Mamma mia! 80-year-old man tries to drive car down Rome's Spanish Steps
An 80-year-old man who drove a Mercedes-Benz A Class down the historic Spanish Steps landmark in Rome early Tuesday could not explain how he ended up stuck atop the famed walkway, according to Italian police.
The man tested negative for alcohol and was fined on the spot for driving down the iconic monument in the centre of the ancient city.
Police said the man, a resident of Rome, wasn't sure how he wound up driving down the steps. Authorities did not release his name, nor confirm if the car was his.
Firefighters used a crane to remove the compact vehicle from the steps, The Associated Press reported.
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Firefighters in Rome used a crane to remove a car that got stuck on the Spanish Steps on June 17, 2025, after a man in his 80s drove down the historic monument. AP photo
While the Spanish Steps — one of Rome's most recognizable monuments — was not built for vehicles, some drivers have attempted to drive down them in the past.
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A Saudi man was charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage after a surveillance camera recorded him driving a rented Maserati down the 135 travertine steps in 2022.
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The Spanish Steps are named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which is located in Piazza di Spagna, a nearby square.
The steps were built in the 1720s, have long been a popular people-watching spot, and are no stranger to film appearances, including in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, where Tom Cruise drove down the staircase in a small, bright yellow car.
— With files from The Associated Press
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Toronto Star
3 hours ago
- Toronto Star
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Toronto Sun
4 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Nezza's Spanish anthem at Dodger Stadium ignites debate over team's immigrant support
Published Jun 18, 2025 • 5 minute read Music artist Nezza sings the national anthem prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants on June 14. AP Photo As fans removed their caps and stood for the national anthem Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, they were met with a surprising rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Latin pop and R&B singer Nezza stood in front of the crowd, closed her eyes and belted the song out — in Spanish. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Her 90-second rendition, and a behind-the-scenes video she shared on social media of team representatives discouraging it beforehand, quickly went viral and have become a flashpoint for Dodgers fans frustrated by the team's lack of vocal support for immigrant communities impacted by the deportation raids across the U.S., including numerous neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles. Protests over the arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have captured international attention and mostly been held in areas a short drive from Dodger Stadium. 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Winnipeg Free Press
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