Easter in Rome is a grand, spiritual, and deeply traditional affair, marking one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic calendar. Here’s what makes Easter in the Eternal City truly special:
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In Rome, the day is celebrated with a papal mass at St. Peter's Basilica at 9:30 AM, where worshippers receive blessed palm fronds.
Easter in Rome is a blend of deep-rooted religious traditions and joyful celebrations, making it one of the most exciting times to visit. The most unique and unmissable tradition is the Pope’s Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of worshippers gather in St. Peter’s Square to witness the Urbi et Orbi blessing, a message of peace delivered to the world. Leading up to Easter Sunday, the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at the Colosseum, led by the Pope, is a deeply moving experience, illuminating Rome’s ancient landmarks with candlelight. Another local tradition is the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica on Holy Saturday, a dramatic ceremony where the church begins in darkness before being illuminated by candlelight, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection.
Beyond religious observances, Easter in Rome is also about food and family. Romans celebrate with lavish feasts, featuring Abbacchio alla Romana (roast lamb with rosemary and garlic) and the Colomba di Pasqua, a sweet dove-shaped cake that symbolizes peace. Easter Monday, or Pasquetta, is a day for fun, with locals heading to the countryside or city parks for picnics, games, and laughter.
Visiting Rome during Easter is a delightful experience, as many of the city's iconic attractions remain open, allowing you to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. Here's a list of must-visit sites and their operating hours during Easter Week:
Opening hours: 8:30am to 7:15pm
Highlights:
Explore the ancient heart of Rome by visiting these archaeological wonders. While the Colosseum hosts significant events on Good Friday, it remains accessible to tourists earlier in the day and throughout the Easter weekend. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill also welcome visitors, offering a glimpse into Rome's imperial past.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm
Highlights:
Home to masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael, the Galleria Borghese is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Given its limited entry slots, it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the busy Easter period.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm, Friday 9am to 10:30pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm, Last Sunday of the month 9am to 2pm.
Highlights:
While the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Easter Sunday and Monday, they operate as usual on the days leading up to Easter. Visitors can marvel at the extensive art collections and the breathtaking ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. To avoid long queues, especially during the Jubilee year, consider booking tickets online in advance.
Opening Hours: 7am to 7:10pm
Highlights:
St. Peter's Basilica stands as a testament to Renaissance architecture and art. While access is restricted during the Papal Mass on Easter Sunday, visitors can explore the basilica on other days. The Holy Door, opened during the Jubilee year, offers pilgrims a unique spiritual experience.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7:30pm
Highlights:
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo has served various roles over the centuries. Today, it offers panoramic views of Rome and houses historical exhibits, making it a worthwhile visit during Easter.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Highlights:
As the world's oldest public museums, the Capitoline Museums boast an impressive collection of art and artifacts. Visitors can delve into Rome's rich history, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings.
Easter week in Rome typically falls in early to mid-April, a delightful period when the city embraces spring. During this time, average daytime temperatures range from 17°C to 21°C (62°F to 70°F), providing pleasant warmth for outdoor explorations. Evenings and early mornings can be cooler, with lows between 8°C and 12°C (46°F to 54°F).
While Rome enjoys ample sunshine in April, there's still a chance of rainfall. On average, the city receives about 65mm of rain over approximately 13 days in the month. Therefore, it's wise to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella alongside your spring attire.
With the city's gardens in full bloom and comfortable temperatures, Easter week offers an inviting atmosphere for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Easter in Rome is not only a time of profound religious significance but also a celebration of culinary traditions that have been cherished for generations. As you immerse yourself in the city's festive atmosphere, here are some must-try Easter dishes that capture the essence of Roman gastronomy:
Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square is the highlight, along with the Pope's "Urbi et Orbi" blessing. Also, many churches hold special Easter Vigil services on Holy Saturday night.
It's a papal blessing given by the Pope from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday. He delivers a message and extends blessings to the city of Rome and the world.
Very early! People start arriving hours before the Mass begins. To get a decent spot, aim to be there at least a few hours before the scheduled start.
No, the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square is free and open to the public. However, due to the large crowds, it is first come first served.
Look out for "Colomba Pasquale," an Italian Easter dove cake. Many Romans also enjoy large family lunches on Easter Sunday.
Many shops, particularly smaller ones, may be closed on Easter Sunday. Many restaurants will be open for Easter lunch, but reservations are absolutely essential.
While there's no strict dress code for the outdoor Mass, it's respectful to dress neatly. When entering St. Peter's Basilica at any time, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
Many local churches in Rome hold their own Easter celebrations and services. Check local listings for specific events in the neighborhoods you're visiting. The most popular Easter markets in Rome include Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona, where you can find handmade Easter eggs, traditional clothing, and festive decorations.
Spring in Rome can be variable. Expect pleasant temperatures, but it's wise to pack layers and be prepared for potential rain.
While not as prominent as Christmas markets, you'll find festive displays and Easter treats in many local markets and shops. Explore local neighborhoods to find them.
Plan your itinerary carefully, allow extra time for travel, and be patient. Walking is often the best way to get around the historic center.
Many traditional Roman trattorias will offer special Easter menus. Check with local restaurants and make reservations well in advance. Pastry shops will have Colomba cakes and other sweets.