PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Heavy snowfall in Romania cut off roads and left many villages isolated in the deep freeze.

People were forced to dig through the snow to reach their front door, as entire buildings were submerged.

Bulldozers cleared off paths in villages, leaving walls of snow metres high.

In Italy, an extraordinary winter chill took Rome by surprise.

Snow fell for the second weekend running, covering Rome's famous landmarks.

Authorities ordered schools and public offices to close all day Friday and Saturday.

Italy's interior ministry also advised against all non-essential travel.

Sophia Soo, Reuters.