The monumental stairway was built with French diplomat Etienne Gueffier's funds of 20,000 scudi, in 1723 - 1725, linking the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, today still located in Palazzo Monaldeschi in the piazza below, with the church of Trinità dei Monti above. This is a beautiful French church located on a hill overlooking the small piazza della Trinità dei Monti. From this square, you have a spectacular view over Rome. The idea of connecting the church with the square below originates from the 17th century, when the French also planned a statue of King Louis XIV of France at the top of the staircase. Pope Innocent XIII appointed the Italian architect Francisco de Sanctis. He presented a design that satisfied both the French and the papacy. The elegant staircase consists of 137 steps over twelve different flights. It has an irregular albeit symmetric structure. It is especially beautiful in May, when it is decorated with azaleas. The steps are usually very crowded; it attracts tourists as well as locals who use it as a gathering place.