Spanish Steps

Commissioned by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and built between 1723 and 1725, the Spanish Steps were designed to bridge the gap between the Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church. The project was the result of a long-standing competition and aimed to harmonize the French church at the top with the Spanish Embassy at the bottom. Architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi eventually won the commission, creating the iconic butterfly-shaped design that defines the space today. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the steps became a central hub for the Roman artistic community. Artists, painters, and models frequented the area, hoping to be hired by wealthy travelers on their Grand Tour. This vibrant atmosphere attracted famous literary figures, most notably the English Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Keats actually lived and died in a house right next to the steps, which is now a museum dedicated to his memory and legacy. In modern times, the Spanish Steps have undergone several major restorations to preserve their travertine marble structure from the wear and tear of millions of annual visitors. The most recent significant cleaning was completed in 2016, funded by the luxury brand Bulgari. Today, strict regulations are in place to protect the monument, including a ban on sitting or eating on the steps, ensuring that this architectural masterpiece remains pristine for future generations to admire.