'The Beast from the East' surprises Rome with snowfall

Tourists visit the Colosseum during a rare and heavy snowfall in Rome on Feb. 26.

An extremely cold weather front, dubbed the "Beast from the East" by the British media, is expected to bring extremely cold air from Russia to vast areas of Europe this week.

A statue is covered in snow in front of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

A snow-capped St. Peter's Dome peeks through the trees.

The Circus Maximus is transformed into a winter wonderland for children and families with sleds, skis and snowboards following unusually heavy snowfall.

Schools and public offices were closed and snow-removal crews were in place as Rome was on high alert for a winter blast of bad weather.

The Ancient Forum covered in snow.

Students play in a snow blanketed St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

American seminarian Shawn Roser throws a snowball in St. Peter's Square.

Nuns walk past a bike covered in snow.

People walk down the via dei Fori.

A snowman in front of the Ancient Forum.

A snow-covered statue in central Rome.

The river Tiber flows through a snow-covered Rome.

A man carries his skis as he climbs the Spanish Steps.

A couple kiss in front of the Colosseum.

Members of the Swiss Guard stand in St. Peter's Square.

Watch: Snow blankets Rome after heaviest winter storm in years