by the famous Italian architect Luigi Poletti. The construction of the column was timed to coincide with the proclamation Catholic Church dogma of the immaculate conception. The construction site was not chosen by chance - Spain was the country that most actively contributed to its adoption. The column is a bronze statue of the Virgin Mary raised on a marble column 11.81 meters high. All this is installed on a marble pedestal (the total height is almost 29 meters). It is interesting that the part of the column that supports the statue was not made specifically for this object, but was discovered in one of the monasteries on the Campus Martius in 1777.
The sculpture demonstrates the traditional view of the Immaculate Conception - a virgin standing on a crescent, which symbolizes the top of the world, trampling a serpent with her foot - original sin. At the foot of the column you can see four more statues - David, Moses, Ezekiel, Isaiah. It also contains bas-reliefs depicting dogma. Every year on December 8th since 1923, firefighters have delivered a wreath of white lilies here to place on the hand of the Virgin Mary, and since 1953 the Pope has always been present at this event. Tourist portal website
At the top of the Spanish Steps - Trinita dei Monti 
Church of Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio inside
The top of the Spanish Steps ends at the base of the Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio church, construction of which began in 1502. Its appearance became possible thanks to Louis XI, who by that time was already ill. The monarch was very close to the founder of the Minim order, St. Francis, who became his spiritual mentor. In gratitude for the closeness to last days During the life of the king, the son of Louis paid for the construction of two monasteries for the order, one of which was erected in Rome.
However, there is a more prosaic version of the appearance of the church - it is assumed that this is how Louis XII wanted to celebrate the French victory in Naples. One way or another, work on the construction of the temple continued until 1585, when the church was consecrated in honor of the Trinity.
IN architectural plan Initially, Trinita dei Monti was an exclusively Gothic building, but as a result of the fact that construction lasted for many years, the temple also acquired features of the Romanesque style. The facade of the church is heavily influenced by the Baroque. However, the original appearance of the church has been lost - after Italy was occupied by Napoleon's troops, the church was seriously destroyed. The restoration of 1816 required significant reconstruction of the building.
Obelisk in front of the Trinita dei Monti church 
Painting of the vaults in Trinita dei Monti
The interior decoration of the church may seem quite modest, which is generally typical Catholic churches. Its true wealth is unique paintings vaults and walls in the side chapels, made the best masters of its time. Here, for example, you can see Volterra's masterpiece, probably created from a sketch by Michelangelo.
In front of the church there is an obelisk that appeared long before the temple itself, the square and the Spanish Steps - it was built in ancient times for the gardens of Sallustian. The column is decorated with hieroglyphs copied from similar obelisks from the times of Seti I and Ramess II, which occupied the space in front of ancient Egyptian temples. The 13-meter building, together with the two bell towers of the church on both sides of the facade, give the architectural complex lightness and aspiration to the sky. Tourist portal website
Decorated Spanish Steps 
View of Piazza di Spagna from the Spanish Steps
Today, the Spanish Steps are one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome, attracting thousands of tourists every day. Therefore, it is better to enjoy its beauty early in the morning. Along with numerous attractions, the Spanish Steps are included in the list of must-see tourist places.
The Spanish Steps are often used for festive events - fashion shows by the houses of Valentino and Dolce&Gabbana, theatrical performances, and concerts. The last restoration of the Spanish Steps took place in 2016 and was sponsored by Dolce&Gabbana.
Contrary to the common practice in Europe and the USA of snacking on stairs, you will not be able to eat your sandwiches on the steps - this is prohibited by city regulations. This was done to keep the steps clean. And although after the restoration of the monument they monitor it even more carefully, it is not possible to overcome this addiction with fines. In this connection, the City Hall of Rome has come up with a way that will not allow people to sit on the steps of the Spanish Steps for a snack - pour water on them. Tourist portal website
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma. Spain metro station (Spagna)
The Spanish Steps (Italian: La scalinata di Spagna) are a popular meeting place in Rome and considered the most beautiful in Europe.
The idea to build a staircase that would connect the foot of Pincho Hill with its top came from the French diplomat Etienne Geffier. The fact is that at the foot of the hill there was the Piazza di Spagna with the representation of the Spanish kings, and at the top of the hill was the Church of Trinita dei Monti, which was a stronghold of the French monarchs in Rome. The wide staircase was meant to symbolize the strong relationship between France and Spain.
In 1717, a competition was held for the best staircase design, which was won by the architects Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis. Construction began in 1723 and was financed by funds left in Geffier's will. Grand opening The Spanish Steps took place in 1725 with the participation of Pope Benedict XIII.
The staircase is made in the Baroque style and is a cascade of 138 stone steps carved from travertine.
Over the course of many years of history, the steps have been updated several times. The latest restoration of the staircase, costing $1.5 million, was financed by the fashion house Bulgari. The Spanish Steps are part of its history as they connect Via Sistina, where Sotirio Bulgari opened his first store in 1884. Also the beginning restoration work(2014) coincided with Bulgari's 130th anniversary. The grand opening of the renovated Spanish Steps took place on September 21, 2016.
The Spanish Steps have become a favorite place for tourists, as well as a concentration of street performers, musicians, magicians and painters. There is a special romantic atmosphere here - you can just sit on the steps and enjoy beautiful views to Piazza di Spagna and the adjacent Via dei Condotti - the most luxurious shopping street in Rome. Via Condotti is home to such famous fashion houses as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Bulgari, Valentino, Dior and others.
Every year, during the winter holidays, Christmas performances are staged along the spans of the Spanish Steps. And in spring, the steps are beautifully decorated with pink azaleas and petunias.
