The Spanish Steps

Walking Tours of Rome

The Spanish Steps

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The world's most famous flight of steps looks particularly splendid in spring when it is adorned with dozens of terracotta pots full of azaleas. 

The Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti, to give the Spanish Steps its proper name, was designed by Francesco de Sanctis (1679-1731) and built between 1723 and 1726. 

The steps, which link the Piazza di Spagna with the French church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti, often simply called the Trinità dei Monti, rise in three distinct flights, a clear reference to the Holy Trinity.

The stone balls, at the base of the steps, are alternately decorated with the fleur-de-lys of the French monarchy and the eagle of the coat of arms of Pope Innocent XIII (r. 1721-24).

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Heraldic eagle of Pope Innocent XIII