This time we will visit Rome on the 138 steps of delight, that is, on the Spanish Steps. Spanish? So we're going to Rome. Let's figure out what and how.
This unusual staircase located in the Eternal City of Rome. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the famous "delight" steps.
It has 138 steps. They lead to Pincho Hill.
Probably everyone associates this place with success. Yes Yes. Precisely success. After all, 138 steps are not so easy to overcome. Just like achieving success.
And now we will tell you the history of these unusual steps in Rome!
The steps are a consequence of disputes between the Spaniards and the French. And everything was like this: the Spaniards “were the owners” of the Palazzo di Spagna, and the French were the owners of the Trinita dei Monti church, on which Pincio Hill was located. Therefore, Etienne Geffier decided that it was necessary to connect these “two points” with a ladder. And he allocated about 20,000 crowns for the construction of a unifying route.
After much debate, a competition was finally held in 1717 to design the Grand Staircase. However, even after this, the disputes did not stop. The idea lay “dead weight” until 1723.
Finally, by 1723, the architect Francesco de Sanctis took up the work. Thus, by 1725 construction was completed. And in Rome 138 steps of delight and success appeared.
On the Spanish square itself there is an amazing and ingenious Barcaccia fountain. It resembles a large, half-submerged boat. And not an ordinary boat, but a boat with a touch of modernism. The designer and creator of such a masterpiece was Pietro Bernini.
The fountain is so perfect that easily flowing water turns into “enchanted” living water, which only positively affects the mood of everyone who is nearby.
In a word, Spanish steps- this is a real “staircase” fairy tale. It combines both historical and architectural values.
It is popular these days. Everyone wants to come here and just take a walk.
For some, this place is a symbol of success, for others it is a place where desires come true, for others it is simply a great historical monument. That is, everyone here will find something of their own, unusual.
By the way, the great arch of Defense and the city of Aspendos are similar in idea and age to our staircase, isn’t it?
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Perhaps the 138 steps of delight can be safely called a favorite place for tourists and locals.
Every person knows about Rome - the eternal city, whose history amazes the imagination, and the number of attractions is impressive. However, even the most interesting information, like developed imagination, are not capable of replacing reality. Walking around the city, contemplating centuries-old buildings, the cheerful temperament of the Italians: all this can be experienced only by deciding to make an exciting trip to Rome.
The capital of Italy is rightfully recognized the most beautiful city Europe, and to get acquainted with even its most famous sights, a few days spent in the atmosphere of ancient stories are not enough. Just one walk in Rome along the Spanish Steps is worth it - a pearl of the Baroque style, the impressions of which will remain vivid for a lifetime.
Spanish Steps, built in Rome more than three centuries ago, is a famous architectural monument whose history can impress everyone. It received its name thanks to the idea of the French ambassador to Rome, Etienne Geffier, who proposed to connect the Trinita dei Monti church and the Spanish Square as a sign of the unbreakable union of the French and Spanish powers.
And this idea so captured the imagination of the representative of France that he decided to create a monumental structure at his own expense, which he announced in his will, allocating 20,000 crowns for the construction of the staircase.
The well-known Cardinal Mazarin also took part in the construction of the Spanish Steps, thanks to whom the top of the structure was crowned with a statue Louis XIV. It is interesting that some documents that have come down to posterity since those times indicate the cardinal’s intention to realize the ambassador’s dream not in Rome, but in Italy. Having learned about this, the Pope was very angry at the mere thought that the top of Pincio Hill in Rome would be crowned with a statue of the French king. Of course, the staircase construction project was rejected, but only for a while.
Already in 1717, it was launched again, but the architectural ensemble itself was built according to the sketches of Francesco de Sanctis, an unknown architect at that time. The construction of the structure continued for two years and in 1725 the Spanish Steps appeared in Rome, but without the statue of Louis XIV: at the site of its supposed placement there are attributes of papal power - an eagle and a crown, as well as symbols of the royal house of Bourbon.
The construction begins in Piazza de Spagna, from the middle of which it rises up to the Pincio hill. The Spanish Steps are made of travertine and have 138 steps, each of which has a concave shape and different lengths. Created according to the design of the architect de Sanctis, the building survived only one restoration, which was carried out in our time: in 1997.
Since then, the monumental staircase has once again won the love of the citizens and guests of Rome, becoming one of the most popular places for walking. 
