Earth Hour (Rome)

Earth Hour in Rome: an hour of darkness for the future of the Planet

Earth Hour is the largest global mobilization for the climate and nature promoted by WWF. Every year, in hundreds of cities around the world, monuments, buildings, and homes switch off their lights for an hour in a symbolic gesture that unites people, institutions, and businesses around the need to act against the climate crisis. In Rome, within the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, the event has become one of the most evocative moments of the entire Italian campaign.

The 2026 edition: the Fontanone del Gianicolo takes center stage

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM, the 20th global edition of the initiative will take place. For the first time in the history of Earth Hour, the main Italian event will be held in Rome in front of the monumental Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, the famous Fontanone del Gianicolo, which will be switched off in an exceptional setting. The blackout is dedicated in a special way to the 60th anniversary of WWF Italy and will feature the participation of experts and volunteers from the association.

Along with the Fontanone, other symbols of the city will remain in the dark for an hour: the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica, including its dome, facade, and colonnade, thanks to the participation of the Holy See. Numerous districts of Rome and several municipalities of the Metropolitan City and the province will join by switching off the lights of institutional buildings and monuments.

A message for the climate

WWF reminds us that the climate crisis allows for no further delays: Earth Hour invites every citizen to symbolically dedicate one hour of their time to protecting nature and their own future. Born in Sydney in 2007, the event has grown to involve nearly 200 countries, becoming one of the largest environmental demonstrations on the planet.

How to participate

• Turn off your home lights at 8:30 PM on March 28, for one hour.
• Head to the Gianicolo to witness the switching off of the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola together with WWF volunteers and experts.
• Share the gesture on social media and support the association's campaigns for the climate and biodiversity.

The initiative is supported by the highest Italian institutions, including the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate of the Republic, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, and ANCI, as well as the Medal of the President of the Republic.