I have no desire to visit the Spanish Steps. However, I very much want to visit the church at the top of the steps. I don't even know how many flights of stairs are involved. Would it be easier to get to the church coming around the back, avoiding the stairs? Or are they a manageable climb? I'll be coming from Castel S Angelo area. I'm fine with stairs,so taht's not a problem. Just don't want to climb miles of stairs.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32245 posts
Sherry, You won't have any trouble navigating the Spanish Steps, as they're not difficult. Have a look at this panoramic view for an idea: www.italyguides.it/us/roma/spanish_steps.htm The Spagna Metro stop is near the base of the steps, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting there from most parts of Rome. Happy travels!
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I walked to the top of the Steps from the back side. I was walking around after my visit to the Borghese Gallery...... pretty soon, there I was at the top of the steps. I did walk down them -
slowly - because I was taking so many pictures...... LOL
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10337 posts
I had the same experience Frances had.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32245 posts
I've walked both up and down the steps, as that's how I reached the Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese. If you're interested, you could also visit the Keats-Shelley House, which is right at the base of the steps. My Camera gets lots of use at that location also.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Castel S'Angelo is down by the river; the church at the top of the Spanish Steps is on a hill. Therefore, you will have to climb uphill whether by stairs (the steps) or via side streets with vertical inclines. The stairs will be the most direct. I understand having no desire to specifically see the Spanish Steps, but why avoid them if they get you from point A to point B?
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
Compared with the rest of the walking we did in Rome the Spanish Steps were a drop in the bucket. They are worth seeing especially considering how close they are to so many other memorable sites like The Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Sherry, if the S Steps represent " miles of steps ", perhaps Rome will present a problem for you. If you have ample time, try to increase your cardio fitness level so that you can enjoy the thrill of exploring all that Rome has to offer.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The steps are not too steep and there are places you can stop for a bit if you need to - lots of people just sit down on the steps, anyway. There's also a ramp on a side street, but I find that it's more stressful on my ankles than just going up the steps.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
The whole point of the Spanish steps are to sit and enjoy the view. They are like the community couch, similar to the steps around many fountains.