New Rules for Old Steps in Rome

From now on, tourists visiting one of Rome’s most famous landmarks will have to be on good behavior.

There will be no more eating, lounging or sleeping allowed on the newly restored Spanish Steps, the majestic stone stairway that draws thousands of visitors daily.

Just walking.

The 270-year-old steps were reopened to the public on Dec. 20 after the city of Rome spent $625,000 and seven months to clean them up.

Mayor Francesco Rutelli says police will patrol the 137 steps around the clock. Anyone found eating, sleeping, littering or being excessively noisy will be fined $125.

The mayor said the restrictions are necessary because of increasing vandalism on the stairway in recent years.