Piazza di Spagna is Rome’s grand Baroque square, famous for the sweeping 135-step Spanish Steps that climb to the Trinita dei Monti church. At the base sits the Barcaccia Fountain, sculpted by Pietro Bernini in the shape of a half-sunken boat. The piazza has been Rome’s fashion and shopping hub for decades, ringed by luxury boutiques and historic cafes.
Nearby highlights include the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, honoring the English poet who died overlooking the square, and the elegant Via Condotti shopping street. The steps themselves are one of Rome’s most photographed spots, especially at sunset when the travertine stone glows gold.
Visit early in the morning, around 7-9 AM, to see the piazza before tour groups and crowds arrive. Spring and early fall bring the most comfortable weather. Weekends and holidays are the most crowded times to avoid if possible.
