One of the most famous sights in all of Rome, Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps, and Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti are an incredible combo of beauty and that intangible air of Roman-ness that feels oh so romantic.
Navigating the bustle of the square, ascending the staircase and then visiting the church that towers over it all makes for a moment to truly savor.
Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna has been one of Rome’s favorite places to come together – and likely exchange gossip – ever since the 15th century, but in was in the 19th century that this particular spot really began to bloom. With flocks of tourists, wealthy businesspeople and foreign royals visiting the city, Piazza di Spagna’s popularity grew so much that it was dubbed 'il salotto di Roma' – Rome’s parlor. Its peculiar name comes from the headquarters of the Spanish embassy to the Holy See, located on the right-hand side corner of the square – when looking at the Spanish Steps – which has been residing here since the 17th century.
Fontana della Barcaccia
At the center of Piazza di Spagna sits the iconic Fontana della Barcaccia, a textbook example of baroque art and one of the symbols of this particular corner of Rome. The project was carried out by sculptor Pietro Bernini, who was aided in its realization by the son who would become much more famous than him – none other than Gian Lorenzo Bernini himself. The name Barcaccia probably refers to the typical boats used to sail on the River Tiber and the way the fountain is designed – a boat that seems to be sinking, with only its bow and stern still visible – could also be a callback to the river’s devastating floods, which used to be a major problem for the city until urban planning stepped in during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps – technically the Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti, even though the English-speaking world has always known it by its shorter, perhaps more poignant name – were built in the 18th century to better connect the Pincio hill with Piazza di Spagna in place of the muddy, steep ascent that existed before. There’s a grand total of 11 ramps of 12 steps each, but don’t worry – there’s also plenty of space to take a breather and turn around to admire the square below you.
Sallustian Obelisk
Once you reach the square in front of the church of Trinità dei Monti, you’ll notice yet another obelisk standing out against the sky. The Sallustian obelisk was probably commissioned somewhere between the 2nd and the 3rd century CE to imitate the original ones coming from Egypt – so much so that the hieroglyphics adorning the obelisk’s sides aren’t actually correct.
Trinità dei Monti
The Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti dominates the view over Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps with its unmistakable facade – since two bell towers aren’t exactly common in other Roman churches. Its construction was ordered in the 16th century by King Charles VIII of France, and ever since then, Trinità dei Monti has always been known as the church of the King of France in Rome. While the view over Rome you can enjoy when standing outside the church is as breathtaking as they come, take some time to also visit its interior. The frescoes from Renaissance painter Daniele da Volterra are particularly impressive, and his Deposition (1541) is often considered one of the pinnacles of mannerist art.
