Don't sit on the Spanish Steps in Rome. Photo: Shutterstock Planning a trip to Rome this summer? One of the Eternal City's most iconic landmarks comes with an important rule that continues to catch visitors by surprise: don't sit down.
Rome's famous Spanish Steps have been a no-sitting zone since 2019, when city authorities introduced stricter measures to protect the nearly 300-year-old monument from damage caused by overtourism.
Tourisst enjoying the Spanish Steps before 2019. Photo: bhcvn / Shutterstock.comBuilt between 1723 and 1726, the 135-step staircase connects Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church and is one of Italy's most photographed attractions. Every year, millions of tourists stop to admire the landmark, but many are unaware that taking a seat can result in a hefty fine.
According to Rome's municipal regulations, visitors who sit, eat, or linger on the steps can face penalties ranging from approximately €160 to €400, depending on the circumstances and whether damage is caused. Sitting on the stairs for a while (longer than a few seconds to take a picture) could result in a €250 fine. Making the stairs dirty with spilled drinks or food could raise the fine to €400.
The restrictions were introduced following years of concerns over the preservation of the historic site. Authorities cited issues including littering, food and drink spills, excessive wear, and pedestrian congestion. The monument underwent a major restoration completed in 2016, funded by Italian luxury brand Bulgari, further increasing efforts to safeguard the landmark.
Unlike many tourist attractions, the Spanish Steps do not always feature prominent warning signs, meaning some travelers only learn about the rule when approached by local police officers patrolling the area.
Eating on the steps of monuments or churches. Florence and Venice are just a couple of the Italian cities that fine those sitting and eating nearby historic buildings and bridges with a minimum of €150 up to €500.
Don't feed pigeons. Photo: travelview / Shutterstock.comFeeding pigeons. In Venice and other city centers, this is actually banned and it will usually bring you a fine between €25 and €500!
Walking around in a bikini or shirtless while not at the beach. Many towns frown upon tourists wandering the streets or going into shops in beachwear.
Varenna at Lake Como will fine you from €50 to €200 for your "crime" while fines in Portofino can reach up to €300 in the town center. Gallipoli and Southern coastal towns will cost you from €25 to €500 in fines in historic town centers adjacent to beaches.
Don't swim in Italian fountains: Photo: Yuri Turkov / Shutterstock.comSwimming in fountains. It might seem obvious, but some tourists feel the need to do it because of the scorching heat. However, fountains are monuments, not pools. Stepping, wading, or swimming in historic fountains results in a fine ranging from €450 to €500. You can also be hit with a daspo (temporary or permanent ban from returning to the specific historic landmark area).
Making noise at certain hours. The country of the Dolce Far Niente takes its riposo seriously. Blasting loud music from your rental apartment, dragging your suitcase on the old cobblestone, or having a noisy gathering late at night could bring you a fine between ∈150 and ∈500 euros under local municipal police ordinances.