The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti) is a popular tourist attraction in Rome, Italy, and is known as the widest staircase in Europe. Built between 1723 and 1725, this magnificent staircase was built to link the Spanish Embassy in Piazza di Spagna down the bottom, to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.
Fontana della Barcaccia in Piazza di Spagna
In Piazza di Spagna, is the beautiful 17th century Baroque style fountain: Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat). From here the wide stairway climbs up 138 steps to Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the church. The Trinità dei Monti church was built by the French, completed in 1585, and actually still belongs to France.
In the centre of the piazza is a large Roman Obelisk, copied from the Egyptian Obelisk found in Piazza del Popolo.
The Trinità dei Monti church and obelisk from the Spanish Steps
Once you reach the top of the steps at Piazza Trinità dei Monti, you can enjoy the fantastic view out across Rome. Looking down to Piazza di Spagna, you can look across the beautiful streets and buildings of Rome, towards the magnificent dome of St Peter’s Church in the Vatican City.
View from Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps
Although it was a hot day when we were there, the climb to the top was well worth it, and I absolutely love walking around Rome!
Art being sold in Piazza Trinità dei Monti
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Fabio
February 7, 2012 at 12:15 am (UTC 10)
ha, funny to see my uncle’s apartment in one of these pictures!
Fabio recently posted..A Countercurrent Point of View on Snow
Dean Wickham
February 7, 2012 at 9:07 am (UTC 10)
Oh really? Which one is it? He has a great place to live in!
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Locals load a boat on the Mekong River, Laos
10 Must See Attractions In Rome, Italy
March 14, 2012 at 12:00 pm (UTC 10)
[...] in the 1700′s the Spanish Steps is the widest stair case in Europe, and climbs from the Piazza di Spagna up to the Trinita dei [...]