Visiting and Photographing the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks, linking the lively Piazza di Spagna below with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Built in the early 18th century (1723–1725), the steps were designed to connect the French church above with the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See below—hence the name. With 135 sweeping steps , they’re less about getting somewhere quickly and more about lingering, people-watching, and soaking in the atmosphere. At the base of the steps you’ll find the Fontana della Barcaccia , a charming Baroque fountain shaped like a half-sunken boat, designed by Pietro Bernini (with help from his more famous son, Gian Lorenzo Bernini). It’s a perfect starting point before climbing upward or framing photos looking back toward the street. The Spanish Steps have long been a magnet for artists, writers, and travelers. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this area was a hub for visiting poets and painters, and tod...