Metro stations in Rome are to remain open 24 hours a day to provide shelter for homeless people during the current cold spell. Stations normally close from around midnight to 05.30 when the metro is not in service.

In total seven stations will be open: Barberini, Flaminio, Vittorio and S. Giovanni on metro line A and Piramide, Tiburtina and Ponte Mamolo on metro line B. The measure will remain in force until 4 January, when it will be reviewed and extended if the cold weather persists.

The provision is in addition to the 590 places made available for homeless people in 11 night centres around the city. These facilities, run by associations and religious groups under the city council