Night tours and light shows in English of newly-illuminated Roman Forum.

Two outdoor spectacles with music, light projections and historical commentary will be held at the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Augustus every night from 22 April until 30 October.

Titled Viaggio nell'antica Roma, the shows take viewers on a journey back to ancient Rome and can be enjoyed separately for €15 or combined for €25.

Headphones to listen to Rome's colourful history are available in eight languages: Italian, English, French, Russian, Spanish, German, Chinese and Japanese. Tickets are available on site, at tourist points or via the Viaggi nei Fori website.

Separately the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Augustus are now open to 75-minute guided tours on Friday nights, from 22 April until 30 October, thanks to a new lighting scheme provided by Italian energy supplier ACEA.

The Luna sul Foro romano tours are programmed each Friday from 20.00 until midnight and are available in English as well as Italian. Tours can accommodate groups of up to 25 people and must be reserved in advance.

Francesco Prosperetti, the superintendent for Rome’s archaeological heritage, said that unlike previous lighting projects whose lifespan was short due to high operating costs, the new ACEA scheme is sustainable and long-term. He praised the project for "finally opening the city to the public during non-traditional hours."

The LED bulb lighting system cost €400,000 although ACEA did not charge a fee for planning or directing the project.

For full tour details see La luna sul Foro romano website.