Steps that have connected the church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti and the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy, for hundreds of years were damaged last week by American tourists on scooters, according to Polizia Roma Capitale.
A 28-year-old woman who was with a 29-year-old man threw a scooter on the steps, which caused “monumental damage” according to a translated June 5 announcement from the Rome police. Authorities said the two tourists were stopped by a patrol at night between June 2 and June 3.
Both were fined a total amount of 800 euros, the equivalent of $841.60 in U.S. currency.
“Further findings from the Capitol Superintendent will allow to ascertain the exact amount of damages,” said police.
Rome’s Spanish Steps, which appear to recline on a hill, were built between 1723 and 1726 by the Roman architect Francesco De Sanctis. They are “an expression of a monumentality typical of the Roman eighteenth century,” according to La Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali.
Over nearly 300 years, the steps have been restored multiple times, including projects in 1995 and 2015.
Roman authorities have been protective of the steps in the past, according to a 2019 report in The Guardian. People could be fined for just sitting down on one of the 136 steps and for dirtying the steps, said the outlet.
Locals and tourists alike have frequently rested on the steps, which were famously featured in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
Related
Related
