Snow in Rome

A nun in St Peter's square during a snow fall. It is rare for snow to fall in Rome. The city was last dusted with snow in 2005. The last significant accumulation was in February 1986, when some 20cm of snow paralysed the city
Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/AP

Two nuns film snowy scenes in St Peter's square near the Vatican
Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/AP

Tourists take pictures under heavy snow at St Peter's square near the Vatican in Rome
Photograph: Antonio Caldarelli/AFP/Getty Images

The Colosseum in Rome is partly obscured by falling snow as a cold spell hits the Italian capital
Photograph: Alessandro Di Meo/EPA

A man dressed as a Roman centurion watches the falling snow in front of Rome's ancient Colosseum
Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Tourists protect themselves with umbrellas from the falling snow in front of the Colosseum
Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Youths enjoy a snowball fight in front of the Colosseum
Photograph: Beatrice Larco/AP

Tourists look at snow-covered ruins in the Roman Forum
Photograph: Beatrice Larco/AP