Rome, with its timeless beauty and rich history, is home to countless landmarks that have captivated people from around the world for centuries. Among these is the Spanish Steps, or “Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti,” a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that connects the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church. Recently, this beloved monument was thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons when activists poured red paint over several of the steps, igniting a storm of outrage and debate.
On June 26, 2024, activists from the organization “Bruciamo tutto” (Let’s Burn Everything) poured red paint down Rome’s Spanish Steps to protest femicides in Italy. The activists said the paint was a type that wouldn’t permanently damage the steps, a popular tourist landmark. They also dipped their hands in the paint to leave handprints on the monument, which they said represented blood. Police detained the activists and carried them away from the scene.
The red paint, they explained, was meant to represent the “bleeding” of the Earth and the destruction of the environment, with the steps symbolizing the descent into further ecological degradation if immediate action is not taken. The activists believed that only through such dramatic actions could they spur people and governments to take the necessary steps to protect the planet.
The public reaction to the vandalism was swift and overwhelmingly negative. The Spanish Steps are not just a tourist attraction but a cherished piece of Rome’s cultural heritage. The sight of the historic steps defaced with red paint outraged both locals and tourists, who expressed their anger and disappointment on social media and in the press.
While some people acknowledged the importance of the activists’ message and the issues they were highlighting, many questioned whether defacing a historic monument was an appropriate or effective way to convey that message. The act of vandalism was seen by many as an unnecessary desecration of a beloved landmark, detracting from the very cause the activists were trying to promote.
City officials, including the Mayor of Rome, condemned the vandalism and promised a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. The incident also sparked a broader debate about the balance between activism and respect for cultural heritage, with many arguing that there are more constructive ways to raise awareness about important issues.
In the aftermath of the incident, a team of restoration experts was quickly assembled to assess the damage and begin the painstaking process of cleaning the steps. Removing the red paint from the porous travertine marble is a delicate task that requires specialized techniques to avoid further damage to the historic stone.
While the activists’ motivations may have been rooted in genuine concern for pressing issues, the defacing of the Spanish Steps has underscored the need for respect and care in how we choose to express our beliefs. Activism plays a crucial role in driving social and environmental change, but it must be balanced with a respect for the cultural and historical landmarks that belong to all of humanity.
As the restoration of the Spanish Steps continues, there is hope that this incident will serve as a catalyst for more constructive dialogue. Activists, governments, and the public must find ways to address critical issues without resorting to actions that damage our shared heritage. The Spanish Steps, once restored, will continue to stand as a symbol of Rome’s resilience and beauty, but also as a reminder of the need for thoughtful and respectful activism.
The Spanish Steps were designed by Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1726. The steps underwent a €1.5 million restoration ten years ago funded by Bulgari, a luxury jeweler.
Update: Rome’s local authority said that the clean-up operation was quick and that there was no risk of permanent damage. Luckily, most of the paint was removed with a high-pressure washer, and brushes and other products were used to remove any remaining pink marks.
