The Spanish Steps is one of the most attractive sights in Rome. Even those who have never been to Italy know the attraction of the movie “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
A few days ago, the stairs were again in the spotlight of the international media, but this time the reason is sad. Two American tourists drove their electric scooters over it, causing €25,000 worth of damage.
American tourists throw down electric scooter on the Spanish Steps in Rome, causing 25k euros damage 🃏 pic.twitter.com/kOwTr00nJq
— Public Outsider (@publicoutsider) June 7, 2022
The actions of the offenders were caught on the recording of a street surveillance camera. Police-released footage shows the woman pushing her scooter down the stairs. Her partner does the same.
The woman then deliberately pushed her scooter down the stairs. An administrative case was opened against her for damaging the monument. This offense under Italian law is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of at least 2,000 euros.
Rome City Council spokesman Franco Pasqualetti said the two tourists were “completely drunk” on the night of the incident. They were banned from visiting the attraction for six months after the damage occurred.