Tourists travelling to Rome issued warning on small mistake that could land you hefty fine

People planning on travelling to Rome have been hit with a serious warning.

When it comes to travel, we all like to picture a seriously idyllic time away.

Especially when it comes to getting to Italy - we picture a big plate of cacio e pepe, complete with a glass of Aperol spritz.

Yet, the older we get, the more we learn there are heaps of rules to consider when it comes to travelling that we'd never given a second thought to.

When it comes to Rome in particular, there are many sights to see and landmarks to enjoy.

In fact, in the latest season of Emily in Paris, titular Emily relaxes on the Spanish Steps alongside an Italian hunk.

The iconic landmark has 135 stairs, leading from the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church - and dates back to the early 1700s.

Romantic poet John Keats spent his final days there, and the landmark has been further immortalised by being featured in the film The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon and Jude Law.

So, it's easy to assume it's fair game to enjoy the famous landmark and have a sit on the steps.

But the lounging around has a financial burden - and the wearing of the steps has led to many expensive restorations over the years.

So, in 2019, the city of Rome decided to tighten regulations.

There was a pre-existing ban of 'loitering' on the steps, but this seemed to have little effect, so Mayor Virginia Raggi instructed a tighter regulation and strict enforcement.

This was in a bid to ‘guarantee decorum, security and legality.’

Rome is beautiful but comes with strict rules (Getty Stock Image)

If you loiter around the steps or plonk yourself down on them... well, don't.

Officials are employed to specifically keep an eye out for tourists who flout the rules, and they are keen to place a fine upon those who ignore the guidance.

Peopla can expect to receive a fine of €250 (£208) for sitting on the steps, and up to €400 (£333) for causing damage to the stairs, including by making them dirty - or eating on them, or pushing a pram up or down the steps.

Of course, the Netflix production Emily in Paris saw the traveller getting away without so much as a slap on the wrist - but that's not reality, as much as we wish it was.

Rome tour guide Dino Margiotta told Euronews: "Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes. This is how Alberto Sordi, one of the most famous Italian actors, described Rome.

"I believe that when visiting any city, one should respect the place and avoid engaging in behaviours that might disturb the residents."

In other words, best off just taking a picture and avoiding the hefty fine.