Roma Capitale has won the top prize at the City’Scape Award 2026, receiving the award for all three projects entered in the category “Paesaggio in luce: il progetto della luce nella valorizzazione del paesaggio” (Landscape in Light: Lighting Design for Landscape Enhancement).
The projects stem from initiatives funded by Roma Capitale and developed by the Assessorato ai Lavori pubblici e alle Infrastrutture (Department for Public Works and Infrastructure) in collaboration with Areti. Together, they reflect a clear vision: using light as a tool for urban transformation, not only to illuminate streets and squares, but also to make public spaces safer and more enjoyable, reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, and enhance the city’s historic and archaeological heritage.
One of the winning projects, “Nuovi paesaggi urbani disegnati dalla luce” (New Urban Landscapes Designed by Light), includes lighting schemes already completed in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano and around the Naiadi and Feltrinelli buildings in Piazza della Repubblica. Here, light becomes an integral part of the urban environment. In Piazza della Repubblica, it highlights the surrounding architecture and its relationship with the Fontana delle Naiadi (Fountain of the Naiads), while in San Giovanni it complements the monumental character of the basilica and square, making the area easier to navigate and enjoy in the evening and at night.
Another project, “L’archeologia prende vita con la luce” (Archaeology Comes to Life Through Light), focuses on some of Rome’s most valuable archaeological sites. New lighting at the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan’s Markets) has already been completed, while work continues at the Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla) and along the Acquedotti Alessandrino e Claudio (Alexandrian and Claudian Aqueducts). The aim is to bring out the monuments’ volumes, materials and architectural details through lighting designed to enhance their character without altering it. The aqueducts will also feature smart systems that adjust lighting according to pedestrian and cyclist movement, combining safety and accessibility with greater energy efficiency.
The third project, “La luce che protegge e rassicura” (Light That Protects and Reassures), focuses on the urban route between Piazza della Repubblica and Porta Maggiore, combining functional and artistic lighting. Work has already been completed at the Ex Planetario (former Planetarium), on Via Parigi and at Largo di Villa Peretti, while projects are currently under way at the Terme di Diocleziano (Baths of Diocletian), Porta Maggiore and the Tempio di Minerva Medica (Temple of Minerva Medica).
The aim is to create greater continuity between squares, historic landmarks and major transport hubs, helping people navigate these spaces after dark. The result is a network of routes that are clearer, more recognisable and safer, while also giving some of Rome’s most significant places a new nocturnal dimension.
Piazza della Repubblica Ph. Roma Capitale
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