Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

The monumental Spanish Steps—designed by Francesco de Sanctis—are one of Rome’s most popular tourist sites. Surrounded by bars and cafés and always bustling, the staircase features on most day or nighttime Rome city tours, whether on foot, by bike, Vespa, Segway, or hop-on hop-off bus. Such tours typically stop at spots such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, great for time-pressed travelers. You can also visit on a specialized private food and wine or pizza tour.

• Sitting, eating, and drinking on the steps is forbidden; local police strictly enforce these rules.

• The steps are just that: stairs. As such, they are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

• Just adjacent to the Spanish Steps is the house where English poet John Keats lived, now a museum dedicated to his memory and works.

• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for individuals who will thrust a rose or other souvenir into your hand and then demand payment.

The metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Many walking tours depart from or pass by the staircase too, as do hop-on hop-off bus routes.

The Spanish Steps are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. Avoid midday, as there's little shade and lots of sun. For great photos, visit in the spring or winter when the steps are festooned with colorful flowers and decorated with a towering Christmas tree and fairy lights, respectively.

The Spanish Steps were financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and built to link the Trinità dei Monti Church—which was at the time under the patronage of the King of France—with the Spanish Square below. The steps were so-named because of their proximity to the square, home to Spain's embassy and considered Spanish territory in the 17th century.

Yes, the Spanish Steps in Rome are worth seeing. This historic landmark is one of the city’s more striking architectural features and makes an excellent background for photographs. For the most peaceful experience at the Spanish Steps, plan a visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.

There is no cost to go to the Spanish Steps. These steps are free to visit and offer a magnificent view from the top. One of Rome's most striking architectural features, the Spanish Steps are open to the public all day.

No, you do not need tickets for the Spanish Steps in Rome. This landmark is free and open to the public, 24 hours a day, with no tickets required. At any time, visitors can stop by and admire views of the steps, take photographs, and climb to the top for excellent city views.

The Spanish Steps are walking distance from the Trevi Fountain. Many visitors to Rome explore both landmarks in a single day. The stroll between the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain takes about 10 minutes directly, but people often wander indirectly through Rome’s charming streets between the two sites.

Yes, you can walk from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum, but you will want to wear comfortable shoes. The stroll between these two sites takes approximately 30 minutes, so while the Spanish Steps are not in super close proximity to the Colosseum, it is possible to walk between the two.

Several movies were filmed at the historic landmark of the Spanish Steps in Rome, including perhaps most notably, Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn. Other movies showcasing the Spanish Steps include The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, and To Rome with Love, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Alec Baldwin.