As we wandered through the narrow streets of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, we noticed an abundance of small cars. I was surprised to see classic cars and motorbikes zipping through the cobbled streets, which I had assumed were pedestrian-only.

In Rome, small cars dominate the roads, and larger vehicles like people-carriers or SUVs are not common. These compact cars fit perfectly into the tight parking spots outside the old apartment buildings.

My son, who can easily distinguish a Fiat Cinquecento from an Autobianchi, was busy taking photos of these cars while we enjoyed our tiramisu at a restaurant. Small cars are highly valued in Italy due to the narrow streets of its historic towns and cities.

Finding a parking space can be challenging, and sometimes you need to lightly bump other cars to fit into a spot. Locals expect a few dents and scratches, so investing in a large, expensive car isn’t practical if it’s likely to get damaged on the first drive.

That’s not to say that classic cars aren’t appreciated. They look stunning against the backdrop of old terracotta buildings, adding a touch of La Dolce Vita to the scenery.