The most famous steps in the world

The Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti — what everyone calls "the Spanish Steps" — is one of Rome's defining images: 135 steps climbing from Piazza di Spagna in a sweep of ramps, terraces and Baroque curves up to the twin-towered church of Trinità dei Monti. Built in the 18th century, it's both a masterpiece of urban design and the perfect stage for Rome's "dolce vita."

A brief history

The staircase was built between 1723 and 1725 to a design by Francesco de Sanctis, solving an age-old problem: connecting the piazza below to the French church of Trinità dei Monti, high on the Pincio hill. The result is a triumph of Roman Baroque — twelve ramps that open and close like a fan, with panoramic terraces at every level.

Trivia

  • An "international" masterpiece: funded by France, built on land disputed between France and the Holy See, at the foot of the square named after the Spanish embassy — a crossroads of great powers.
  • The azaleas: every spring hundreds of pots of blooming azaleas adorn the steps — the most photographed moment of the year.
  • Keats: the English poet John Keats died in 1821 in the red house to the right of the steps, now a museum (the Keats-Shelley House).
  • Film and fashion: the backdrop to famous movies (from Roman Holiday onward) and countless runway shows.

The rule to know: no sitting allowed

Since 2019 it has been forbidden to sit on the steps: anyone who stops to sit risks a fine. You can climb, descend and take photos, but you can't use them as a "bench." The measure protects the marble. To rest, use the terraces or the cafés around the square.

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Tips for the perfect photo

  • At dawn: the steps nearly empty, golden light — the single best time of all.
  • From above (the Trinità dei Monti terrace): views over the square and the rooftops of Rome.
  • In spring: with the azaleas, but expect big crowds.
  • In the evening: lit up, romantic, but packed.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps does the Spanish Steps have? 135 steps, spread across twelve ramps with intermediate terraces, built between 1723 and 1725.

Can you sit on the Spanish Steps? No: since 2019 sitting on the steps has been banned, with fines for offenders, to protect the marble. You can climb, descend and take photos.

Why is it called the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti? Because it connects Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti at the top of the hill. "Spanish Steps" is the popular name; the correct one refers to the church.

When are the azaleas on the steps? In spring, roughly in April: pots of blooming azaleas are arranged on the steps, creating the staircase's most celebrated scene.

Can you climb all the way up to the church of Trinità dei Monti? Yes — climbing the 135 steps brings you to the terrace in front of the church, with one of the finest views over central Rome. Entry to the church is free (check the opening hours).

See also

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Article #243 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026