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Spanish Steps

Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti

9 story sections11 min 47 s in all
History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation1:37

    Welcome to the Piazza di Spagna, a square that has served as the elegant crossroads for international travelers and artists for over three hundred years. Before us rises the magnificent Spanish Steps, a butterfly-shaped…

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  2. 2The Fountain of the Barcaccia1:19

    At the base of the steps lies one of Rome's most unusual and charming water features, the Fontana della Barcaccia, or the 'Fountain of the Ugly Boat'. This early 1600s Baroque masterpiece is credited to Pietro Bernini, the father…

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  3. 3The Keats-Shelley House1:17

    To the right of the base of the steps, tucked into the corner of the square, is a modest orange-colored building that holds a profound place in literary history: the house where the English Romantic poet John Keats lived and…

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  4. 4Climbing the 135 Steps1:15

    As you begin your ascent, notice how the staircase is divided into several tiers and landings, designed to provide a variety of perspectives as you climb higher. This was a masterpiece of urban planning by De Sanctis, who wanted…

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  5. 5The Obelisco Sallustiano1:17

    Standing at the very top of the steps is the Obelisco Sallustiano, a striking monument that looks ancient but has a fascinating history of mimicry. While it appears to be a genuine Egyptian obelisk similar to those found in…

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  6. 6Trinita dei Monti Church1:16

    The summit of our climb brings us to the facade of the Trinita dei Monti, a titular church that has been under the protection of the French monarchy since it was first constructed in 1485. The church is famous for its distinctive…

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  7. 7Via Margutta and the Artists' Quarter1:14

    Just a short walk from the base of the steps is the charming Via Margutta, a street that has maintained its 'bohemian' character for centuries. This narrow, vine-covered alleyway became the heart of Rome's artists' quarter in the…

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  8. 8Spanish Steps1:16

    As we stand at the top of the Spanish Steps, looking out over the sea of Roman rooftops and toward the distant dome of St. Peter's, we can appreciate why this spot has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. …

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  9. 9Closing1:16

    As we stand at the top of the Spanish Steps, looking out over the sea of Roman rooftops and toward the distant dome of St. Peter's, we can appreciate why this spot has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. …

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What is Spanish Steps?

Spanish Steps is a place with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
TypeActivity
Story sections9
Total length11 min 47 s in all
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates41.9061, 12.4828
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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