Stairway to Heaven: Rome's Legendary Spanish Steps

I recently escorted a group to Italy and as the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome. Then, all roads in Rome surely must lead to the Spanish Steps, arguably the most famous public staircase in the world. 

The steps are tucked inside a super stylish enclave of historic streets and winding alleyways, bordered by the mighty Via del Corso and Via del Tritone, and home to some of the city’s best five star hotels, restaurants, cafes and boutiques in the Eternal City.

They are one of Rome’s major attractions for tens of thousands of visitors, literary buffs, retail therapists, and incurable romantics who flock there each day to revel and relax in the truly gorgeous setting. Good advice: men take a seat down at a sidewalk café so they can watch the people go by while drinking a beer, as the ladies dash around the shops.

Built in 1725, rising in several graceful tiers between vast Italianate villas and crowned by two panoramic viewing platforms, this legendary stairway underwent a major renovation ten years ago but still oozes a languid charm with every step.  Named after the Spanish Embassy, the Spanish Steps are to Rome what the Leaning Tower is to Pisa and St. Mark’s is to Venice.

 From dawn to dusk, you will find throngs of people sitting on the steps.  This is the place to view elegantly dressed Italians in their Armani suits, Prada handbags and lovely silk scarves.

Here is a secret for you: the famous Hotel Hassler at the top of the steps also operates a small but fabulous four-suite hideaway called Il Palazetto, located right next to the Spanish Steps which is actually cheaper to stay at than the Hassler.  It includes a great restaurant where you can sit on the terrace and watch the world go by.

We had a private guide to see all the attractions in Rome. This is the only way to do any sightseeing. Anything can be arranged, for a price, even an audience with the Pope if he is in town. We were whisked into the Sistine Chapel immediately as the doors opened and it was so wonderful to be there with only twelve people instead of hundreds.

I found it sad that people stood in line for four hours in the heat to be admitted to the Vatican only to find out when they got to the door that they were turned away for inappropriate dress. No shorts or tank tops allowed. When I lived in Italy, ladies had to have both their arms and their heads covered before going into a church.

Rome has some wonderful shops and restaurants. Two ice creams cost $24.00 and two espresso coffees $29.00 so it is not an inexpensive city for dining with the Euro being so strong against the dollar.

Best to visit Italy in the Spring or the Autumn when there are less people, and the weather is cooler. Many of the shops and restaurants close during August, as natives escape the heat by going to the beach.

There are many excellent hotels in Rome, but a few of our favorites are the Hotel Bernini Bristol, the Hotel Fortyseven, Hotel Majestic and the Intercontinental De La Ville.

I dream of Italy, and I see shoes and handbags.  What a fantastic selection, and you are spoiled by the choices. I had one client who spent $25,000 for shoes in one shop I sent her to. There is no where in the world like Italy for shopping.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel

650-941-5810