Rome has started works to transform the piazza in front of the papal Archbasilica of St John Lateran, or San Giovanni in Laterano, for the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025. The first phase of works began on Wednesday at the sprawling site outside the landmark basilica which is currently celebrating its 1,700th anniversary.

The €15 million project, being carried out by the city's infrastructure development and urban maintenance department, concerns a roughly 10,000-sqm area. The existing grass lawns and pavements are to be replaced with geometric paving, flowerbeds, seating, light effects and water features including walk-in 'splash' fountains. The plan does not appear to include trees.