A Secret Park
The park’s secluded location and cloak of lush greenery give the steps an intimate – almost secret – feeling. As the only D.C. park to occupy a city street, its unorthodox location gives the impression that one has stumbled upon a special place in the midst of the city.
Image: Flickr
A Neighborhood Landmark
D.C.'s Spanish Steps vaguely resemble the form of the original Spanish Steps in Rome, but the smaller scale and residential surrounds creates a more intimate, sheltered feeling at the former. Like those in Rome, D.C.’s Spanish Steps are a natural gathering place and neighborhood landmark.
Image: Phoebe Reid / Flickr
An Unofficial Marker of Land Change
From the highest terrace of the Spanish Steps one is able to understand the changing of landforms that occurs throughout D.C. Changes in topography at the Spanish Steps create a belvedere-like quality at the transition from piedmont to tidewater with great views toward the monumental core of Washington. In Kalorama, Florida Avenue acts as an unofficial marker of this change in physiography.
Image: Phoebe Reid / Flickr
The Lion's Head
The focal point of the Spanish Steps is its granite lion head fountain and associated basin on the second highest terrace. One could easily sit on its concrete seat wall and at any time of day to read or socialize with friends and family.
Image: Phoebe Reid / Flickr