You Can Now Get Fined For Sitting on Rome’s Spanish Steps
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
It’s time to say goodbye to what just might be the most touristy seat in the house.
A police crackdown in Rome on Wednesday proved the city isn’t playing around anymore, and it’s now officially punishable by fine to sit on the iconic Spanish Steps.
While the ordinance to fine people for sitting on the Spanish Steps was officially put into action on July 8, Travel + Leisure magazine reported that it wasn’t until earlier this week local authorities began to really blow the whistle on people sitting, eating and drinking on the steps.
Related: The 7 Best Starter Credit Cards
The steps, which were built way back in 1720 to link the Trinità dei Monti church to the Piazza di Spagna below, are considered to be one of Rome’s highest traffic destinations in the spring and summer — especially as a spot tourists use to congregate, take a sitting break and absorb the scenery of the ancient city.
Now, weary tourists are going to have to find another spot to take a break. If not, they can face fines up to 400 euros (about $450). This week, Roman police made it impossible to ignore the new rules. Local officers patrolled the 136 steps in neon vests, whistles in tow, telling anyone who sat down they’d have to leave or face a fine.
Related: How to Get to Italy on Points and Miles
This isn’t Italy’s first attempt to curb bad tourist behavior by enforcing fines. This same ordinance, for example, also applies to Rome’s Trevi Fountain and other popular attractions in major tourist cities. Tourists in Florence who decide to snack on certain streets could also face fines ranging from 150 euros ($162) and 500 euros ($560). Anyone who is caught snacking, sunbathing or taking a dip in Venice’s canals risks getting straight up banned from the city.
Featured photo by Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends 11/10/2021.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.