Visitors can experience the Roman
Forum at night with special guided tours made possible through a
new lighting system and available every Friday through October
28.
The evening tour initiative, called "The Moon on the
Forum", was undertaken to mark the founding of Rome on April 21
in 753 BC.
The 75-minute tours run every Friday from 8 p.m. through
midnight in Italian and English for groups of up to 25 people,
and must be reserved in advance.
The new illumination is a white and golden light that
perfectly highlights the forms of the monuments and structures
along the via Sacra, the via Nova and the Vicus Iugarius,
revealing the Basilica Aemilia; the Arch of Septimius Severus;
the Curia Julia; the Temples of Caesar, Castor and Pollux, and
Vesta; as well as the church of Santa Maria Antiqua and the
imposing Temple of Antonius and Faustina.
The new lighting system was created and installed by
Italian utility ACEA, using latest-technology LED bulbs at a
cost of 400,000 euros.
ACEA provided planning and project direction free of
charge.
The illumination gives the archaeological site a more
uniform appearance, which is useful both from the perspective of
historical interpretation as well as from an artistic
standpoint, as it brings out the forms and materials of the
monuments.
In addition, the lighting makes an essential contribution
to the relaunching and enhancement of one of the most beloved
symbols of ancient Rome.
"To put it like Premier Renzi, we are hoping that 'now's
the time'," said Francesco Prosperetti, special superintendent
for the Colosseum, the National Roman Museum and the
archeological area of Rome.
"Many lighting projects have been completed through the
years, but they have all had a short lifespan because they were
too costly and invasive," he said.
"The cost is now sustainable and this should ensure a
long-term future. Finally the city is opening itself to the
public during non-traditional hours, and this selective and
accentuating light on the principal historic moments of the
Forum is truly of great beauty," Prosperetti said.
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