OCT 4 YOU CAN'T SIT ON ROME'S SPANISH STEPS ANYMORE

OCT 4  YOU CAN'T SIT ON ROME'S SPANISH STEPS ANYMORE

For many travelers, the BEST PART of going to Rome isn't stately St. Peters, the ancient Forum or tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain. Nope, for them the best the Eternal City has to offer is eating a gelato while sitting on the Spanish Steps. In addition to fantastic people-watching, the stairs offer a stunning view of the Plaza de Spagna and the Via del Corso. Yet as of last week, city authorities have banned this beloved tourist practice. The size of the crowds have made it unfeasible. Let's answer the basic questions!

Why are they called that? They're in Italy...not Spain! The 174 steps were constructed by the Spanish in 1725. At the time, Spain was part of the House of Bourbon, which also controlled Sicily and Naples. Eager to control the Papal States as well, they constructed an enormous embassy in Rome. To link it with the plaza below, a grand staircase was needed.

Aren't there hundreds of other scenic stairs in Rome? Good point, but what separates this staircase is the fact it was built by the Bourbons. As with Versailles, over-the-top opulence is a must. A unique, triangular design incorporates straight flights at different angles. Wedged in between are vistas and terraces filled with colorful azaleas. From the start, this gorgeous public space has been a popular hangout.

How did the steps become internationally famous? The first instance that comes to mind must be the 1952 movie Roman Holiday. Ridiculously charming Audrey Hepburn happily eats gelato whilst seated on the staircase. Dashing Gregory Peck approaches... 150 years prior, poet John Keats lived in an apartment overlooking the stairs. It also features prominently in the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel Tender is the Night.

What will the cops do to violators? At first, offenders will be given a verbal warning. Cards have it written in a variety of languages. But if you continue to loiter, it will be a hefty fine of €160. A second violation will cost you €400. While many feel this is unfair, the truth is it's against the law to loiter on any public staircases in Rome.

Is McDonald's to blame? Yes. There were HUGE protests back on March 20th of 1986. That's when the first ever McDonald's opened in Italy. What enraged Romans was the fact that the Fast-food giant wasn't at the airport or a shopping mall...it was right on the Plaza de Spagna. Allegations of city officials accepting bribes were not unfounded. Yet the result has been the slow-but-sure change of businesses. The square is now littered with Starbucks, Burger King and Pizza Hut! Yuck.