Monument in Rome
The Spanish Steps are a monumental staircase of 135 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church above. Free to climb, free to sit, and one of the most recognizable gathering spots in Rome. The Piazza at the bottom holds the Barcaccia fountain by Bernini’s father. Budget travelers use the steps as a meeting point and a free vantage point over the rooftops.
Practical
On foot
Free and low-cost routes that stop at Spanish Steps.
The SANDEMANs Rome City Centre Free Tour walks through the historic center covering the major Baroque squares, fountains, and landmarks. Morning and sunset editions run daily, covering the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona in 2.5 hours.
Nearby
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
The Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) is a massive white marble monument on Piazza Venezia, built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. Free to enter.
The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is the ancient Roman road leading south from the city, lined with ruins, tombs, catacombs, and cypress trees. Free to walk.
The Aventine Keyhole is a small bronze keyhole in the door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta on the Aventine Hill. Free.
Campo de' Fiori is a lively square in the historic center that hosts a daily morning market selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, spices, and street food. Free to browse.
Castel Sant'Angelo is a cylindrical fortress on the Tiber, originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum. Entry is paid at a modest price.
The Catacombs of San Callisto on the Appian Way are the largest and most important Christian catacombs in Rome, stretching 20 kilometers underground on four levels with the remains of half a million early Christians. Entry is paid (guided tours only).
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