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!
WELCOME OFFER: 60,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,200
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases.
- 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Earn 2x total points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Includes eligible pick-up and delivery services.
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.