Maserati Levante Drives Down Rome's Historic Steps for a Selfie; Driver Arrested

A Maserati Levante drove into the pedestrian zone outside the Trinità dei Monti church in Rome last week, then down the stairs that connect it to the Piazza di Spagna below.

This staircase, also known as the Trinità dei Monti steps or the Spanish Steps (built in 1725), is a legally protected historical monument and one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Italy.

One tourist decided to visit it by car!

It's the most ridiculous stunt you can imagine, and the fact that he did it for a selfie only adds to the absurdity. Police in Roma Capitale shared CCTV footage of the stunt on social media, along with an announcement that the perpetrator had been apprehended.

The driver was apprehended at the airport while attempting to return the rental Maserati, according to SkyNews. So, no, it wasn't his car!

After reading the plates on the surveillance video, police worked with the rental company to arrest him on the spot. He's been charged with "aggravated damage to cultural and monumental assets" and faces a hefty fine.

According to the same report, the SUV caused significant damage to the 16th and 29th steps on the right-hand staircase, as well as minor chippings, scratching, and abrasions on both ramps of the second level. Authorities claim that the steps have been temporarily repaired, but that additional interventions are required.