Spanish steps(Italian: La scalinata di Spagna) is a popular meeting place in Rome and is 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 best project staircase, 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... " />
A famous Italian landmark of French and Spanish origin, the Spanish Steps in Rome have become a symbol of the confrontation between the French and the Spaniards.
The construction of the landmark was based on a diplomatic idea and grandiose royal vanity.
It all started with the fact that in the middle of the 16th century, the small area land on top of Pincho hill. It was decided to erect the Trinita dei Monti church on this site.(Santissima Trinita dei Monti, i.e. Church of the Trinity on the Mountain). This church was of great importance for those French who were forced to live far from their native land.
A little later, the Spanish authorities bought the land at the foot of the hill for the construction of an embassy palace.
But, despite the fact that the French and Spanish monarchs were related (the French king Louis XIV was married to Maria Teresa, the daughter of the king of Spain), relations between the countries were very far from friendly. Attempts at reconciliation arose from time to time, but common ground was never found.
And one day a certain French diplomat, Etienne Geffier, in his will wished that the two peoples would unite and stop fighting.
And the unification had to happen through the construction of stairs, which would connect the French church and the Spanish square. In order not to be unfounded, Monsieur Geffier supported his words with 20 thousand Italian crowns. The Pope liked the idea of construction.
The project was developed by Giovanni Bernini himself. But construction was not destined to begin, since Cardinal Mazarin himself intervened, who wanted to erect a monument to the French king Louis XIV at the top of the stairs. Even the pedestal for the statue was already cast in the mold. But the Pope considered it almost an insult for the monarch of another country to be honored on the territory of one state, and because of this the project was postponed almost until 1715, the year of Louis’s death.
Two years later, in 1717, it was decided to return to the project, and the Pope announced a competition among architects for the best project. Many famous architects competed for the right to be the first, but the creative union of Alessandro Specchi and Francesco di Sanctis won.
It took almost 6 years to prepare for construction– Pincho Hill was leveled and strengthened, strengthening was underway Spanish Square.
Strengthening work was simply necessary: due to frequent rains, the hill was often washed away, and it could not withstand such a grandiose construction.
Construction began only in 1723. Bernini's original project was taken as a basis, but slightly modified and technically improved. Political awkwardness was also smoothed over. For example, Alessandro Specchi combined the eagle and crown (symbols of the Pope) with the fleur-de-lis of the Bourbon dynasty. Construction was completed in 1725(according to some sources - for 1727) year.
60 years after the official completion of construction in architectural ensemble another note was added. Instead of a monument to the French monarch, an imitation of an ancient Egyptian obelisk from a collection of artifacts that belonged to the Roman scientist Sallust was installed at the top of the stairs. It’s called the Obelisk of Sallust.
The staircase has reached our time practically without alterations, but she had to go through several restorations. Time and weather did their job, and tourists made a significant “contribution” to the destruction of the attraction, spilling drinks on it and smearing chewing gum. The issue of restoration work became especially acute in 2015, when football fans from the Netherlands staged a real pogrom in the center of the historical square, not sparing architectural monuments.
The renovation lasted for 10 months, during which the steps were cleaned and restored, dented steps were straightened, lanterns were cleaned and paving stones were restored.
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Its official name is Scalinata del Trinita dei Monti (stairs leading to the Trinita Church), but it has not taken root among the people official name- Spanish. The staircase consists of 138 steps made of travertine. Travertine (Tibur stone) – fine-grained rock, which is a cross between limestone and marble. By the way, many ancient and medieval buildings are made of travertine.
The Spanish Steps themselves are divided into three segments– a central passage and two on the sides. At the very top of the stairs there is an observation deck - it is located in front of Trinity Church, narrow side passages lead to the platform.
La Scalinata has low stone sides in the Baroque style. On these sides you can see a pattern of symbols of papal power and French fleurs-de-lis.
The staircase is decorated in spring blooming azaleas: Dozens of flowerpots line the central flight of stairs.
Scalinata del Trinita dei Monti today is not only its business card and a famous landmark. This place is the venue for fashion shows, theatrical productions , street concerts and fairs.
