The Unexpected Reason Tourists Should Think Twice Before Sitting On Italy's Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are one of Rome's most easily recognizable landmarks. Located at Piazza di Spagna, the baroque Spanish Steps uniquely join some of the city's winding and sometimes layered streets that seem to climb and descend with the landscape. Additionally, the Spanish Steps were famously used as a filming location for the classic Audrey Hepburn film "Roman Holiday." 

Sizable crowds of tourists flock to Rome's biggest attractions day in and day out. However, among the things tourists in Italy should never do is sit on the Spanish Steps, because it is illegal. City officials established this rule in 2019. They monitor the area and impose fines starting at 250 euros to those breaking this rule, with fines as high as 400 euros if you're found staining or causing damage to the steps. Outlawing sitting on the steps may sound strange, but it makes sense when thinking about the age of the landmark. The Spanish Steps have been a mainstay of Rome since 1726, and the city hopes to keep it that way by continuously working to preserve them, and all of the Eternal City's other iconic landmarks.

Before imposing the 2019 rule against sitting on the Spanish Steps, eating or drinking around major landmarks of Rome was already prohibited. Florence also imposes the same rule, with special attention geared toward its own famous attractions, like the Uffizi Gallery. Of course not everyone is always going to follow these rules, but you probably shouldn't risk getting fined. Plus, abiding by such laws is one of the ways visitors can help prevent Europe from becoming "anti-tourist," and help preserve treasured centuries-old monuments like the Spanish Steps.

While you may not want to choose the Spanish Steps as a picnic spot or a place to take a quick rest, this UNESCO world heritage site is still among the best things to do in Rome, even if you only have one day. The Spanish Steps lead to the Trinità dei Monti church. Surprisingly, French royals actually commissioned its construction in 1494. To learn more and to see its opulent interior, check its visitation hours online. At the top of the steps you will be rewarded with a new vantage point from which to enjoy the Eternal City's intricate details.