1. The Spanish Steps is one of the TOP 5 free attractions in Rome.
2. The steps of the famous staircase often serve as the venue for fashion shows with the participation of the best couturiers.
3. The first McDonalds restaurant in Italy opened on the Spanish Steps in March 1986.
4. On the right at the foot of the stairs is the house museum of the romantic poet John Keats.
5. After the release of the film “Roman Holiday” in 1953, the staircase on which the famous scene was filmed became especially popular among Romans and tourists.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
The Spanish Steps are located in the city center, within walking distance of famous attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese, .
The most convenient way to get there Metro: The nearest station is Spagna (line A) located 100 meters from the Spanish Steps.
Antique buildings, ancient temples and cathedrals, interesting museums and galleries, squares and fountains - in the Italian capital there is a landmark at every step. To have time to see all these famous places book for at least 3-4 days.
The Spanish Steps (Italian: La scalinata di Spagna) are a popular meeting place in Rome and considered the most beautiful in Europe.
The idea to build a staircase that would connect the foot of Pincho Hill with its top came from the French diplomat Etienne Geffier. The fact is that at the foot of the hill there was the Plaza de España with... " />
Why is the Spanish Steps in Rome so attractive, leading up Pincio Hill from Piazza di Spagna to the Church of Trinita dei Monti? Why do tourists never bypass it? It's all about its history and the atmosphere that reigns in this place.
The church of Trinita dei Monti belonged to France. At the beginning of the 17th century. The first Spanish embassy in Rome opened in Piazza di Spagna.
The French diplomat Etienne Geffier had a problem original idea: using a staircase to connect two places - the French church and the Piazza di Spagna. The underlying diplomatic reasons were to demonstrate to other European countries the strong relationship between France and Spain. The wide staircase was supposed to symbolize the stability of these connections. Therefore, he bequeathed 20 thousand crowns for this grandiose plan.
Creating the staircase was not easy. Negotiations about the project stalled after political ambitions got in the way. The French demanded that a statue of King Louis XIV be placed at the top. Meanwhile, the Pope opposed it, considering the installation of a French monument in Italy, and even in Rome, inappropriate. The idea was not destined to be realized for another 60 years.
In 1717 they returned to the project again and held a competition. Pope Clement XI ordered to replace the old narrow staircase with a more solid one, reflecting the monumentality of the “Eternal City”.
The competition was won by Francesco de Sanctis, an unknown architect. Construction continued throughout 1723-1725. The creator of the project compromised and discarded the idea of a monument to the king. However, in the decoration he used the heraldic lilies of the Bourbons, and a crown with an eagle, signs of papal power.
Baroque style and 138 travertine steps are its main features.
Up to the 20th century. they never returned to the stairs. However, time did not pass without a trace: it became dilapidated, the steps crumbled. After restoration in 1997, it was returned in all its glory to tourists and Romans.
Convenient location of the Spanish Steps on the map of Rome in its historical center makes tourists come here. , attractions, excursions, cafes, entertainment - within walking distance. Hotels near the Spanish Steps ensure travelers are right in the middle of the action.
On Spanish Square There are numerous souvenir shops. However, the cost of souvenirs here is overpriced.
Advice: Buy the same gifts at low prices on neighboring streets.
Review by Anton and Olga, Penza:
“We doubted for a long time whether to visit the Spanish Steps. We were sure that it, as a landmark, would not be particularly surprising, despite the fact that it is considered the most beautiful in Europe. To be honest, we were partially right. Architecturally, it disappointed us, but we did not regret coming here. There is a special atmosphere here: everyone is sitting on the steps, hugging, kissing, talking, fooling around, singing. We approached the stairs from above. A magnificent panoramic view opened before us. Tired of taking photos! We spent quite a lot of time on the stairs - both resting and watching the musicians. We didn’t regret at all that we included it in our inspection plan.”
Advice: come here in the morning at 9-10 o’clock, when there are still few tourists and no one bothers you to sit quietly on the steps and feel the atmosphere of Rome.
Review from Alexey, 25 years old, Novosibirsk:
“Have you ever tried saying hello online? Now it's possible. Incredibly, at the appointed hour I sent greetings from Rome to my friend in Novosibirsk. The fact is that a web camera was installed near the Spanish Steps, which works around the clock. Here's the link for those interested. The camera is located opposite the Boat fountain on the balcony of the building to the left of the Dior boutique. Your family will be able to both see and hear you, since the camera also transmits sound. Try inviting your friends on a virtual date at the Spanish Steps!”
Advice: use the Internet portal public transport Rome. It calculates the route, including the bus number, if you specify departure and arrival points. You can download the application to your gadget. Then you can track the transport online. By the way, look at the info board at the bottom left for the 5-digit number and enter it. All data about any stop will be displayed in front of you.
Review from Elena, 50 years old, Moscow:
“I read a lot about the Spanish Steps. Most of all, I wanted to feel like Audrey Hepburn as Anna from the movie “Roman Holiday.” Her heroine goes to the Spanish Steps to eat ice cream and bargain with the flower sellers. I really liked the staircase itself, but the pesters with roses ruined the whole impression. I didn't know how to get rid of them. They ruined my romantic mood.”
A traveler will not be able to sit alone on the Spanish Steps. He will be among the same tired tourists who have included it in their list of attractions to visit. And the Romans often come here to relax and gaze at others. In short, an attractive and magical place for everyone.
Elena Gavrilova
Undoubtedly, Rome is a real treasury of magnificent architectural monuments, art galleries, luxurious fountains, museums, beautiful gardens and ancient monuments. But we cannot neglect the attractions that are located not far from the Italian capital. We'll tell you how to see Italy to the maximum.
