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Contrary to what the name may imply, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. Regardless, visitors to Rome have been delighted by them for many year. Some feel they are “just stairs” from the Piazza di Spagna to the Villa Medici, but as any experienced traveller knows, often-times it’s not so much about the destination but about how you actually get there that truly matters.

The Scalinata di Spagna or the Spanish Steps, are 137 steps that were built between 1723 and 1725 near the famous Piazza di Spagna, which is a triangle shaped plaza that is a top destination for tourists who come to Rome.

The Spanish Steps themselves are elegant, artistic, dark and winding so your time on them will include moving through some of the most scenic and busy parts of Rome. The steps have their own beauty worth seeing. Any time of year there is something to see on the steps but in springtime, they are especially lovely as the azaleas in the municipal greenhouses explode with color.

When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend to ignore the law, so it’s likely you’ll still see people indulging in this practice.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find another of the many great outdoor art pieces by Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini’s own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic “leaks” in the hull of the ship.

Enjoying a great work of outdoor art may put you in a literary mood so you can enjoy the Keats-Shelly Memorial House while you are there. After seeing two enjoyable sights, you may wish to partake in a cool beverage before you start your climb up the Spanish Steps.

Don’t worry too much about getting winded on the climb because the designers provided three resting areas of flat plateaus for you to rest, enjoy some shopping or a snack or just watch the locals and tourists stream by. Once you get to the top of the stairs, don’t rush on too quickly. Instead look back at the wonderful view of where you came from and the move on to enjoy the Church of Trinta dei Monti.

This lovely church was originally known as Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. While the church was designed and construction started in 1502, it took almost 200 years to finish the job. The Gothic style is unique and the neo-classical facade also makes this church a personality all its own. The Roman fascination with Egyptian art which started in the third century is evident in the courtyard of the church which displays an artistic obelisk.

You will be only a block or two from Via Veneto, a well known spot that gained a reputation as a place where an Italian girl could get stared at and pinched in the 1950s. While the culture of this area is tamer now, it is still a fun stop on your schedule to take in some wonderful shopping and dining and to see outstanding examples of that architecture that Rome is famous for.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even though these Italian steps were created by the French, the name dates back to the 18th century when the Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish Steps continues on to this day.

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