Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (la Scalinata) ascend from the Piazza Spagna to the church of Trinita dei Monti. The name came from the Spanish Embassy which used to be in the piazza. The steps were built 1723-1726 to a baroque design by De Specchi. Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Barcaccia Fountain is at the foot of the steps. They became a place for flower sellers and are now strewn with tourists sitting amongst flowers. It is a fine example of how ideas drawn from garden design can lead to a brilliant urban design.