Decision follows Rolling Stones controversy

Rome has approved significant increases in the cost of renting public spaces in the capital's historic centre. The move follows the controversy over last month's concert by the Rolling Stones who rented the Circus Maximus for just below €8,000, generating heavy criticism of the Rome's mayor Ignazio Marino.

The 25 per cent price rise set out by the city administration on 23 July was then “multiplied by four” according to Marta Leonori, Rome's commerce and tourism councillor. Leonori said that for public spaces measuring more than 1,000 sqm an additional 40 per cent of the total surface area would be added.

She illustrated the increases by explaining that renting the Circus Maximus for a concert or major event will now cost about €200,000 instead of the original €7,934.