Rome, April 24, 2026 – The iconic Spanish Steps at Trinità dei Monti have once again burst into vibrant color with the annual azalea display, a cherished tradition marking the arrival of spring in the Eternal City. More than 200 azalea plants now cascade down the historic staircase, transforming Piazza di Spagna into a temporary garden that will enchant residents and tourists until early May.
Inauguration Ceremony with City Officials
The inauguration of this year’s exhibition took place yesterday afternoon, April 23rd, at Largo Goldoni. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Capitol Hill Environment Councilor Sabrina Alfonsi were in attendance, highlighting the significance of the event for the city. Mayor Gualtieri emphasized Rome’s status as a “capital of beauty,” while Councilor Alfonsi underscored that this tradition is the result of year-round dedication.
Two Varieties and Over 200 Plants on Display
This year’s display features over 200 azaleas, meticulously cultivated at the San Sisto nursery throughout the year. Visitors can admire two primary varieties: the “bianche di Spagna” (white of Spain) and the “fenicia” azaleas. These selections create a harmonious chromatic balance between lighter tones and more intense hues. A notable addition for the 2026 edition is the extension of the floral arrangement to Via dei Condotti, seamlessly connecting with the stunning floral scenery of the piazza and the Spanish Steps.
A Tradition Rooted in the Nineteenth Century
The azalea display is more than just a seasonal decoration; it is a tradition deeply embedded in Rome’s history. The cultivation of these plants in Rome dates back to the 19th century. The public exhibition has graced various locations over time, initially at Villa Aldobrandini, before finding its permanent home at Trinità dei Monti in 1952. Over the years, this event has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Roman spring, skillfully blending green care with the enhancement of urban heritage.
Councilor Alfonsi: “A Year-Round Effort”
Councilor Alfonsi highlighted the extensive work involved behind the scenes. “As every year, it is beautiful to admire the Spanish Steps rich in colors,” she stated. “These plants are cared for throughout the year with dedication and attention by the gardeners of Roma Capitale, who at San Sisto look after the monumental azaleas and those in pots that we admire in Piazza di Spagna.” She further elaborated to La Capitale on the sidelines of the event, “It is a wonderful Roman tradition, a tradition that, to beautify the city, is a job that our gardeners do all year round. Azaleas have been cultivated within the San Sisto Park since 1814, and the exhibition on the Spanish Steps has been ongoing since 1952. Previously, it was also held at Villa Aldobrandini, a tradition that we will resume at Villa Aldobrandini as soon as it is ready. Azaleas have been awarded at various national and international exhibitions. In short, spring arrives in Rome when the azaleas arrive on the steps.”
Mayor Gualtieri: “Enhancing Rome’s Relationship with Nature”
During the inauguration, Mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasized the symbolic value of the initiative. “They select and choose the colors, the most beautiful species, the most beautiful plants. This year the colors are beautiful, white, lilac, in short, a beautiful choice. Exhibiting here in Piazza di Spagna is always a great joy for us,” he said. He added, “After the Natale di Roma, a tradition begins, and I am sure it will be appreciated, not only to enjoy this wonderful piazza and this unique staircase even more, but also to enhance the unique relationship that Rome has with plants, with nature, with flowers. We try to cultivate and spread them as much as possible throughout the city. With Sabrina, we have set ourselves the mission of creating beautiful flowerbeds in as many places as possible, and little by little they are starting to appear. Citizens appreciate them very much, but then there is the queen exhibition, which is this one.”
“A Tradition that Tells the Story of the City”
The Mayor further reiterated the historical value of the event. “An ancient tradition, that of caring for azaleas, it is more than two centuries old, it has been since the fifties, after the Villa d’Aldobrandini season, here from the Spanish Steps, a tradition that enhances the beauty of the Spanish Steps, but also the mastery of our gardeners and the wonder of these azaleas. This year they are beautiful, in the two colors that have been chosen, so we renew this tradition again this year to celebrate spring, the Natale di Roma that has just passed, then next year we will also start exhibiting them at Villa d’Aldobrandini because the redevelopment work is almost finished, so we are relaunching again to reaffirm that Rome is a capital of beauty and these plants that our gardeners know how to grow so beautifully represent it in a particular way.”
Spring Passes Through Piazza di Spagna
With the arrival of the azaleas, Rome renews one of its most recognizable rituals. This event combines aesthetics, history, and daily work, transforming one of the city’s most photographed locations into a vibrant symbol of the season for several weeks. And once again, it marks the beginning of spring in the Capital.
