Vatican to inaugurate new energy-saving led lighting scheme on 25 January.

The Vatican has installed a new led lighting system in the interior of St Peter's Basilica following a two-year project carried out by the German light company OSRAM.

The light system, which is environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient, will be inaugurated officially on 25 January however visitors to the basilica over Christmas have already had a preview.

The Vatican says the state-of-the-art lighting system, which comprises 100,000 led lights, will reduce energy costs by 90 per cent while "enhancing the artistic richness of the basilica."

The news comes after Rome illuminated its city hall buildings and the Capitoline Museums with led lights in September.

Photo Vatican News