Spanish Steppes

The Spanish Steppes or Spanish Steps are a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the church of Trinità dei Monti. The Spanish Steps is the widest staircase in Europe.

Spanish Steps leading up to the Trinity of the Mount Church

The monumental stairway of 138 steps was built with French diplomat Étienne Gueffier’s bequeathed funds of 20,000 scudi, in 1723–1725.

During Christmas time a 19th-century crib is displayed on the first landing of the staircase. During May, part of the steps are covered by pots of azaleas. In modern times the Spanish Steps have included a small cut-flower market. The steps are not a place for eating lunch, being forbidden by Roman urban regulations, but they are usually crowded with people.

The church of the Santissima Trinita dei Monti (Trinity of the Mount Church) is a late Renaissance church in Rome.  It is best known for its commanding position above the Spanish Steppes which lead down to the Piazza di Spagna.

Santissima Trinita dei Monti

In the Piazza di Spagna, at the base, is the Early Baroque fresh-water fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia ("Fountain of the Old Boat"), built in 1627-29.  As you can see, the fountain is so named due to its shape of a half-sunken ship with water overflowing its bows.

Fountain of the Old Boat

The narrow Via Condotti, home to many of Rome's designer shops.

Via Condotti, lighted up by the Christmas lights

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