This new regulation is meant to discourage tourists from sitting down and having their meals in front of landmarks, especially religious ones. Florence street cleaning is usually done during late hours of the night, when there is comparably not as many pedestrians outside who would like to sit on the steps to eat their beloved sandwiches. It is assumed that the nuns relocated as a result of new ordinance.
The picnicking nuns sought divine protection by placing a small holy cross and a religious banner against the wall of the high fashion shop, and were not disturbed or asked to move during their lunchtime. The photo above, taken around 1:30 pm (typical Italian lunch hour) by Sergio Scognamiglio, has attracted much attention. It is unclear why the nuns chose this specific spot; it may be been shady. To see a photo gallery, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site. (jennifer klammer)