Nobody likes the rows of souvenir stands that make crowded tourist attractions even more crowded and “touristy”. From January 1st, 2020, the city of Rome has banned them from several major points around the city.
According to Lonely Planet, there won’t be souvenir stands or other types of street shops around the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and other locations. As the major of Italy’s capital Virginia Raggi says, the goal of this. Ban is to “protect Rome’s heritage.” It can be difficult to enjoy historical and architectural landmarks with cheap souvenir stalls everywhere you look, and the lines in front of them can be unbearable. “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. This is no longer tolerable,” Raggi said.
Sitting on the Spanish Steps is no longer an option since August 2019. Tourists caught sitting no them anyway are fined between €250 and €400 (around $280 to $450).
