The iconic Piazza di Spagna will be entirely pedestrianized as of August 4, Rome mayor Ignazio Marino announced this week.
The move is part of a larger plan to make the city more eco-friendly and to encourage walking and biking over the use of private vehicles. It follows last year’s closure of Via dei Fori Imperiali, the road that connects Piazza Venezia with the Colosseum passing alongside the Roman Forum. Emergency vehicles, taxis and buses are the only traffic allowed on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
The area around the Spanish Steps, including the famous shopping street of Via dei Condotti and 14 other nearby streets, are set to become entirely off-limits to motorized vehicles.
The mayor, a passionate cyclist, has announced additional plans to ban cars in other parts of the city.
