The Roman forums are now dazzling
visitors by night too thanks to new lighting designed by Oscar-
winning set designer Vittorio Storaro and his daughter
Francesca.
The much-anticipated artistic lighting, which debuted
Tuesday night to make the archaeological area come vibrantly
alive, started at around 8:30 pm local time at the Forum of
Nerva, to then reach the Forum of Augustus and Trajan.
"It is a dream come true", said a visibly thrilled Rome
Major Ignazio Marino.
"Seeing that location in the dark weighed on the heart
because it is an archaeological area that we are the only ones
to have worldwide".
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said at the
inauguration: "It is truly an extraordinary thing what the city
of Rome did, this work makes the central archaeological area of
Rome something marvelous where one can take a unique walk, along
the road of of Via dei Fori Imperiali, which is closed to
traffic".
"It is truly important that this happens in the evening that
closes such an important, historic day in which we signed an
agreement between Mibact (the culture ministry) and the city of
Rome that will finally lead to sole management after years of
lack of communication".
The project of permanent lighting enjoyed the technical
support of municipal electric company Acea, with President Catia
Tomasetti who explained: "The funds invested in the project come
from savings that are manageable".
And among the thousands who came to admire the area by
night, Vittorio Storaro said: "Enjoy this every night".
And festivities for the lavishly celebrated anniversary of
Rome's founding in 753 BC on Tuesday - Rome's 2,768th birthday -
did not end there.
"The long night of the Imperial Forums", as defined by
Rome culture councillor Giovanna Marinelli, will continue at
least until April 24 when the lighting performance and
historical narration of Piero Angela and Paco Lanciano will also
debut at the Forum of Caesar.
On the same day, the first two columns of the
'quadripartio' that surrounded the Temple of Peace will be
unveiled after being restored.
"A Russian donor has agreed to give two million euros to
the city, with which we will raise the two columns near the one
of Trajan", said the mayor.
"In this case as well, we will ask Vittorio Storaro to help
with the lights".
Referring to Trajan's column, Marino joked that "not even
Emperor Trajan saw it like this, with these details enhanced by
LED lighting".
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