Rome mayor plans total pedestrianisation within two years

Via dei Fori Imperiali is to be closed to traffic from 18 April until 4 May, for the city's Easter ceremonies and the double canonisation at the Vatican.

The 17-day traffic closure begins on Good Friday to allow crowds to observe the annual Stations of the Cross ceremony, or Via Crucis, at the Colosseum at 21.15. Thousands of faithful are expected to join Pope Francis in the Stations of the Cross, which recall the final hours of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion.

The closure of the street, which connects Piazza Venezia with the Colosseum and overlooks the Roman Forum, is also to cater for the crowds expected for the double canonisation ceremony of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II on 27 April.

The mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino pointed out that this is the third time the street will be closed for an extended period, following closures last August and over Christmas. Despite opposition from local traders, Marino believes that a total closure of the street is possible within two years "as promised in the election campaign."

Photo. La Repubblica