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The famous Roman Spanish Steps might be slightly misnamed since they were actually built by the French, but they are a wonderful part of any tourist’s visit to Rome. It is too easy to read about them and think, “What’s the big deal? They are just stairs.” And it is true that they are a means to an end - to walk to and from the Piazza di Spagna and the Villa Medici. But it is worth the effort to take your time on those steps and enjoy them for the ambiance they alone can hold for you.

The Spanish Steps or as they are otherwise known, the Scalinata di Spagna, are 137 steps that were built between 1723 and 1725. They can be found near a outdoor plaza that is triangular in shape called the Piazza di Spagna which itself is one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.

The Spanish Steps themselves are elegant, artistic, dark and winding so your time on them will include moving through some of the most scenic and busy parts of Rome. The steps have their own beauty worth seeing. Any time of year there is something to see on the steps but in springtime, they are especially lovely as the azaleas in the municipal greenhouses explode with color.

When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend to ignore the law, so it’s likely you’ll still see people indulging in this practice.

The base of the steps is near a wonderful Bernini fountain called La Barcaccia or the Fountain of the Old Boat. This fanciful fountain features a partially sunken ship. The water of the fountain literally bursts from the holes in the boat. They say the ship itself was designed by Bernini’s son Gian Lorenzo. But it is a unique fountain that Pope Urbano VIII commissioned done in 1627.

Not far from that delightful fountain, you can satisfy your literary side by touring the Keats-Shelly Memorial House. Then enjoy a refreshing beverage before taking on the gentle climb up the Spanish Steps.

The steps are not designed to be an athletic challenge so there are three big flattened parts of the steps where you can take a breather to catch your breath and maybe have a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or just enjoy being among the Italian locals as a wonderful moment in your day. But when you do finish your climb of the Spanish Steps, make sure you turn and gaze back at where you have been. The view is breath taking and it will inspire you as you move on to reverently admire the Church of Trinta dei Monti

The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.

Just a short walk way is a well known spot known as the Via Veneto. This location became known in the 1950s as a place where a young girl could get pinched by a flirtatious Italian boy. While that kind of forward behaviour has calmed down in modern times, it is still a great area of Rome to shop, dine and enjoy the marvellous architecture all around you.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even though these Italian steps were created by the French, the name dates back to the 18th century when the Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish Steps continues on to this day.

Tags: Travel & Leisure