Way of the Cross at Colosseum in 2024.

The annual Via Crucis or Way of the Cross ceremony led by Pope Francis will take place at the Colosseum on Good Friday, 29 March, from 21.00 until 23.30.

The torchlit procession - which dates to the 18th century and was revived in 1964 - attracts thousands of faithful who listen to meditations re-enacting Christ's crucifixion.

This year, for the first time in his 11-year pontificate, Pope Francis has written his own Via Crucis meditations, based on the theme “In Prayer with Jesus on the Way of the Cross".

There are no tickets required for the Via Crucis which is part of the pontiff's liturgical programme for Holy Week or Settimana Santa.

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The Easter Vigil Mass takes place in St Peter's Basilica at 19.30 on Saturday, with Easter Sunday Mass celebrated in St Peter's Square at 10.00, followed by the pope's traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing at midday.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill will close at 13.00 on Friday 29 March, with last entry at midday.

Access to the Baths of Elagabalus is closed from Wednesday 20 March to Saturday 30 March, and there will be no access to the Temple of Venus and Roma from 21-30 March, with both sites reopening on Sunday 31 March.

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The temporary closure is necessary to set up the equipment required to film the Via Crucis which will be broadcast by RAI Uno from 21.00 on 29 March.

The solemn event, which takes place amid tight security, will also be streamed live by Vatican Media.

The Via Crucis will also lead to road closures and bus detours in the area around the Colosseum on Friday as well as the closure of the Colosseo subway station from 13.00.

The nearest Metro B stations open will be Circo Massimo and Cavour.

For full transport details see Rome mobility website.

Cover image: Via Crucis at the Colosseum in 2019. Photo credit: AM113 / Shutterstock.com.