Dutch Riots in Rome

Just a few days before our arrival in Rome, Dutch soccer fans rioted in the streets of Rome and caused damage throughout the city, most notably to two 17th-century Bernini fountains--La Barcaccia at the foot of the famous Spanish Steps and at Piazza Navona.  That day's game, between Rotterdam and Rome, hadn't even started yet.

It's been strange to walk into the aftermath of the whole thing, especially since we arrived from Holland grinning like the tourists we are.  The discussion has ranged from understandable outrage at the actions of Dutch fans to shock that the Italian police weren't really able to stop it from happening to demands for the Dutch to pay for the estimated 1.1M in repairs.  Here are some of the pictures.

Personally, it so hard for me to imagine that Dutch fans would do this kind of thing.  The Dutch are not known for hooliganism, and it's been my experience that while that like a good party or festival or parade (Queen's Day, Gay Pride, etc) they seem to remain respectful.  They are practical-minded people, and thrifty; it wouldn't make sense to destroy perfectly wonderful works of art or public spaces.

Anyway, what also caught my attention is that this kind of behavior is not typical of Roman fans.  I find this a little surprising because Italians are a bit raucous and party-happy.  They even seem to have parties for two on their scooters while zipping through the streets.  But as this article points out, "even the dimmest Roma supporter is aware that it is something special."  All Romans appreciate their amazing history, going back thousands of years, and take care to respect the huge Bernini's in the middle of their most popular city squares.

And indeed Rome is special, and here we are at some of those very special 17-century spots that are must-do's whenever one is in Rome.

Piazza Navona:

The Spanish Steps and La Barcaccia.  It's been wonderful to spend time with our friend, CB, who lives in Rome.  We all met at French immersion camp last summer.