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

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.