Driver's Bizarre Spanish Steps Joyride Ends Smoothly in Rome

An 80-year-old man's ill-fated drive down the Spanish Steps, a renowned Roman landmark, left onlookers stunned but unhurt, sparking a reminder about the monument's vehicle prohibitions.

In a surprising turn of events early Tuesday, an 80-year-old man made headlines after attempting to drive his Mercedes A-Class down Rome’s famed Spanish Steps. This ambitious yet ill-fated venture occurred before dawn, as the car entered an area famously closed to vehicles, according to a statement from local authorities. The vehicle managed to descend partway down the steps before getting stuck, leaving the driver stranded while emergency services were notified.

Remarkably, no injuries were reported, and initial assessments indicated no damage to the historical monument itself. Authorities confirmed that the driver had tested negative for alcohol, though they did not disclose his identity or origin. A photograph released by the police depicted him in a suit, speaking with an officer amidst the unusual chaos. Witnesses, including hotel worker Sowad Mujibullah, were captivated by the scene, initially mistaking it for a film shoot. "It was shocking”, he remarked, highlighting the historical significance of the steps, which should not be subjected to such reckless acts.

The Spanish Steps, or Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are among the most cherished landmarks in Rome, and any act of vandalism directed at them carries severe penalties, including a potential year in prison and fines exceeding 2,000 euros (approximately $2,300). Although the recent incident appears to have ended without physical or historical harm, it is not the first instance of vehicular mischief at the site. Past incidents include American tourists recklessly pushing an electric scooter down the steps, resulting in considerable damage estimated at 25,000 euros, as well as a previous case where a man inadvertently drove a Maserati down the iconic monument after a navigational error.