Rome's Spanish Steps - Are They the Most Popular Tourist Spot in the Eternal City?

Contrary to what the name may imply, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. Regardless, visitors to Rome have been delighted by them for many year. Some feel they are "just stairs" from the Piazza di Spagna to the Villa Medici, but as any experienced traveller knows, often-times it's not so much about the destination but about how you actually get there that truly matters.

The 137 steps that make up the Scalinata di Spagna or the "Spanish Steps" were constructed between 1723 and 1725. They can be found not far from the Piazza di Spagna which is a plaza that is triangular in shape. The Piazza di Spagna is also one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.

The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit in Rome. But it's good to glance down at these amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in their own right. They look delightful in any season but when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses along the walk.

When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend to ignore the law, so it's likely you'll still see people indulging in this practice.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find another of the many great outdoor art pieces by Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini's own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic "leaks" in the hull of the ship.

In addition to admiring the steps themselves and this delightful fountain, you can also take in the Memorial House to Keats and Shelly. After that fascinating stop, you can relax with a nice cool drink from the many bars that dot the city in that area and then climb the steps again on your return.

The steps are not designed to be an athletic challenge so there are three big flattened parts of the steps where you can take a breather to catch your breath and maybe have a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or just enjoy being among the Italian locals as a wonderful moment in your day. But when you do finish your climb of the Spanish Steps, make sure you turn and gaze back at where you have been. The view is breath taking and it will inspire you as you move on to reverently admire the Church of Trinta dei Monti

The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.

Just a short walk way is a well known spot known as the Via Veneto. This location became known in the 1950s as a place where a young girl could get pinched by a flirtatious Italian boy. While that kind of forward behaviour has calmed down in modern times, it is still a great area of Rome to shop, dine and enjoy the marvellous architecture all around you.

Don't miss out on the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even though these Italian steps were created by the French, the name dates back to the 18th century when the Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish Steps continues on to this day.