It was the heaviest snowfall in Rome in six years and the largest for the end of February in decades
Romans woke up to snow covering the capital city as a rare snowfall, after an Arctic storm, dumped enough snow to force schools to close and public transport to reduce services.
ADVERTISEMENTMonday morning's snowfall, though not huge in quantity, brought excited young Romans out for a rare snowball fight or walk in the slush.
Rome’s Mediterranean climate usually results in mild winters which means restaurants often keep outdoor seating open even through the coldest months of the year.
Piazza Venezia, Rome's central square which is usually a cacophony of car horns and a tangle of traffic, was empty and quiet as dawn broke.
It was the heaviest snowfall in Rome in six years and the largest for the end of February in decades.