Apartments Close to the Spanish Steps: Central Accommodation
The Spanish Steps were built at the beginning of the 18th century to link Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti Church. Located in the heart of Rome, they are the setting for the Donne Sotto le Stelle fashion show that takes place mid-July. During the show, models flaunt the latest fashions on the illuminated staircase whilst photographers run up and down the 135 steps taking pictures. They are also the most famous meeting point in the city. Locals and visitors alike sit on the steps to wait for their friends or have a rest.
To celebrate the 1725 Jubilee, Pope Benedict XIII decided to join Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti Church. The architects Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis were selected to build a structure that would resolve the issue of the sloping land between the two points. It also needed to blend in with the French aesthetics of the church. Finally, it was decided that a staircase would be built in order to make the area look beautiful and preserve its style. Numerous terraces with gardens were also built.
The origins of the square's name have been the subject of dispute. Some people think that it is because the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta was linked to the Trinità dei Monti Church by the staircase. Others think that it gets its name from the Palazzo di Spagna, which is now the headquarters of the Embassy to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. It has been located close to the Spanish Steps since 1647 and is considered to be one of the area's heritage sites.
Piazza di Spagna is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. The magnificent staircase and the church in the background also make it one of the most beautiful areas of Rome. There are few places that are as beautiful. It can be compared to the Fontana della Barcaccia from the early Baroque period, which was designed and sculpted by Pietro Bernini in 1627 for Pope Urban III, and the Column of the Immaculate Conception, which has a base with bronze statues of Moses, David, Isaiah and Ezequiel.
At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps were popular places amongst Roman intellectuals. Babington's Tea Room was opened to attract the Italian upper classes, British tourists and bourgeois intellectuals. It is still frequented by the international jet-setters today. Hollywood has also paid homage to the Spanish Steps. They are immortalized in the film Roman Holiday, which features Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
If you wish to fully appreciate the beauty of the Spanish Steps, you will need to climb the 135 steps that go up to the Trinità dei Monti Church so you can delight at the sight of the domes rising above the rooftops of Rome and Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of the steps.
Accommodation Close to the Spanish Steps
The stunning Spanish Steps are located close to Via dei Condotti, Via Frattina, palaces, and other gems that the city of Rome has to offer. Not only that, one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Rome is located at the summit of the steps. The accommodation that is close to the Spanish Steps is in just as pleasant an environment. Tucked away among the lanes of this picturesque area you can find a variety of beautiful, very expensive hotels. The tourist apartments to rent in the area are just as beautiful. They are a luxurious, glamorous and affordable alternative. Our apartments are spacious, beautifully decorated, well equipped and have kitchens, washing machines and Wi-Fi connection. It is easy to get to them from other places and, best of all, you don't even need to move to rent one -- just take a look at our catalogue and choose one of our apartments close to Piazza di Spagna. There is other accommodation available as well: studios, B&Bs, boarding houses, aparthotels, guesthouses and hostels. Therefore it is very easy to find accommodation in Rome -- the most difficult part is choosing which accommodation you prefer.
Things to Do Close to the Spanish Steps
- The first thing you should do is climb the 135 steps that lead to the top of the Spanish Steps. Take a look at the landscape and visit the Trinità dei Monti Church. It was built by Carlo Maderno in 1495 by order of King Charles VIII of France. Inside you can find beautiful pictorial relics and unique architectural features.
- The Keats-Shelley House Museum is located to the right at the foot of the steps. It is named after the English Romantic poet that lived in Rome and died in 1821.
- If you take a walk along Via Flamina you will reach Piazza del Popolo, which is renowned as being the gateway to ancient Rome. The surroundings of this area are an example of universal culture.
- In the Basilica of Santa María del Popolo you can see the magnificent works of Caravaggio. The church was built by Pope Paschal II on the site where the Roman emperor Nero was buried.
- The Pincio Gardens are located on Monte Pincio and were designed by Giuseppe Valadier in the 19th century. It is a neoclassical garden full of monuments, including a water clock. You can access it via the staircase on the Piazza del Popolo.
- Villa Medici is a 16th-century architectural complex and currently houses the French Academy in Rome.
As you can see, this part of Rome is definitely well worth a visit and you can even stay close to the Spanish Steps. Take a look at our collection of apartments close to this area and admire the splendor and magnificence of its architecture and monuments by renting your accommodation here.
How to Get to the Spanish Steps
Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Rome-Fiumicino) is 32 kilometers away from Termini Station. Buses leave from the arrivals terminal and the journey to Termini takes 30 minutes. From there you can take a taxi or the No.62 bus to Piazza di Spagna. You can also take the metro and get off at Spagna station.
