The move alike drew the ire of the 80-year-old man who shook Rome to its core on Tuesday morning. Yes, he cavalierly attempted to blaze a trail down the iconic Spanish Steps! This national historic landmark, famous for its 135 travertine steps and stunning architecture, has never been designed with automobiles in mind. Even with its inaccessibility, thrill-seekers have sometimes tried to drive their cars down the steps, resulting in prior mishaps.
The Spanish Steps, built in the 1720s, inspired civic engagement. Now, they’re bringing in visitors from all over the world and revitalizing their community as a vibrant gathering spot. They’re named after the tiny square that’s home to the Spanish embassy to the Holy See. In the decades since, the stairs have been featured in dozens of movies, establishing the staircase as a cultural touchstone.
On that tragic Tuesday morning, the frustrated driver was stuck between steps. According to witnesses, the first thing that drew attention was the car lodged between the stairs, setting off an immediate reaction from the municipal police. Federal authorities were made aware of this bizarre situation and quickly acted to rectify it.
The firefighting response, including some heroic action by local firefighters who came to the site with a monster red crane. They lifted the car clear of the steps so no additional historic material was damaged in this step. Time of the accident No injuries were reported during the incident. It did raise red flags about safety and preservation at these beloved national landmarks.
This isn’t the first time someone has tried to take a vehicle down the Spanish Steps. Earlier in 2022, a Saudi man gained notoriety when he rented a Maserati and tore down the same steps. He is now facing severe criminal penalties, having been charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage for his actions in the incident.
Officials have stressed time and again that this is illegal, and that it endangers Italy’s marvelous cultural heritage. The Spanish Steps are an important part of the history of Rome. They are an artist’s touchstone, popular hang out for local youth and tourists alike.