A magnificent view overlooking the north-eastern part of Rome, from the upper
The tupenek of this building seems to be a harmonious continuation architectural ensemble. At the end of the stairs, the famous Barcaccia fountain, which is made in the shape of a boat, awaits each traveler. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to take a break from the descent here, since this is the place that is considered the most crowded, but admire the smooth lines and do beautiful photo for memory is quite feasible.
Climbing the Spanish Steps is not a walk for the weak, because you will have to go through many steps, and you will have to try hard to get to the famous Pincho Hill.
By the way, the Italian Steps are recognized as the most beautiful structure of this kind not only by ubiquitous tourists, but also by famous art critics. According to a recent survey, this building took a higher position in terms of the number of votes than the legendary staircase.
The Spanish Steps are also beloved in Rome among connoisseurs of high fashion. Very often, this is where shows are held and collections of famous couturiers are announced. At the same time, the building looks most beautiful in the evening. Thanks to skillful lighting and models parading along the steps, the staircase 
becomes the center of a fantastic action, bewitching and stunning.
Being the most visited attraction, the Spanish Steps are also loved among fans of English culture, whose gatherings are distinguished by their originality and mass participation. Concerts, amateur performances and many other events are also often held here.
After visiting the Italian Steps, you can witness a fascinating action, visit the Keats and Shealey Museum, the Trinita dei Monti church, or simply admire the surroundings. You can do everything here. It is only prohibited to eat on the territory of the square.
The famous Spanish Steps in Rome are located by the address: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Rome 00187 Italy. If the hotel you choose is located far from the stairs, you can get to the steps by public transport.
In this case, the trip will take a minimum of time Metro from Termini Station to Piazza di Spagna. If you prefer hiking, to the stairs you can walk along Condotti Street.
Shopping lovers will definitely enjoy this walk, because this is where the most expensive shops in the capital are located. How to get to the Spanish Steps, see more on the map.
Spanish Steps on the map of Rome:
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 construction 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 fact that a statue of the French king should be displayed in the “eternal city” on the top of Pincho Hill. 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.
When it comes to top attractions 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 the construction, wanting to please his king, and Cardinal Mazarin decides to decorate the top of the majestic structure with a huge sculpture of Louis XIV himself.
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 opened to the eyes of amazed residents, which at first bore the name of the 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.
Rome is a city where everyone can feel like they are part of a single whole: one history, one culture, one world. A tangible symbol of such unity is the Spanish Steps, a path of 138 steps between time and Eternity, where everyone is equal, regardless of what level they are on. In the 18th century it became good sign reconciliation between two empires that have been at odds for centuries. In the 20th century, thanks to the brilliant film “Roman Holiday”, it was a sign of equality between people of any social and financial status. This is how the Spanish Steps remain to this day.
At the end of the 15th century, a ghostly calm reigned in Europe, more like the calm before the storm. The War of the Roses began in England, the Turks and Venetians concluded a truce, and in 1480 the world's first permanent embassy appeared in the Papal States. It was the Spanish embassy.
The storm did not take long to arrive. In 1494, the First Italian War began, during which the French king Charles VIII, taking advantage of the illusory rights to the Kingdom of Naples, simultaneously defeated the Florentine Republic and entered Rome, where he concluded a certain kind of treaty with Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Of course, not for free, given the claims of Popes in general and this Pope in particular.
There are not as many people on the Spanish Steps in the early morning as at the height of the day
According to the agreement, the Papal States were not supposed to interfere with the advance of French troops along the Apennine Peninsula and, moreover, were supposed to become one of the bases for attacks on neighboring states. The bribe was beautifully executed: the French bought a plot of land on top of the Pincio hill from the Vatican for the construction of the temple and married off the Borgia’s illegitimate son, Cesare, to the Navarre princess.
As soon as Naples fell, the balance of power on the peninsula was destroyed. The Spaniards still remained neutral: the prudent French managed to conclude an agreement with them in Barcelona, and new overseas colonies required large material costs.
But the first war was soon followed by a second, which quarreled the two powers for a long time: the new French king Louis XII and the Spanish monarch Ferdinand II did not divide the spoils and spheres of influence in Naples. The confrontation between the two empires dragged on for 2 centuries, despite numerous dynastic marriages and a joint fight against the Protestants.
In 1620, Spain acquired a palace for its embassy in the Papal States. For the construction of the building, the Spaniards bought a plot of land on one of the slopes of Pincho Hill. Everyone who was on the embassy premises was under the protection of the crown. There was also a minus. According to legend, young men who accidentally wandered into this area were forced into soldiers by the Spaniards.
