SANCTIS, Francesco de

(b. 1679 Roma, d. 1731 Roma)

Italian architect. He is most notable for his design of the Spanish Steps in Rome in collaboration with Alessandro Specchi. These were built between 1723 and 1726 to celebrate the peace treaty between France and Spain, linking the top of the hill (under French influence, with the church of Trinità dei Monti and French monastic institutions) to the Spanish embassy to the Holy See at the bottom of the hill. The design left out some of the richer elements of De Sanctis’s original design, such as grand fountains at a break in the steps and two rows of trees down either side to give shade and refreshment to those climbing the steps.

His other known works are the elegant façade of the church of Trinità dei Pellegrini, with a concave profile, an 18th-century version of San Marcello al Corso by Carlo Fontana.

Exterior view

The rebuilding of an old church on the site was started in 1587, finished in 1597 and consecrated it in 1616. In the same project a purpose-designed hospice was built next door. The architect of the complex was Martino Longhi the Elder. The present fa�ade was added by Francesco de Sanctis in 1723-26. This architect was also responsible for the Spanish Steps.

The picture shows the fa�ade of the church.

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General view

The Spanish Steps are a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.

The monumental stairway of 135 steps (the slightly elevated drainage system is often mistaken for the first step) was built in 1723-25, linking the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, and the Trinità dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France, both located above — to the Holy See in Palazzo Monaldeschi located below. The stairway was designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi.

The picture shows a view from below. At the bottom the Fontana dei Barcaccia by Bernini is located.

View the project for the Spanish Steps, 1723.

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