Centurion impersonators near Colosseum banned

Rome has banned centurion impersonators who charge to scowl in photos around the Colosseum amphitheatre and frequently come under fire for their pushy tactics with tourists.

The Italian capital is imposing extra security measures and sprucing up parks and piazzas as it gears up to host a Catholic Holy Year, or ‘Jubilee’, that could draw millions of tourists.

City hall said the Roman soldiers, many of whom hail from the poorer periphery and commute for hours to the historic centre, pose risks both to people’s safety and the “respectability” of the city’s monuments.

“These individuals often act inappropriately, they are persistent and at times aggressive,” it said in a statement.

Offering tourists rides in rickshaws and other wheeled vehicles has also been forbidden in some parts of town, and roving salesmen peddling tours or museum tickets are also now prohibited.

All of these money-making schemes could be dangerous in areas likely to get crowded when the Jubilee, one of the Catholic Church’s most important events, starts on December 8, city hall said.