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 137 steps that make up the Scalinata di Spagna or the "Spanish Steps" were constructed between 1723 and 1725. They can be found not far from the Piazza di Spagna which is a plaza that is triangular in shape. The Piazza di Spagna is also one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.

The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit in Rome. But it's good to glance down at these amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in their own right. They look delightful in any season but when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses along the walk.

In springtime the Spanish Steps come to life with flowers and people out enjoying the warm weather, knowing that it is soon to turn into a Roman summertime. Rome is capable of hot weather even into the fall. Near the steps there are elegant boutiques and a wide variety of shops, cafe's and delightful restaurants to sample. While Roman law forbids it now, tourists and locals alike used to love to get a light lunch and sit on the steps to soak up the atmosphere. But even with the rules, Romans know that the law is often not followed to the letter and you can still enjoy this tradition if you do as Romans do when in Rome.

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.

In addition to admiring the steps themselves and this delightful fountain, you can also take in the Memorial House to Keats and Shelly. After that fascinating stop, you can relax with a nice cool drink from the many bars that dot the city in that area and then climb the steps again on your return.

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.

So put the Spanish Steps on your list of things you must see while in Rome. In that way you can say you walked on steps built by the French, named for a long gone Spanish Embassy and now an important part of your experience on your Roman holiday.