What is so special about the Spanish Steps in Rome?
The Spanish steps represent figuratively and metaphorically the close relationship between the Sacred and the Eternal city, shown through the elevation and vastness of the monument. The longest and widest steps in Europe are also an important landmark in Rome as they host events and are home to Italian traditions.
What is the story of the Spanish Steps in Rome?
The Spanish Steps is a staircase designed in 1723 by Francesco De Sanctis, and funded by a French diplomat Stefano Gueffier. It was built in order to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, and the Trinità dei Monti church, both located above — to the Holy See and Spanish Square below.
What is the purpose of the Spanish Steps?
The purpose of the staircase was to connect the Spanish square at the base of the Pincian Hill with the church that sat on top of it. Pope Innocent XIII decided to hold a competition for artists of Rome to design the new staircase and Franco won.
Why can’t you sit on the Spanish Steps in Rome?
The move is reportedly part of the raft of strict new regulations which recently became available to the city’s local police force. The 18th-century steps, known as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are classified as a monument, meaning that sitting or lying on them is prohibited.
Why is it called the Spanish Steps?
The name can be a bit confusing, as construction of the steps was actually commissioned by the French (Louis XII). In the 17th century, the Spanish embassy was located on the square – ‘Piazza di Spagna’ – at the base of the stairs, hence the name ‘Spanish Steps’.
Can you walk on Spanish Steps?
Never mind the long tradition of lounging on the fabled spot — a scene perhaps best evoked by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday” — sitting on the Spanish Steps is now subject to a fine of 400 euros, or about $450, under new municipal rules that ban a variety of activities in the city’s …
How long did it take to build the Spanish Steps?
The 135 stairs were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and were completed in 1725 after two years of hard work. The structure was an immediate hit with the local community which made Piazza di Spagna a very attractive place to take up residence.
What are the famous steps in Rome?
Often called the Spanish Steps, Rome’s famous scalinata (monumental staircase) is the centerpiece of Piazza di Spagna. Built in the early 1700s, the steps connect the piazza (now a busy shopping area) with the Trinità dei Monti church on the hill above.
Is the Trevi Fountain near the Spanish Steps?
Right in the heart of Rome’s Baroque historic center the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are very close to one another. Getting between them is an easy walk you can do in less than 10 minutes on your own.
What happens if you sit on the Spanish Steps?
What can you not do on the Spanish Steps?
“Visitors are not allowed to sit on the steps. They are also forbidden to eat or write on the stairs. Besides, some behaviours are also banned, such as selling goods without permission or dressing up as an ancient Roman officer to take pictures with tourists.
Is it illegal to sit on the Spanish Steps?
How much does it cost to see the Spanish Steps?
The Spanish Steps are open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day.
How much does it cost to visit the Spanish Steps in Rome?
Sitting on Rome’s Spanish Steps Will Now Cost You $450 — and Police Mean It This Time (Video) The Spanish Steps have always provided a welcome — and iconic — resting point for visitors to Rome, but now, taking a moment to sit and kick back on the steps is officially illegal.
Can you walk up the Spanish Steps?
The Spanish Steps have always provided a welcome — and iconic — resting point for visitors to Rome, but now, taking a moment to sit and kick back on the steps is officially illegal.
Can you walk on the Spanish Steps?
Why are the Spanish Steps closed?
Sitting on Rome’s famous Spanish Steps is no longer allowed as the city has brought a ban into effect against such behaviour to protect its cultural relics. Police officers have begun patrolling the steps and cautioning anyone found sitting on them.
How much does it cost to go to the Spanish Steps?