December, for example, is a traditional time for Christmas pageants. The steps are turned into theatrical stages, and creative groups in Rome present their Christmas productions to the audience.
The steps of the staircase also turn into a fashionable catwalk. Famous Italian brands present their new collections here. For example, representatives of fashion houses Valentino and Dolce&Gabbana, and skillful lighting and direction turns the show into an enchanting spectacle.
Creative people also do not ignore the Spanish Steps: Dozens of street musicians and original artists practice here every day. Where else can you see the whole palette of emotions on people's faces? Plus street dancers and magicians, skillfully and dexterously taking out multi-colored scarves and balls from the pockets of surprised tourists...
On ordinary days, you can walk, sit, or even lie on the stairs. The only prohibition established by the authorities of Rome is that you cannot bring food and drinks here with you. The ban has been in effect since the last restoration, and violating it will cost careless tourists a significant fine.
It is impossible to enjoy solitude on La Scalinata - there are always crowds of people there.
If you want to avoid a large influx of visitors while exploring the attraction and take a memorable selfie, then it is better to come here early in the morning. At these hours it is not so crowded here, and with special luck you can take a good shot on the stairs itself or from observation deck upstairs.
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Spanish Steps (Italy) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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It is not for nothing that the Spanish Steps in Rome are considered the most beautiful in Europe. Its size, majestic Baroque style and architecture impress even the most experienced traveler. The staircase is especially beautiful in the spring, when the azalea blooms.
The Spanish Steps start in the middle of Piazza di Spagna and go all the way up to Pincio Hill. Constructed from travertine, it consists of 138 concave steps, the width of which constantly changes throughout the structure. The project of the Spanish stairs was revised many times: the French and Spanish diasporas could not agree among themselves, but in 1726 it was nevertheless implemented by the architects de Sanctis and Specchi.
In 1997, a large-scale reconstruction of this majestic structure was completed, and today the Spanish Steps are again a favorite meeting and walking place for residents and guests of Rome.
To climb the Spanish Steps, you first need to take the metro to Piazza di Spagna, getting off at Spagna station. It is also worth a look at the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is at the very top of the stairs (Santa Trinita dei Monti). The temple itself is very beautiful; in addition, inside there is an amazingly elegant sculpture “The Descent from the Cross” by Daniele da Volterra.
The exact address of the Spanish Steps is: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Rome 00187 Italy.
View of Rome from the Spanish Steps
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 is in Eternal City 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 hint 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, the Spanish Steps are 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.
Spanish steps, Spanish steps- an 18th-century staircase in Rome, an architectural monument of the Baroque style and simply a popular attraction in the historical part of the city.
The staircase has an unusual history of its appearance, which is even reflected in its name, but today it is, first of all, a tourist attraction and a place for parties and recreation. Also, one cannot fail to mention another role of the Spanish Steps - a classic place for making dates.
The background of the history of the creation of the Spanish Steps in Rome lies the complex political relationships in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Rome in the 17th-18th centuries was the capital of the Papal States - a sovereign monarchical state, but rather weak both militarily and politically. Because of this, the Papal States were strongly influenced by neighboring states, primarily France, and were de facto dependent.
Now we can talk about the events that are associated with the appearance of the stairs. It all started long before its construction - on Pincio Hill, by order and with the money of the French king, the Trinita dei Monti church was built (completed in 1585), which became the center of the “French reservation”. At the same time, at the foot of the hill, a similar “Spanish reservation” was formed around the Spanish Embassy on Spanish Square.
“Staircase to Trinita dei Monti” (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti) is the dry official name of the attraction, which retains an echo of that political conflict. And the “Spanish Steps” is a popular name.
Initially, the top of the hill was not connected to this part of the foot, which was not very convenient, and even before the completion of the church there were plans to create a stone staircase. But an unusual event happened - the French diplomat Goffier, who died in the middle of the 17th century, bequeathed huge funds for a specific purpose - the construction of a luxurious staircase in this place. This fact should have pleased Pope Clement XI, since it allowed him to save public funds, but Cardinal Mazarin, the de facto ruler of France, intervened in the matter.
