Topics Covered
A crowd of advertising panels
In the center of Rome, from Piazza Navona to the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain, tourists are greeted by a veritable visual assault: huge billboards promoting offers and daily specials. These elements, often placed in an invasive way, not only disturb the aesthetics of historic places, but also violate current regulations.
The Code of Decorum and the provisions of the Municipality establish clear rules regarding advertising in the historic center, but it seems that these are systematically ignored.
The regulations on urban decorum
The Code of Urban Decorum was introduced to preserve the aesthetic and cultural integrity of Rome’s historic areas. According to the regulations, advertising must be discreet and must not compromise the beauty of monuments and public spaces. However, the oversized billboards that invade main streets are a clear violation of these rules. Despite reports from citizens and cultural associations, the problem persists, raising questions about the authorities’ ability to enforce the laws.
The consequences for tourism and the community
The presence of abusive advertising not only damages the image of Rome, but also has repercussions on tourism. Visitors, attracted by the beauty of the monuments, find themselves having to deal with a panorama spoiled by intrusive advertising messages. This phenomenon can negatively influence the tourist experience, leading to a decrease in the number of visitors and, consequently, an economic impact on local businesses. It is essential that the competent authorities intervene to restore decorum and ensure that Rome can continue to be a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.