No more picnicking at the famous attraction in Rome. Councilors set boundaries

Pizza in a box, ice cream in a wafer, or maybe takeaway coffee? Cafes in Rome tempt with a wide range of snacks that tourists willingly take with them “on the go”. They then eat their meals outdoors, surrounded by the stunning architecture of the Eternal City. One of the favorite places to camp in the Italian capital is the Plaza de España, located in the very center. Unfortunately, it looks like the carefree siesta is coming to an end. The councilors unanimously decided that proper behavior should be enforced from tourists. The Italian police are to step into action.

No eating under the Barcaccia fountain

The Spanish Square has been a meeting place for travelers from all over the world for years. Organized tours have their meeting point here, and tourists also come here to rest for a while after a long sightseeing tour. Until recently, they sat on the famous steps, but for several years now they have been severely punished with fines. Now the authorities of Rome want to deprive visitors of another “pleasure” from visiting the iconic place. This time the problem is public eating and drinking. “I have visited Piazza di Spagna many times and each time I noticed the presence of too many tourists eating or drinking, sometimes even sitting on the ground or around the Barcaccia Fountain,” explains Daniela Gallo, who, along with other councilors, voted in favor of the motion to ban eating in the Piazza. Spanish. “The police are right to tell people sitting on the steps of Trinità dei Monti to get up, but they should do the same to those eating takeaway meals in the square below. Piazza di Spagna is not a place for a picnic,” he adds.

Brands pay high rent

The councilors also explain their intervention for the good of prestigious brands that have their shop windows near Piazza di Spagna. “I think it is right, also towards them, to maintain the entire area in decent conditions,” the councilor believes. However, the Plaza de España will not be the only place where police can ask tourists to hide a sandwich. The regulation indicates that eating should not take place on the streets, stairs in front of the entrances to buildings and attractions, as well as in historic passages and fountains. Time will tell whether and how the new rules will be enforced by officers.