Spanish Steps

The famous Spanish Steps, the longest and widest staircase in all Europe, are located in the most exclusive part of modern Rome next to Piazza di Spagna taking its name from the Spanish Embassy that used to stand there. On the right is Keats’ House, a monument containing memoirs of John Keats and other romantic poets of those times including Byron and Shelley. At the top of the steps is the French Church, Trinita dei Monti, built in the 16th C. Rome’s fashionable designer stores and boutiques situated in Via Condetti  can be seen from these steps .This is a great place to sit and watch the world go by. At the foot of the steps is the famous Barcaccia Fountain, the work of Pietro Bernini and his son, Gian Lorenzo. The Steps have served as a meeting point for generations of travellers from the English grand tourists of the 18th C to the young people of all nationalities who flock here today.