If you've ever fancied having a swim at a sports centre at midnight, eating prosciutto in the grounds of Castel S. Angelo at 02.00, visiting the Borghese Museum at 04.00 and listening to jazz on the Pincio at dawn, 27 September is the night for you. As part of "La Notte Bianca", shops, galleries, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, tourist attractions and sports centres across the city will be extending their hours and putting on special events.

Rome's first Notte Bianca follows the success of last year's La Nuit Blanche in Paris, and is being held in collaboration with the French capital and Brussels. Originally scheduled for 4 October, the event was brought forward to avoid a clash with the European inter-governmental conference being held in Rome. Unfortunately it now coincides with Jewish New Year, which means Jewish-owned businesses will be closed that night.

Information about all the venues taking part can be found at www.lanottebianca.it. Events are listed by theme (cinema, sport, shopping etc.), by venue (libraries, museums, churches etc.) and by location, with many areas outside the centre such as Cinecitt, Garbatella and EUR taking part. The festivities begin at 20.00 on 27 September and continue until 08.00 the following day. Information can also be obtained by calling the city council's 24-hour, multilingual information line on tel. 060606.