Spanish Steps

Fountain & stairway, The Spanish Steps near Rome Luxury Suites

The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s focal points, and Rome Luxury Suites are only a short walk away from this magnificent rococo staircase. It’s a beautiful sweeping centrepiece, where visitors gather to sit, take stock and people watch. There’s a fabulous view from the top that’s perfect as the sun starts to dip and paint the city’s domes rosy pink. At the bottom of the steps is the tiny Keats Shelley House, where romantic poet Keats lived and died, a fascinating window into 19th-century Rome.  You’ll find more insider tips of what to see in the neighbourhood in our guide, ‘A Roman Notebook’ upon arrival.

Funnily enough, the Spanish Steps were built by the French. In the 17th century, the French built this elegant staircase as a grand approach to their church, the Trinita di Monti. However, they never ended up getting the credit. The steps lead up from the Piazza di Spagna, home of the Spanish Embassy, so to locals and everyone else they have always been the “Spanish Steps”.

From the Spanish Steps, the area’s streets lead off like spokes. Graceful fashion-central boulevards Via dei Condotti  and Via del Babuino are full of top international brands from Bulgari to Versace. The area feels almost like a small town, but one stuffed full of tantalizing shops and top-notch restaurants, with price tags to suit all budgets.