Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

Newsaflash/@MiBACT

This is the moment a natural effect – that only takes place at noon on the anniversary of Rome’s foundation – bathes the entrance to the Pantheon in Rome in sunlight.

As the Italian capital celebrates the 2,773rd anniversary of its foundation, the streets outside are empty of people during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The festival ‘Natale di Roma’ takes place every 21st April to mark the city’s foundation by twin brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 BC.

The Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism shared footage of special effect that takes place at noon every 21st April.

In the video, sunlight is seen entering the building through the oculus and shining on the building entrance.

In that moment, Roman emperors in the past would stand by the entrance and allow their body to be bathed in light.

The ministry said the previously unreleased footage has not been digitally enhanced and was filmed by members of their communication department.

The Rome authorities scheduled a number of cultural activities for residents in lockdown to mark the ‘Natale di Roma’ festival, including music events and video footage of some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

According to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University, Italy has registered 183,957 cases of COVID-19, and 24,648 related deaths.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.