Easter, one of the important events celebrated by Christians (specifically Catholic Christians) worldwide, is a time of joy, hope, and renewal. It generally falls between March 22 and April 25, on the Sunday after the first full moon (known as the Paschal Full moon) following the spring equinox. The celebrations during the Easter time have been documented since the 2nd century CE, and Rome, being the home to the Vatican City (the centre of the Catholic Church), is a central location for the traditions.
This year, on April 20th, Easter in Rome will be celebrated in a very special way as it coincides with the “Jubilee Year,” which is considered a holy year celebrated every 25 years by the Catholic Church. As usual, like every year, millions of pilgrims will fly to Rome to attend the special religious ceremonies and to visit the main basilicas. The crowd, the atmosphere, the preparations throughout the city transform the place into a spiritual wonderland during Easter.
Are you also visiting Rome on Easter? So as a tourist, if you want to witness the festive atmosphere as well as want to explore the city, you might need a guide on things to do in Rome during Easter, where to go, which events to attend, and how to get around.
Read along to know the details of the Easter attractions in Rome!
Image Credits: Cristina Gottardi for Unsplash
Before planning a Rome tour, go through this list of important religious events during the Holy Week so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly:
- The celebration begins on Palm Sunday: April 13, 2025
- Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ: April 17, 2025
- On Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross take place: April 18, 2025
- Holy Saturday is a day of silence and meditation, April 19, 2025
- Easter Sunday and Christ’s resurrection: April 20, 2025
1. Attend the Pope’s Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square
Image Credits: Kai Pilger for Unsplash
The celebration of Easter in Rome cannot be completed without attending the glorious Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square. The Pope’s Easter Mass is held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City and generally starts around 9:30 AM (CET). Thousands of pilgrims, as well as tourists gather in the square to hear the speech of Pope, Urbi et Orbi blessing, which is referred to as a message of hope and peace to the world. The beautiful choral music, prayers, hymns, and the atmosphere create a once-in-lifetime moment.
Important info: St. Peter’s Square remains open every day and the entrance is free.
Pro Tip:
- As the square fills up quickly, try to arrive as early as possible to secure a better spot.
- If you cannot attend the event personally, do not worry, it is broadcast on large screens throughout the city.
2. Explore The Colosseum and Roman Forum
Image Credits: Frank Eiffert for Unsplash
Standing as an iconic symbol of ancient Rome since AD 80, the Colosseum is the largest standing amphitheatre in the world. Situated in the centre of Rome, east of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum draws millions of visitors every year. People visit it from all over the world to witness its magnificent engineering and to fantasize about the historical events that happened within its walls.
The Roman Forum, situated adjacent to the Colosseum, one of the best attractions to visit in Rome, once the bustling heart of ancient Rome, is another place to be during the Easter holidays. Here, you can explore the ruins of basilicas, temples and other structures to walk through the history of the place.
On Good Friday, the Colosseum transforms into a stage for the Via Crucis or Way of the Cross. This procession, led by the Pope himself, honours the final journey of Jesus Christ. The Colosseum, illuminated against the night sky, provides a dramatic performance for this deeply spiritual event.
Important Info: The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are open on Easter Sunday and Monday, although the Colosseum will close at around noon on Good Friday to prepare for the Pope’s procession there.
Pro Tip:
- The Via Crucis is a moving experience that is also emotionally intense. So prepare for large crowds and arrive well in advance to find a suitable viewing spot.
- For normal days, to visit the Colosseum with the least crowds, go at 8:30 AM when they open, or 1-2 hours before the last entry.
3. Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Image credits: Brandy Vailes for Unsplash
As a tourist, having a Rome sightseeing tour during Easter time does not include witnessing only the spiritual events. You should also plan to visit other popular places such as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. If you take a Rome hop-on hop-off bus, you can easily add the destination to your route and visit them.
What will you see? The Vatican Museums are actually the public museums in Vatican City where around 20,000 artworks (works from the Roman Catholic Church, Papacy, and Renaissance) are on display. Founded by Pope Julius II, it is one of the most-visited museums on earth and attracts roughly seven million visitors yearly.
The Sistine Chapel is another best place to visit in Rome and it is situated in the Vatican Museums. Here you can find some splendid frescoes by the famous Michelangelo (a world-famous Italian sculptor and painter) covering the ceiling and the walls. Some of the official events such as conclaves and baptisms are held inside the chapel.
Important info: The museums are open from Monday to Saturday, with hours from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Pro Tip:
- Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are closed on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
- If you plan to visit the place, plan it for the days before Easter.
