Spanish
Steps, Rome
The Piazza di Spagna or Spanish Square is connected to a
French church (Trinità dei Monti) on top of the hill via a long
staircase, known as the Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti or
Spanish Steps. The idea of connecting the church with the square
below originates from the 17th century, when the French also
planned a statue of King Louis XIV of France at the top of the
staircase. Papal opposition caused the plans to be shelved until
1723, when the monumental staircase was built without the statue.
Pope Innocent XIII appointed the Italian architect Francisco de
Sanctis. He presented a design that satisfied both the French and
the papacy.
The elegant staircase consists of 137 steps over twelve
different flights. View from Spanish Steps in RomeIt has an
irregular albeit symmetric structure. It is especially beautiful in
May, when it is decorated with azaleas. The steps are usually very
crowded; it attracts tourists as well as locals who use it as a
gathering place.