The Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy were begun in 1723 and completed only 3 years later in 1726. With 138 steps in total it makes them the longest and widest out door steps in Europe.
The name might be misleading, considering the steps are in Italy. The name the Spanish Steps came about after 1929 when the Vatican became a separate country. The Spanish Embassy to the Vatican was located in the area, and so the piazza in front of the steps became known as Piazza di Spanga. The stairs became known as the Spanish Steps by pure geographical association.
The official name is the Steps of the Holy Trinity, so named after the Church of the Holy Trinity which is located on the top of the steps. That is also why the steps are designed and divided into three sections- after the Holy Trinity.
As you are standing on any of the three levels of the stairs, you’ll be able to spot a large fountain at the base of the Spanish Steps. The fountain was designed by Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in 1605. All the water in the fountain is completely safe to drink, thanks to Caesar Augustus who built 14 aquaducts to bring ‘virgin water’ into Rome.
The Spanish Steps are located in one of the most expensive areas in Rome, that has long been a favorite place of residence for famous Rome dwellers. The most well known street leading up to the Spanish Steps is Via Condotti. Gucci, Prada and Burberry are just a few of the shops lining the posh street.
Keep your eye out for famous residents that call the streets surrounding the Spanish Steps home. Italian designer Valentino lives nearby, as does actor Willem Dafoe.
Come see the Spanish Steps and more of Rome’s most famous landmarks on our Rome City Tour.