Sitting on Rome's famous Spanish Steps can now cost you a serious fine

[sinkingfeeling]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/08/07/sitting-romes-famous-spanish-steps-can-now-cost-you-serious-fine/

In July, Roman officials announcedthe city would administer fines to those who soil, deface or damage its historic, artistic and monument sites. The rule serves as an attempt to curb unwanted tourist behavior, from jumping into fountains to walking around Rome shirtless. It also extends to sitting or lying on the Spanish Steps, a historic monument and 18th-century UNESCO-protected attraction. Those in violation of the ordinance will be subject to fines from 250 to 400 euros.

According to a release from the Italian news wire service the Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, police began to enforce the ban this week. People who attempt to take a seat are signaled with whistles, and asked to move from the site.

The regulation has been in the works for a while.

It’s not the first time Roman authorities have tried to take legal action against tourists. In 2012, the city issued a municipal ordinance to ban eating and drinking in historic or culturally significant areas of Rome, with fines of up to $650. In 2017, Rome placed a temporary ban on eating and drinking near approximately 40 of the city’s fountains.

[PJMcK]

1. They really make you feel welcome, don't they?

Well, it's just another reason I'll spend my tourist money elsewhere.

Screw Rome. It's crowded, dirty and expensive.

[enough]

2. Cities don't exist for the pleasure of tourists. NT

[PJMcK]

4. Well, cities do have tourist bureaus

Tourism brings in tons of money. Tourists are courted around the world.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. So, you think you should be able to sit/stand on or slop grease on

2,000 year old structures?

[PJMcK]

5. That wasn't my point at all

Of course one cannot deface or damage property whether it's old or not.

[Vivienne235729]

6. So appalling cities are having to have these laws @ all bc of all the disrespectful jackasses

Just recently in Peru, 3 visitors from uk and brazil shit somewhere on macchu Picchu. They were arrested, of course. But...wtf is wrong w people?!?!!! Smdh.