2 June 2011Last updated at 16:22

In pictures: Italy's unification anniversary

Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi (L) smiles as he waits for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at Villa Doria Pamphili after a military parade to celebrate the 150th anniversary of unification of Italy, in Rome June 2, 2011

Italy has been marking 150 years since unification, with the holding of a military parade and ceremony in Rome.

Italian presidency horse-mounted Corassiers take part in the celebrations, 2 June 2011

The celebrations were also held to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the Italian republic in 1946, when the country voted to abolish the monarchy. The yearly Feast of the Republic celebration is a public holiday in Italy.

From left, Hungarian President Pal Schmitt, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, US Vice President Joe Biden and Arab League chief Amr Moussa

Dozens of leaders attended the celebrations at the Fori Imperiali, including a number of presidents, US Vice-President Joe Biden and the head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa.

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi greets Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev during a meeting on June 2, 2011 at Villa Pamphili in Rome.

The guests also included Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who held talks with Mr Berlusconi prior to the ceremony.

Soldiers run during a military parade to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Italian republic in 1946 and the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, 2 June 2011

Parades featured armoured cavalry from the president's ceremonial guard and feather-capped Bersaglieri trumpeters taking part in their traditional running march.

The Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori acrobatic squad performs during celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Italy"s unification, Rome, Thursday, June 2, 2011

Air space over Rome was closed off for the parade, which featured a fly-past by the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori acrobatic squad.

Red Cross nurses march during a military parade to celebrate Italy"s 150th anniversary of unification, in Rome June 2, 2011

Red Cross nurses march during the military parade. The celebrations come after a significant local election defeat for Mr Berlusconi, who has been politically weakened after becoming embroiled in various legal problems.

Europe

In pictures: Italy's unification anniversary

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