Keats-Shelley House

The Basics

English poet John Keats moved into this house at the base of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna in late 1820, and died from tuberculosis here just a few months later. While the objects in his room were burned after he died, a replica of his bed and his death mask are now on display. The rest of this small museum contains letters, art, and other objects related to Byron, Elizabeth and Robert Browning, Oscar Wilde, and Percy Bysshe Shelley (whose name is on the house, though he never lived here). The historic site is managed by the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, which often holds literary events in English at the museum.

Rome walking and bike tours that include a stop in Piazza di Spagna can include a visit to the Keats-Shelley House, as well as other city highlights like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Keats-Shelley House is an especially interesting attraction for English literature and poetry buffs.

• The museum’s gift shop sells English-language books and objects related to Romantic poetry.

• You must leave large bags in the entrance.

• Photography is allowed without flash.

• Though the museum is accessible to wheelchairs inside, there are stairs to reach the entrance. Contact the museum to arrange for transportation up the stairs.

How to Get There

The Keats-Shelley House is at in Piazza di Spagna, on the right side of the base of the Spanish Steps. It is easily reached from metro line A’s Spagna stop.

When to Get There

The museum is open 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday; it is closed Sunday as well as December 8 and December 24 through January 1. It’s busiest from Easter to October, when you should plan to arrive first thing in the morning to explore before the crowds arrive.

Joseph Severn

Keats lived in the Rome house with artist friend Joseph Severn, whose portraits of the poet hang in various places around the museum.

Ways to explore

The Keats-Shelley House is an especially interesting attraction for English literature and poetry buffs, with exhibits focusing on John Keats and other British poets and authors who spent time in Rome, including Shelley—whose name is on the house, though he only lived in the neighborhood. Pass by on walking tours of the city or learn more with a self-guided audio tour or literary tour of Rome. When visiting independently, allow extra time in your plans to visit while at the Spanish Steps.

Accessibility

The museum is not wheelchair accessible, as it is located on the second floor and has stairs outside and inside the entrance.

Age limits

All ages are welcome, but young children are unlikely to find much of interest inside.

What to pack

Camera, bottled water

What to wear

Comfortable shoes; layers when visiting outside of summer

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, which must be left at the entrance

Amenities

Gift shop, library

Address

The Keats-Shelley House is on Piazza di Spagna, by the base of the Spanish Steps. While it’s easy to walk there from other Rome highlights, public transportation and driving are additional options.

Driving

While driving up to the house and Piazza di Spagna is tricky, you can park at the Ludovisi Parking Garage and walk about 10 minutes to get there. To reach the garage, take Via di Porta Pinciana from Piazzale Brasile.

Public transportation

Take Rome’s metro line A to the Spagna stop and walk down the Spanish Steps to reach the house. You can also ride the 119 bus to Trinita’ Dei Monti by the top of the steps.

Best times to visit

The museum is open between 10am and 1pm, closes during lunch, then reopens from 2pm to 6pm (with last entry at 5:45pm); it’s best to visit in the morning before the nearby Spanish Steps get busy in the afternoon.

Best days to visit

Plan on any day of the week except Sunday, when the museum is closed; it’s also closed on a handful of other dates during the year, so check the website in advance.

Best months to visit

Rome and highlights such as Piazza di Spagna are busiest from June to September, so go outside of these months for a quieter time sightseeing. Note that the museum is closed the last week of December.

Special events

The museum hosts rotating exhibitions and occasional events, so check the official website to see what’s on.