Thousands of tourists and pilgrims have filled the city for Holy Week, sightseeing and attending the religious celebrations at the Vatican city.

The Via Crucis, the 14 stations of the cross, will take place as usual on Good Friday evening at the Colosseum: It will be the first one of Pope Benedict XVIs papacy and large numbers are expected to attend.

The Via Crucis begins at 21.00 but the area will close to public transport at 18.00 and the following buses will be diverted: 3, 60 express, 75, 81, 85, 87, 113, 175, 271, 571, 673, 810 and 850. It is also possible that the Colosseum metro station will be closed for the evening.