McDonald's has been banned from opening a restaurant next to ancient baths in Rome.
The fast food chain wanted to build an outlet near the Baths of Caracalla, not far from the Colosseum.
However, Italy's cultural heritage ministry said it had intervened to stop the planned restaurant.
Last week, the culture minister himself said he did not like the idea of a fast food restaurant near the baths.
Alberto Bonisoli argued: "Our cultural heritage deserves to be treated well, in a dignified manner, with grace, attention and a lot of respect".
According to TheLocal, McDonald's had previously been granted a permit by a local council to build the 800 square metre restaurant on privately owned land.
However, it prompted an outcry - with Rome's mayor Virginia Raggi among those voicing their opposition to the project.
Speaking after today's decision by the government, Ms Raggi insisted that "the wonders of Rome must be protected".
