Historic Spanish Steps Incident: Elderly Driver Attempts Car Descent

Sat Oct 18 2025 00:47:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An elderly man caused a stir in Rome after attempting to drive a sedan down the iconic Spanish Steps early Tuesday morning, leading to police intervention and the use of a crane for removal.

The Spanish Steps in Rome became the scene of an unusual incident when an 80-year-old man tried to drive his Mercedes A-Class down the historic staircase. Although no damage was reported and the driver was unharmed, the police reiterated the prohibition of vehicles on the site. Previous incidents have raised concerns for the preservation of this cultural landmark.

In an unexpected event early Tuesday morning, an 80-year-old man attempted to drive his Mercedes A-Class down Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps, a location historically reserved for pedestrians. The unusual maneuver was cut short when the sedan became stuck partway down, prompting a response from local authorities.

Witnesses reported that the driver showed signs of confusion at the time. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident, and authorities confirmed that the driver tested negative for alcohol consumption. While the police have not publicly identified the individual or his place of origin, photos of the man interacting with police soon circulated online.

The Spanish Steps, known as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, are a significant tourist attraction and are subject to strict regulations against vehicular access. The fire department was called in to assist with the vehicle removal, using a crane to lift the car from the steps without causing damage to the historic structure.

Sowad Mujibullah, a local hotel worker, was one of the witnesses to the bizarre scene. Initially mistaking the event for a film shoot due to its surreal nature, Mujibullah later described the moment as shocking, emphasizing the importance of protecting Italy's cultural heritage.

This is not the first time the steps have faced incidents related to reckless behavior; notable events include an electric scooter being pushed down the steps in 2022, incurring significant damage, and a tourist driving a Maserati down the steps after losing his way.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of preserving these landmarks, where damaging property can lead to severe penalties including hefty fines and potential prison time. The recent incident serves as a reminder of the care needed to protect Italy's treasured sites.