The protesters argued that the new and more affordable energy-saving white LED lighting "spoils" Rome's urban landscape, "obscuring" monuments as well as dazzling people.
They added that some culturally significant lights designed by artist Duilio Cambellotti were also being replaced on bridges.
The groups "urgently" appealed to Raggi to reverse the decision made by her predecessor Ignazio Marino, and keep the softer, yellowish light cast by traditional sodium lamps.
Many local residents are also fighting the change, in an aim to preserve their city's historical significance.
The New York Times on Tuesday ran a feature on the issue entitled ‘Streetlight Fight in Rome: Golden Glow vs. Harsh LED’, explaining that for some, the decision was “sheer heresy”.
With ANSA
