How do you feel about the endless lines at souvenir shops whenever you visit any major tourist attraction? From now on, Rome is getting rid of them in an effort to ease overcrowding at big tourist sites.
As Lonely Planet reports, Italy’s capital is banning souvenir stands and snack carts from the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and other places.
The ban is meant to “protect Rome’s heritage,” according to the city’s mayor Virginia Raggi, speaking to Lonely Planet.
Many travelers feel that the stands with cheap souvenirs take away from the beauty of these landmarks, even putting a damper on their trips, Raggi explained.
“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,” said Raggi.
The city of Rome also banned sitting on the Spanish Steps in August 2019, hoping to preserve the landmark.
The souvenir ban in Rome began on January 1st, 2020, and we’d love to see other cities follow their example.