Bomb squads on duty as Rome prepares for Via Crucis at Colosseum.

The Colosseum will close to visitors at 13.00 on 14 April for security reasons ahead of the traditional Good Friday Via Crucis ceremony, led by Pope Francis, from 21.00.

Security has been raised in areas of the capital where major Easter events are scheduled over the weekend, including the Colosseum and St Peter's, with bomb squads and sniffer dogs on patrol.

There will be a number of street closures and bus detours in the Colosseum area, from 13.00 onwards, and the Metro B Colosseo stop will also close at 13.00.

For traffic details see the Rome mobility website while for English-language Easter religious services see the Wanted in Rome guide.