These steps aren’t made for sitting. Roman police have begun enforcing a law that makes it illegal to sit, eat, or drink on the city’s iconic Spanish Steps; those who run afoul of the new rule, which went into effect last month, risk incurring a fine of up to €400 ($447). That’s a heavy price to pay for catching a breather during your vacation.

It’s also a bit ironic considering that Rome’s own tourism website refers to the steps as “a place for meeting and a pleasant rest,” but that’s neither here nor there. Continue reading →