- Plan it on a day when you can witness the official ceremonies that are held in the Sistine Chapel.
- Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the long queue.
4. Visit The Baroque Churches
Image credits: Pauline Iakovleva for Unsplash
People from all over the world rush to Rome to visit its historical landmarks, to feel its magical ancient history spanning roughly from the 8th century BC. And, that list of the historical places cannot be completed without visiting some Baroque Churches!
Before that, you must know the names of three great architects, Pietro da Cortona, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini who dominated Roman art between 1625 and 1675. The architecture and sculpture inspired by Baroque art showcases dynamic compositions, dramatic use of light and shadow which evoke intense emotions in viewers.
Some Baroque Churches you must visit: Santi Luca e Martina, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Santa Maria della Pace, Sant’Andrea al Quirinale, and San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.
Important Info: Check the opening hours of the churches before you visit; it depends on the months of the year.
Pro Tip:
- Plan in advance to visit the churches as you’re visiting them during Easter time.
- Make your plan in such a way so that you can add these churches as stoppages to your Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour in Rome.
5. Enjoy Traditional Roman Easter Feast
Image Credits: Xie Yujie Nick for Unsplash
Your itinerary for Easter in Rome must include an authentic experience of indulging in traditional Roman Easter food that showcases various dishes passed down through generations. Several restaurants in Rome during Easter offer the must-eat dishes but it would be considered bona fide if you can join a local family and enjoy the food-filled celebration.
Some must-have dishes during Easter are: abbacchio alla romana (roast lamb with herbs), carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), and colomba pasquale (a dove-shaped Easter cake).
Important Info: If you can’t find any local family to have an authentic Easter food experience, then visit local trattoria like Da Enzo al 29 or Roscioli for an Easter menu.
Pro Tip: Reserve your seats in advance to avoid crowds.
6. Relax on La Pasquetta (Easter Monday)
Image Credits: Gabriella Clare Marino for Unsplash
Easter Monday of La Pasquetta is considered a day of relaxing after an intense celebration of Easter events. Most of the Romans love to spend holidays with their family members, and when speaking of Easter Monday, they take it seriously for relaxing. You can see them strolling along the Tiber with friends or having a picnic with family in Villa Borghese. They take this day slowly, just soak in the sunshine and unwind with others. You can also join them for a relaxing Monday or a picnic and spend some time with each other.
Important Info: Most of the must-see attractions in Rome remain closed on Easter Monday. Chek dates before planning your trip.
Pro Tip: If you want to have a picnic in Villa Borghese or watch the panoramic views of Rome from Gianicolo Hill, go early in the morning.
7. Take a Stroll Through Rome’s Easter Markets
Image Credits: Annie Spratt for Unsplash
A delightful way to discover Roman culture is to visit the Easter Markets spreading across the city. A Rome bus tour throughout the city will let you visit various markets like Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori and Porta Portese Market to pick up stuff like handmade Easter eggs, candles, wreaths, religious artefacts, traditional treats and festive decorations. You can also buy some souvenirs from these markets as a memoir of your Roman holidays.
Important Info: Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona open every morning except Sundays, and Porta Portese Market opens only on Sundays.
Pro Tip:
- You can buy different items from different markets, so before going check that.
- Try to negotiate for the price at the open-air markets.
- Be cautious about your wallet when you enter the markets.
Conclusion
Rome in Easter 2025 would be one of your unforgettable memories as it would offer you a unique blend of celebration, which comes with both history and spirituality. From attending the Pope’s mass to indulging in an authentic Easter feast, from visiting the historical landmarks to buying souvenirs from the open-air markets, and from exploring the ancient ruins to soaking in nature in a park – the Roman holidays will simply become your most beloved Easter holidays for life.
So, make your itinerary, book tickets, and get ready for an Easter celebration in Rome this year!
Buona Pasqua (Happy Easter) in advance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the weather like in Rome during Easter?
During Easter, in late March or April, the weather generally remains pleasant. Temperature ranges between 11 and 20 degrees centigrade with sunny days but evenings can be cooler. There is also a chance of rain.
Q. Are the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel open during Easter?
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel remain closed on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. It’s best to plan your visit except these two days.
Q. How crowded will Rome be during Easter?
You can expect a large crowd in Rome during Easter as pilgrims and visitors flock to the city to soak into the festive atmosphere. But, it would be manageable if you book your tickets for the landmarks, for the Hop-on-Hop-off bus way in advance.
Q. What should I wear to Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square?
It’s highly recommended to dress modestly and be respectful while attending religious events. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing.
