The Italian Parliament was formed shortly after the second world war and was based on the constitutional model used by the United States. Informally known as Piazza "Colonna" - due to the presence of a huge obelisk in the middle of the square - the square is a strict no go area whenever parliament are in session. If you want to take a good photograph you will have to get up very early indeed and even then you may still be questioned by the 24 hour armed carabinieri who watch over the parliament building morning, noon and night,,,