Rome has banned tourists from sitting and eating on the Trinité des Monts staircase, one of its architectural gems, on pain of salt fines. An urban police regulation, which goes back to the beginning of the summer, provides for the prohibition of settling in public places "indecently or contrary to decorum" and "sitting down while consuming food or beverages on historical, artistic, archaeological and monumental heritage ", including fountains and stairs.
Up to 400 euros fine
The key to this regulation now applied to the staircase of the Trinity Mountains, a fine of 150 euros can be increased to 400 euros in case of serious conduct, according to Italian media. Policemen whistled on Tuesday all the tourists tempted to sit on the famous steps. The staircase overlooking the Spanish Steps, one of the most famous tourist sites of the Italian capital, was reopened to the public in September 2016, after a year of work.
Darkened by pollution but also stained by chewing gum and stains of wine or coffee, "La Scalinata" had regained its original whiteness. The staircase designed by the architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1726 at the initiative of France, to which belongs the church of the Trinity of the Mountains, and composed of 135 steps on three levels, had not been restored for 20 years. After this new work, a controversy was born in Rome between supporters of a night closure, fearing the return of homeless and street vendors, and opponents.