Rome During Easter: Traditions, Crowds & What’s Open

Rome during Easter is an extraordinary experience, deeply spiritual and culturally rich, but it comes with a significant influx of pilgrims and tourists. Understanding the traditions, navigating the crowds, and knowing what to expect in terms of openings and closures is crucial for a memorable trip.

Traditions & Papal Events During Holy Week

Easter in Rome, known as Pasqua, is a week-long celebration culminating in the Resurrection. The major events, led by the Pope, are deeply moving and attract immense crowds:

• Palm Sunday (Domenica delle Palme): Kicks off Holy Week with a Papal Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands gather with blessed palm and olive branches. Arrive very early for a good spot.
• Holy Thursday (Giovedì Santo): The Pope celebrates the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning, followed by the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorating the Last Supper. Locals may partake in the “Visitation of the Seven Churches” (Visita alle Sette Chiese).
• Good Friday (Venerdì Santo): A solemn day commemorating Christ’s crucifixion.
  • Via Crucis (Way of the Cross): In the evening (typically 9:15 PM), the Pope leads this deeply moving procession around the Colosseum. The ancient ruins are dramatically lit, and meditations are read at each of the 14 Stations of the Cross. This is a powerful, must-see event, even for non-religious visitors.
• Holy Saturday (Sabato Santo): A quiet day of reflection. In the evening, the Easter Vigil Mass takes place in St. Peter’s Basilica, starting in darkness and gradually filling with light, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection.
• Easter Sunday (Pasqua): The pinnacle of celebrations.
  • Easter Sunday Mass: The Pope celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Square, drawing hundreds of thousands.
  • Urbi et Orbi Blessing: At noon, following the Mass, the Pope delivers his “To the City and the World” blessing and message of peace from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Easter Monday (Pasquetta): Known as Lunedì dell’Angelo (Monday of the Angel), this is a public holiday in Italy traditionally spent with family outings, picnics in parks (like Villa Borghese or along the Appian Way), or short trips to the countryside.

Crowd Levels & What to Book in Advance

Rome during Holy Week and Easter is extremely crowded. Expect “July-level” crowds at major attractions, especially around the Vatican and the Colosseum.

• Papal Mass Tickets:
  • All Papal Masses are free, but tickets are required for seated areas within St. Peter’s Square or Basilica.
  • How to Get Tickets: Send your request directly to the Prefecture of the Papal Household at the Vatican 2 to 6 months in advance (via post, fax, or email for larger groups). For smaller requests (2-6 tickets), you might be able to pick up tickets from the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Door in St. Peter’s Square 1-3 days before the event, but this is not guaranteed for major holidays.
  • Arrival: Even with tickets, arrive 1-3 hours (or more) before the scheduled start time for major events like Easter Sunday Mass or the Easter Vigil to secure a spot and pass security. Entry is not guaranteed once capacity is reached.
  • Affiliate Angle: Some religious tours or Holy Week experience packages may assist with securing tickets or providing escorted access, offering a more streamlined experience, but verify what’s included.
• Other Attractions:
  • Skip-the-Line Passes: For any major attraction you plan to visit (Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery), pre-booking skip-the-line passes well in advance is absolutely essential.
  • Restaurants: Book restaurant reservations, especially for Easter Sunday lunch, as many Romans will be dining out.

Viewing Points for Papal Events

• St. Peter’s Square (for Palm Sunday, Easter Mass, Urbi et Orbi):
  • Best Spot: Arrive very early (hours before) to secure a spot near the front barriers for a clearer view of the Pope and the altar. Large screens are set up for those further back.
  • Urbi et Orbi: The Pope delivers this blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. You can see it from anywhere in St. Peter’s Square.
• Via Crucis at the Colosseum (Good Friday):
  • No Tickets Required: This event is free and open to the public.
  • Viewing Points:
    • Via dei Fori Imperiali: The stretch closest to the Colosseum offers a direct line of sight to the illuminated arches and the Pope’s station.
    • Piazza del Colosseo: The northern side (near the Metro station) often has large screens.
    • Colle Oppio Hill: Climb the steps by the Metro station for a less crowded, panoramic view from above.
  • Arrival: Arrive early (by 7:00-7:30 PM) as crowds gather quickly and security zones are established.

Closures & What’s Open

• Good Friday: Not a public holiday. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions operate normally. The Colosseum typically closes around noon to prepare for the Via Crucis.
• Easter Saturday: Generally a normal day for businesses and attractions.
• Easter Sunday (Pasqua – Public Holiday):
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: CLOSED.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: Closed for general visits during Papal Masses.
  • Banks & Government Offices: CLOSED.
  • Shops & Restaurants: Many smaller, local shops and some restaurants may be closed, especially outside the main tourist areas. However, most restaurants and shops in the historic center catering to tourists will remain open.
  • Major Monuments: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums generally remain open but will be very crowded.
• Easter Monday (Pasquetta – Public Holiday):
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: CLOSED.
  • Banks & Government Offices: CLOSED.
  • Shops & Restaurants: Similar to Easter Sunday, some may be closed, but central tourist-oriented businesses usually open.
  • Major Monuments: Generally open with normal hours but expect crowds.

Unique Cultural & Culinary Events

Beyond the religious ceremonies, Easter in Rome is a culinary delight:

• Abbacchio alla Romana: Roman-style roasted lamb, the quintessential Easter main course, symbolizing renewal.
• Colomba Pasquale: A delicious, dove-shaped sweet bread with candied fruit and almonds, similar to panettone.
• Corallina & Pizza al Formaggio: A traditional Roman Easter breakfast of cured salami and savory cheese bread.
• Fave e Pecorino: Fresh fava beans with Pecorino cheese, a seasonal delight.

Visiting Rome during Easter is a truly unique and deeply spiritual experience, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions. With careful planning and patience for the crowds, it can be an unforgettable journey.