Rome Spanish Steps - Europe's widest and longest staircase.

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) in Rome is Europe's widest and longest staircase. The beautiful and imposing structure is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It elevates Rome's rich history with its Baroque architecture and attractive styling.

Few cities in the world can match Rome when it comes to ancient ruins and architecture. With landmarks like the Colosseum, the bridges over River Tiber, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, it doesn't take long to discovers the uniqueness of The Eternal City. Yet, Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti stands out.

The steps are located on a steep slope in a part of the city where you'll find many of the most popular attractions. At the top of the steps, you have Trinità dei Monti church, a late Renaissance catholic church with an beautiful obelisk by the main entrance.

At the bottom, you have Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square), one of the most popular squares in Rome. The square has a beautifully designed fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia.

The Baroque fountain was designed by Pietro Bernini, the father of famous sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII as part of a project to build fountains in all the city's main squares.

The fountain is the centerpiece of Piazza di Spagna. It is shaped like a sinking ship with water overflowing from the sides into the basin. The water in the fountain is sourced from a 19BCE aqueduct and flows from seven points. The concept was inspired by a legend of a ship deposited at the square after River Tiber flooded the city in 1598.

Also present at the foot of the steps is the Keats-Shelley House, which is now a museum. Famous romantic poet John Keats spent his last days before his untimely death in 1821 at the house. He was only 25 years old at the time. The museum has preserved Keats' bedroom as a way of drawing attention to his tragic death at a young age.

Today, the staircase is a gateway to luxury shopping and fine dining. The beauty of the Spanish Steps has made it a frequent filming location for popular movies and TV shows.

These include the 1953 classic Roman Holiday, The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, and Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which featured the steps (some scenes used a replica). The Tom cruise movie also used the location for the its premiere event.

The site is also a popular location in the fashion industry for photoshoots and shows. Italian luxury brand Bulgari, which has taken inspiration from the various attractions in Rome, is fond of the Spanish Steps.

The company commissioned a 1.5 million euro renovation of the steps in 2014 and celebrated the completion of the project with an elaborate event in 2016. Highlights of the event included an intriguing light show, ballet dancers, and performances by the symphony orchestra, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, conducted by Antonio Pappano.

Architecture

Designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, the Spanish Steps structure is a fine example of Baroque architecture. The building style which includes complex patterns emerged in Italy in the 17th century and spread across different European countries and then the United States.

Characterized by grandeur and drama, Baroque architecture is renowned for its elaborate decorations and dynamic forms. The Spanish Steps embody all these tenets. This explains why it continues to attract millions of visitors every year.

It has a total of 135 steps ascending in a captivating set of flights (drama), spanning a total of 3,000 meters squared (grandeur), and covering a steep hill of close to 29 meters. Primarily made out of travertine stone, the stairs elegantly incorporate the use of bricks, marble, and plaster.

History

Pope Gregory XIII came up with the initial idea for the stairs. He wanted a staircase to connect to the recently completed Trinità dei Monti. This explains the official Italian name, Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti ( the Stairway to the Church of Trinita dei Monti).

Named after the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See (See of Rome), the structure was completed in 1725 thanks to funding from the estate of French diplomat Etienne Gueffier. Italian architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi were tasked with designing the staircase after winning a design competition held in 1717.

While you certainly won't face a shortage of places to visit in Rome, a tour of the Spanish Steps is highly recommended. Apart from its beautiful Baroque architecture, the stairs take you on a historical journey. Close by attractions like the luxury shopping stores and being a short distance to Rome's other landmarks gives it extra points.

As you plan your visit, one important thing to note is that sitting on the steps is illegal. The rule is in place to prevent damage to the steps and you may face steep fines if you don't follow the rule.

Where to stay - Hotel Hassler Roma

There's no shortage of 5-star hotels in Rome. However, if you'd like to be close to the attraction during your visit, you have one great option.

Situated at the top the stairs close to Trinità dei Monti, Hotel Hassler Roma offers a solid accommodation option for guests with a lovely aesthetic that neatly complements the stairs. The roof-top terrace also offers panoramic views of the Eternal City. It's likely to be your favorite part of the hotel.

You'll love the hotel's excellent service, inviting "family-run inn" vibe, and its Michelin-starred dining experience at the Imago restaurant, which has over-sized windows so you can enjoy views of the city while you dine.

Shopping at Piazza di Spagna

One of the most famous squares in Italy today, Piazza di Spagna is synonymous with luxury thanks to the tens of luxury boutiques, designer and jewelry stores, and luxury watch retailers close to it (mostly along Via dei Condotti and all the way down to Largo Carlo Goldoni). When you decide it's time to shop in Rome, this is the place to do it.