Heritage & monuments
Spanish Steps
What it is
The Spanish Steps are a wide stone staircase of 135 steps linking the Piazza di Spagna below with the Piazza Trinità dei Monti above, where the twin-towered Trinità dei Monti church stands. The stepped design creates terraces and landings rather than a single straight climb, and the area has long been a gathering point in central Rome. It's worth visiting to see the staircase itself and the view over the piazza below, and to reach the church and the streets around it.
Getting there
The steps sit in the heart of central Rome, close to the Piazza di Spagna metro station (Line A), which puts them within a short walk of most nearby sights. From other central areas like the Trevi Fountain or Piazza del Popolo, walking takes roughly 10-15 minutes.
How much time to allow
Climbing the steps and taking in the view takes as little as 15-20 minutes. Allow 30-45 minutes if you also want to walk into the church at the top or linger in the piazza at the base.
When to go
The steps and surrounding piazza get crowded, especially in the middle of the day and during peak tourist season. Early morning is quieter and gives clearer views without as many people on the steps. Sitting on the steps themselves is restricted in some periods, so treat them primarily as a place to walk through rather than linger.
What to combine it with
The Piazza di Spagna is immediately at the base of the steps (0.1km), making it a natural single stop. From there it's a short walk to the Mausoleum of Augustus (0.5km) and the Ara Pacis (0.6km), which sit close to each other, and on to Piazza del Popolo (0.7km) at the northern end of the same walking route.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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