The story of the Sonnino cousins: after 11 years, their stall returns to the Colosseum thanks to a ruling by the Council of State

After 11 years away, the first "urtisti" stall has returned near the Colosseum in Rome, thanks to a ruling from the Council of State. As of August 3, the souvenir-selling stall has been reinstated close to the Arch of Constantine. The return of this stall marks the beginning of a broader process, with up to 58 other stalls expected to follow in the coming days. However, the issue of approval from the Superintendency remains unresolved. The decision was made following a long legal battle, culminating in a ruling issued on July 28 by the Council of State. This court, which serves as the highest administrative tribunal in Italy, overturned previous decisions made by lower courts. According to the ruling, the city of Rome did not engage in a participatory procedure with the affected operators. As a result, the city is obligated to allow these vendors to temporarily re-establish themselves in their original locations, unless an agreement is reached between the parties. Giacomo and Angelo Sonnino, cousins who have operated the stall for nearly four decades, were among those affected by the ban imposed in November 2014. At that time, then-Mayor Ignazio Marino initiated a technical table to address issues related to the appearance of the city. The focus was on the presence of street vendors, known as "urtisti," near major landmarks such as the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, and others. Concerns were raised over the compatibility of these activities with the historical sites they surrounded. Consequently, a temporary relocation was ordered, which effectively lasted more than a decade. For the Sonnino family, the return of their stall represents both a personal and professional milestone. Giacomo, who began working there at age 20, described the emotional impact of returning to the site where he started his career. His son, David, now 30, continues to monitor the stall, while Giacomo himself admits to having trouble sleeping due to the significance of the moment. Despite the emotional weight, the family has taken steps to comply with local regulations, including investing €1,000 to meet the requirements set by the municipality. Angelo, another key figure in the operation, emphasized the importance of adhering to rules, stating that the investment was justified by the need to work. Yet, he expressed concern over potential obstacles ahead. He warned that the situation could still change, noting that authorities might again block access to the site. The uncertainty stems from the ongoing lack of consensus between the Superintendency and the city administration. While the Council of State’s ruling provides a legal basis for the return of the stalls, the final resolution depends on a mutual agreement between the two entities. The decision by former Mayor Marino in 2014 had far-reaching consequences for many small businesses. The temporary relocation order, initially intended to last a few months, became a permanent restriction for many vendors. Over time, some managed to relocate successfully, while others struggled to find alternative spaces that matched the demand and visibility of their original locations. As the city prepares to reintroduce these stalls, the challenge lies in balancing the interests of local entrepreneurs with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. The upcoming discussions between the Superintendency and the city will determine whether this process can proceed smoothly, ensuring that both economic activity and urban aesthetics remain intact. For now, the return of the Sonnino stall stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for those who have fought to reclaim their place in the heart of Rome.