Meanwhile, on Pincio Hill, above the building of the Spanish Embassy in Piazza di Spagna, one of the most beautiful Roman churches, Santa Trinita dei Monti (Holy Trinity on the Hill, 1502-1587), has stood for many years. By the French, on French soil, with French money and in honor of the French victory over Naples.
The Church of Santa Trinita dei Monti still belongs to France
In 1660, France and Spain concluded another dynastic marriage between Louis XIV and Infanta Maria Theresa. In honor of such a significant event, which could lead to reconciliation, the French envoy to the Papal States, Etienne Geffier, bequeathed most of his fortune to the construction of a staircase between Spanish Square and the Church of Santa Trinita dei Monti.
With these 20 thousand crowns in those days it was really possible to build anything, much less a new staircase to replace the unreliable wooden one. Bernini himself was involved in working on the project, and Spanish Steps in Rome could have appeared half a century earlier.
But it did not appear, since Cardinal Mazarin himself became interested in the plans for its construction. By his order, the staircase was to be crowned with an equestrian statue of Louis XIV. No Pope could have done this, and bribes would not have helped: the matter smelled like another war between France and Spain, and even on the territory of Rome. Pope Alexander VII shelved the project, but relations between the Vatican and France still worsened.
Piazza di Spagna in Rome
France fought with Spain more than once in the 17th century. Louis's marriage allowed him to lay claim to Spanish lands, especially since the infanta's dowry was never paid. The two-century confrontation ended only in 1714.
As a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, France managed to elevate one of the Bourbons to the throne. On this occasion, the project according to which was to be built Spanish Steps in Rome, has become relevant again. In 1717, the competition was won by the architect Francesco de Sanctis, who updated Bernini's sketches. However, construction was delayed again. Due to the claims of the new Spanish king to the lost lands in Italy and... France, since the new king, Louis XV was still too young and in poor health.
Fortunately, the war lasted only two years (1718-20). And soon - in 1725-27 - as a sign of the final reconciliation of the two European powers - it was finally built Spanish steps. The symbols of the dynastic unity of the two powers in the sculptural design of the staircase were French lilies and the papal eagle and crown.
Christmas performances and fashion shows are held on the Spanish Steps
The embassy of this country is still located in the Plaza de España. The church of Santa Trinita dei Monti still belongs to France and is the titular temple of the French cardinals.
Instead of equestrian statues that went out of fashion with the Great French Revolution In 1789, in front of the temple, at the beginning of the Spanish Steps, an Egyptian obelisk from the former gardens of the ancient Roman historian Gaius Sallust Crispus was erected. The church itself houses the priceless fresco “The Descent from the Cross” by Daniele da Volterra, one of Michelangelo’s students.
By the way, official name, which is carried by the Spanish Steps - Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti. That is, the Staircase of the Church of the Holy Trinity on the hill. C'est la vie...
The Spanish Steps in Rome are one of the most visited attractions. People sit on it, admiring the views, sing songs, and watch Christmas performances and fashion shows. Often the Spanish Steps also become a kind of amphitheater, where spectators come to watch the next concert on the Piazza di Spagna stretching in front of it. You can do everything here. However, recently it has been prohibited to eat on the stairs.
Fans of English culture come here to pay tribute to the outstanding poet John Keats. The house on the right side of the stairs (as you face it) is the house where he ended his days, hopelessly trying to cope with tuberculosis. Now this building houses the Museum of Keats and Shelley, another great English romantic poet of the 19th century, who lived and died in Italy for 4 years.
The Barcaccia Fountain was installed in Rome in 1629.
The Barcaccia Fountain, the world's first fountain whose bowl is below ground level, also attracts attention. We've already talked about it. The fountain itself is small, but surprisingly elegant. And the fresh water gushing from its holes is worth visiting in the forty-degree Roman heat.
According to reviews, the Spanish Steps are the second most popular free Roman attraction after. In the end, if you put aside thoughts about war and peace, if you climb it, you can walk to the Roman Zoo in a few minutes. So the concentration of crowds of tourists chasing anyone who finds themselves in the Italian capital is maximum here.
You can get to the Spanish Steps by metro
You can visit it at any time of the day. Early morning Spanish Steps in Rome is in the shade, but there are not as many people in this area as at the height of the day.
If you decide to settle in another place, then you can even get to the Staircase and public transport. To do this, you need to get to the metro station "Plaza di Spagna" at