The cardinal, having learned about the diplomat's will, demanded that a huge equestrian statue of the King of France be installed at the top of the future Spanish Steps - Louis XIV. The Pope could not tolerate such a blow to his own reputation and construction did not begin, and then Goffier’s nephew protested the will, which delayed the implementation of the project for half a century.
But to be more precise, the idea of building a staircase (and, probably, the desire to use the diplomat’s money) was returned after the death of Louis XIV. In 1717, a competition was already organized, which was won by the papal architect Alessandro Specchi, but construction began only in 1723 and according to a different project. The French monks from the church, who were in charge of the budget, chose as the basis another project from the young Francesco Sanctis, who, however, had to work in collaboration with Specchi.
The statue of the French king was nevertheless abandoned, but all royal ambitions were satisfied - the staircase is decorated with both the coats of arms of the dynasty of French kings and symbols of papal power.
The construction of the Spanish Steps was completed in 1725; it formed a single architectural ensemble consisting of a French church, the stairs themselves, and a square with the Barcaccia fountain. Today, this small piece of Rome is one of the city's most popular attractions, just behind the Colosseum, the Vatican and the nearby Trevi Fountain.
Since the completion of construction, the staircase has been restored many times, most extensively in 1995. Original appearance completely preserved, only the effects of natural wear and tear were corrected. New reconstruction began in the summer of 2016.
In Rome, with its abundance of attractions, it is still possible to highlight several main ones, and the Spanish Steps will definitely be among them. One can even assume that if not for the Colosseum, then this particular staircase could have become an unofficial symbol of the city of Rome.
Every year, up to 5 million people visit the Spanish Steps and Plaza de España, according to city authorities. Interestingly, these attractions are completely free for tourists.
Free, except for the voluntary throwing of coins into the Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps. According to rumors, up to 700 thousand euros per year are officially caught from it.
Scene from the cult film "Roman Holiday"
Films played an important role in the popularity of the staircase, primarily “Roman Holiday” (1935) with Audrey Hepburn. The film, which later became a classic, contains a number of scenes filmed at the Spanish Steps and was probably the main impetus for the popularity of the attraction, which is now included in all guidebooks and excursion routes.
Also the staircase is considered traditional place for setting up meetings and dates, but today this is not very convenient, since there are a huge number of tourists at any time of the day.
But such high tourist popularity is also influenced by the location of the Spanish Steps in historical center Rome. Even around the stairs there are many attractions, and almost half of the important places in the Italian capital are simply within walking distance.
Borcaccia Fountain and Spanish Square at the foot of the stairs
As already mentioned, the staircase enters into the architectural complex of the square where the fountain is located and the top of the hill where the church is located. On the square itself, in addition to the fountain, there is a house-museum of the artist Giorgio de Chirico, and the building to the right of the stairs, if you look at it while standing at the foot, is the Keats and Shelley Museum.
At the top of the hill, just 200 meters up the street from the church, is the Villa Medici, which in turn is located on the edge of the Villa Borghese park.
Shoppers will also enjoy the Spanish Steps. You don’t even have to go anywhere - the districts with boutiques start in the west, Dolce Gabanna, Chanel and several other stores directly overlook the square, and walking along the pedestrian alleys deeper into the block you can find other boutiques of almost all world and Italian brands.
Boutiques on the first floors of houses adjacent to the square
After walking about 250-300 meters through the quarter with boutiques to the west of the Spanish Steps, you can find yourself on Corso Street, where the Altar of Peace is immediately located, several churches and the Tiber flows a little further. The total distance from the river bank to Plaza de España is 600 meters. And in the south, about 700 meters away, is the most famous Roman fountain - Trevi.
Within walking distance of the Spanish Steps there are many theaters, museums, galleries and simply pleasant streets " classical Italy", where you can walk. It takes a long time to walk to other major attractions, but the path is public transport won't take much time. So from here the Colosseum is only 2 kilometers to the south, to the Vatican is also 2 km, but to the west.
The Spanish Steps are located near Piazza di Spagna, the nearest stop is Spagna. The easiest way to get there is by metro, line A (orange) or by bus route 117. Many transport routes converge at Piazza del Popolo, from which you will have to walk about 600 meters to the stairs.
