Fast food giant Burger King plans to open a branch in the immediate vicinity of St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums in Rome. The project has sparked violent protests among residents.
The fast food chain wants to open a store in Porta Cavalleggeri, just 350 metres from St. Peter’s Square, the Roman daily La Repubblica reported on Thursday.
Hamburgers instead of books
The branch will move to the long-closed Maraldi bookstore, reports the Italian newspaper ‘La Repubblica’.
“How sad”
“Burger King is eating the historic bookstore in the city center. Another piece gone. How sad,” the newspaper quoted a resident. Many of them fear negative consequences for traffic and an even greater influx of tourists to the area.
However, according to ‘La Repubblica’, there are also positive voices that say: ‘It is better to have a restaurant chain than run-down shops’.
McDonald’s opened a branch in 2016
In 2016, McDonald’s controversially opened a branch not far from the Vatican, despite protests from residents and cardinals. The fast-food restaurant is located in a building owned by the Papal States, which rents out the space. This also angered some cardinals. Joseph Ratzinger lived just a stone’s throw away before he was elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Too expensive
At least 30 million pilgrims are expected in Rome for the Catholic Church Year 2025, which begins on December 24, 2024 and has the motto “Pilgrims of Hope.” The city is bracing for the onslaught of believers, but residents are worried. They complain about too many fast food restaurants and holiday apartments, as well as overpriced restaurants.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
