The new ban, which came into effect on Tuesday, was met with astonishment, Italian media reports.

In Rome, tourists are banned from sitting on one of the city's most famous tourist destinations – the Spanish Steps. Something that was met with surprise by visitors.

– I understand that you want to protect the stairs and that you are not allowed to eat is reasonable. But that you are not allowed to sit down? That is excessive, says Mexican tourist Marco Morales to the Rome newspaper Il Messaggero.

The world heritagesThe protected staircase and its 135 steps, made entirely of marble, have long been a popular place for tourists to take a short break to watch the street life of the Eternal City.

Authorities have imposed a ban on sitting on historical monuments, otherwise you risk a fine of up to 400 euros. It is also not allowed to walk around shirtless, bathe in the fountain at the foot of the stairs or drag wheeled bags up the historic steps.

One person who is positive, however, is fashion designer Gianni Battistoni, whose store is located nearby.

– This measure is a small return to good old decency. The staircase is an artistic masterpiece and you don't sit on masterpieces, he tells the newspaper La Repubblica.

Source: sverigesradio.se