NPR

Paninis Are Pa-nonos: Mayor Of Florence Takes Aim At Tourist Picnicking

The Italian mayor says hosing down the steps to discourage snackers and their litter is "gentler" than levying fines. The city's historic sites, he says, deserve "a little bit of respect."
The steps of Florence's Basilica of Santa Croce are a popular gathering spot for tourists visiting the historic Italian city. / ALBERTO PIZZOLI / Getty Images

Florence has taken aim at picnicking tourists. The problem: visitors who choose to dine on the steps of the Italian city's historic churches.

Earlier this week, just before lunchtime, the city began hosing down the front steps of a basilica where sightseers like to sit and eat. Mayor Dario Nardella's goal is to make the steps wet enough that tourists won't

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readInternational Relations
Biden Says He Would Halt Additional Weapons Shipments If Israel Invades Rafah
The president's comments to CNN follow news that one shipment of bombs is already on hold out of concern about the impact on civilian lives.
NPR1 min readAmerican Government
Biden Is Tweaking An Asylum Rule To Speed Up Deportation For Some Migrants
President Biden had said he wanted the power to effectively "shut down the border" when migration numbers surge. But this rule is an incremental shift.
NPR3 min readWorld
The Eurovision Song Contest Kicked Off With Pop And Protests
Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage in the first of two Eurovision semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo, against a backdrop of both parties and protests.

Related