Last week I came across this article about Rome’s plan to pave over some of the cobblestone streets to make the pedestrian areas more accessible to women in heels.
Nowhere else in the world would urban planning be dictated by the latest fashion (or in the case of Italian women, the timeless tradition of wearing fabulous albeit unsensible footwear!) I can’t say that I am in favor of this change. The cobblestones – known as sanpietrini, or little St. Peters – are an integral part of the fabric of the Roman cityscape and add incredible charm to the urban setting. However, I do understand the reason for the decision. In fact, I have first hand knowledge and experience. My memory of a particular evening at the Spanish Steps will remain in my memory as one of the greatest nights I spent with my husband (then boyfriend).We spent our final night of a 10-day trip wandering the streets of Rome, taking in the sights and enjoying the warm summer evening.Most of that night I spent barefoot, stopping only to put my shoes back on when we went into a restaurant for dinner. I had abandoned my shoes after a harrowing descent of the Spanish Steps in which I quite possibly dislocated Doug’s shoulder as I clung to him for dear life.
Here are the offending (though stylish) mules.
While they are of amateur status by any Italian woman’s standards, they were the demise of my promenade around the Eternal City and I opted for dirty street urchin feet once I could not take another step. Pave the streets if you must Mayor Alemanno. And to the uber stylish women of Rome, I salute you and your refusal to submit to function over fashion.
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