Keats-Shelley House: the Romantic poets' museum on the Spanish Steps

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Keats-Shelley House is the ochre building at number 26 that closes the bottom of Piazza di Spagna, to the right of the Spanish Steps: the English poet John Keats died here of tuberculosis on 23 February 1821, aged 25, a few months after arriving in Rome. Turned into a museum in the early 20th century, the apartment keeps his room, his death mask, manuscripts, portraits and a library devoted to the English Romantic poets, including Shelley, Byron and Leigh Hunt. It is a small museum, about 45 minutes to visit, for anyone who loves literature or wants to see another side of the Spanish Steps than the crowds on the stairs.

Highlights

The façade on the square

The building stands at the foot of the Spanish Steps, a few metres from the Barcaccia fountain. The area, then known as the "English ghetto", hosted Grand Tour travellers; Keats lodged here in late 1820 with his friend, the painter Joseph Severn, who nursed him until his death.

Piazza di Spagna from the doorstep

In the evening, the lit steps and the church of Trinità dei Monti can be seen from the house's doorstep. Keats, ill, is said to have heard the Barcaccia fountain from his room; it is one of the stories told in the rooms.

Keats's room

The room where the poet died is shown with recreated furniture, based on a drawing by Severn: the health authorities had the original furniture burned after his death, as was customary for tuberculosis patients. His death mask is kept in the house.

The Romantic library

Several thousand volumes, first editions and letters devoted to Keats, Shelley, Byron and their circle. The rooms also recall the death of Percy Bysshe Shelley, drowned in 1822 off Viareggio; his ashes and Keats's grave lie in the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Testaccio.

Hours and prices

Open Monday to Friday 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm, and Saturday 11am–2pm and 3pm–6pm; closed Sunday, according to information found in October 2026. Full ticket €6, €5 for under-18s and over-65s, free for under-6s. Hours and prices change with exhibitions: check the house's official website before you go.

Practical info

Tips

The house is small and capacity is limited: book online in high season. Information in the rooms is in English and Italian. The visit combines well with the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti; the whole thing takes an hour and a half. The prices and hours given come from secondary sources and should be confirmed on the official website.

How to get there

Piazza di Spagna 26, 00187 Rome, at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Metro line A, Spagna station, 2 minutes on foot. Several bus lines serve Via del Tritone and Via del Corso, a 5-minute walk away.