Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps were the scene of a baffling incident early on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, when an 81-year-old man drove his car down the historic monument before getting stuck part way down the famous staircase.
The elderly driver, identified by police as a resident of Rome, was behind the wheel of a luxury Mercedes-Benz A Class sedan when the incident occurred around 4 a.m. He was reportedly noticed by police officers patrolling the area.
Driver’s Explanation and Immediate Response
When questioned, the man reportedly told officers that he was on his way to work and had taken a wrong turn, mistakenly believing the landmark was a road. Italian media reports also described the driver as being in a state of confusion.
Police administered tests at the scene, confirming the driver was negative for both alcohol and drug consumption. While he was not physically injured, he was taken to a hospital as a precaution. Authorities cited the driver on the spot for driving down the monument.
Cleanup and Assessment Underway
Emergency services, including the Italian Fire Brigade, responded quickly. To avoid further damage to the 18th-century steps, a crane was positioned at the foot of the staircase and used to carefully lift and remove the vehicle. Visible damage was noted on the car after it was retrieved.
Experts from Italy’s culture ministry and archaeologists have been called in to conduct a thorough inspection to assess if any damage was caused to the historic landmark itself. The Spanish Steps are currently closed to the public while this assessment takes place.
Police have launched an investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are also reportedly evaluating the possibility of revoking the driver’s license. Under Italian law, drivers aged 80 and over are required to undergo frequent medical and cognitive tests to renew their licenses.
A History of Incidents at the Iconic Landmark
Officially known as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, the Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most recognizable and beloved cultural sites, famed for their 135 travertine steps connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church. Completed in the 1720s and famously featured in films like “Roman Holiday,” they underwent a significant restoration completed in 2015.
The steps were never intended for vehicular traffic, making this incident particularly unusual. However, it is not the first time the iconic staircase has been subjected to misuse or accidental damage. In 2022, two separate incidents made headlines: a man driving a rented Maserati down the steps caused fractures to specific steps and was subsequently charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage, while two American tourists were fined and temporarily banned from the city center for damaging the steps with electric scooters.
The investigation into how the 81-year-old driver ended up on the steps is ongoing, alongside the critical assessment of whether Rome’s cherished monument sustained any lasting impact.
