Rome mayor bans costumed centurions from Colosseum until March.

Rome's costumed centurions have been banned from operating around the Colosseum and the historic centre following legislation introduced by the city's mayor Virginia Raggi on 4 January.

Effective until 31 March 2019, the new ban prohibits the dressing up in "historical clothing (such as centurions)" and seeking to be photographed or filmed "even without requesting cash."

The order covers the city's centro storico, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and is part of a raft of measures approved by the city council last November.

The city said the ban is to protect Rome's "artistic, historical and monumental heritage" as well as ensuring decorum and improving the visitor experience of tourists. 

Photo Sky TG24