(ANSA) - Rome, December 18 - During the height of the Christmas season, Rome's iconic Via dei Fori Imperiali, connecting the Colosseum with Piazza Venezia, will become a full pedestrian walkway, Mayor Ignazio Marino announced Wednesday. During a presentation on plans for New Year's Eve in the Italian capital Marino, who became mayor about six months ago, said that the major thoroughfare will be closed to traffic from Christmas Day to January 6. During that time, police officers on horseback will patrol the area, said Marino, who is known for riding his bicycle to work at his office on Rome's ancient capital hill. Several months ago, amid much controversy, Marino strictly limited traffic on the multi-lane street that runs through a major archeological area. Bicycles, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, buses and taxis are generally the only traffic allowed on a large stretch of the street.