Hern Tan
Image credit: kirkandmimi
Sick of unsightly stands selling cheap trinkets spoiling the atmosphere of ancient relics? As part of Rome’s latest attempt to restore some “decorum” to its historical sites, the city council has plans to uproot the pesky souvenir stands – starting with the major tourist attractions.
17 of these stalls will be closed down with effect from 1 January 2020, focused around tourist hotspots such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Rome’s Mayor Virginia Raggi was firm on the council’s stance, stating to the media that “for years, the monuments of the city have been tarnished by vendors who sell drinks, panini and trinkets in front of Rome’s architectural jewels”. 8 of these stalls were, however, allowed to continue their operations further away from the monuments.
Image credit: Dark Rome Tours
This follows a recent trend of the city cracking down on the hijinks of badly behaved tourists, outlawing the consumption of street food within the vicinity of the monuments or sitting on the famed Spanish Steps. For those planning to go for a skinny dip in the fountains, you’re out of luck as well; unless you are willing to risk a fine up to 450 euros.
The bans aim to improve tourist safety and ease the heavy congestion faced by these popular attractions. Illegal street-trading and ticket-touting by peddlers outside these tourist sites are also on the line to getting the boot.
