Spanish Steps

Welcome, intrepid travelers and lovers of architecture, to one of the most celebrated and visually striking staircases in the entire world. Though our geographic data points may technically align with the heart of Washington, our…

Before we place a single foot upon the first stone step, we must turn our attention to the mesmerizing, bubbling masterwork located at the absolute center of the piazza below. This is the Fontana della Barcaccia, pronounced…

As we confidently step onto the wide, welcoming lower tiers of the Spanish Steps, you will instantly notice a highly peculiar modern phenomenon. For decades, the global image of this staircase involved thousands of weary tourists…

As we pause on this lower landing to catch our breath, I direct your attention to the elegant, salmon-colored building situated immediately to the right of the steps. This humble structure holds a monumental place in the history…

We have now reached the expansive middle terraces, where the true architectural genius of Francesco de Sanctis becomes wildly apparent. Look back down at the path we have just climbed, and then look upward toward the summit. …

Congratulations, we have victoriously conquered the one hundred and thirty five steps and arrived at the breathtaking summit. Turn around immediately and feast your eyes upon the spectacular, sweeping panorama of the Eternal City…

Turning our backs to the sweeping city vista, we finally face the magnificent structure that necessitated the creation of this entire sweeping staircase: the majestic church of Trinita dei Monti, pronounced tree-nee-tah day…

As our analytical exploration of the Spanish Steps draws to a close, I invite you to linger at the summit as the late afternoon sun begins its slow, golden descent. If you arrive in time for sunset, you will witness a profoundly…