Easter in Rome offers a profound blend of spiritual significance and vibrant cultural traditions in one of the world’s most historic settings. As the spiritual center of Catholicism, Rome transforms during Holy Week, providing visitors with an unparalleled experience of centuries-old traditions alongside modern celebrations. What makes Easter in Rome 2025 particularly special is its coincidence with the Jubilee Year, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for travelers.
For visitors planning to experience Easter in Rome 2025, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—from Vatican celebrations and Jubilee Year events to practical travel advice and essential services. Whether you’re a religious pilgrim or cultural enthusiast, Rome during Easter offers something truly extraordinary.
Easter Sunday falls on April 20, 2025, with Holy Week celebrations beginning on Palm Sunday, April 13. During this special Jubilee Year, the city will be even more vibrant with religious processions, special masses, and cultural events, while simultaneously maintaining its everyday charm with world-class museums, ancient ruins, and delectable cuisine.
Key Findings: Easter in Rome 2025
- Special Jubilee Year: 2025 is a Holy Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” featuring open Holy Doors at papal basilicas and special events
- Main dates: Palm Sunday (April 13), Holy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), Easter Sunday (April 20), Easter Monday (April 21)
- Vatican highlights: Papal masses, Via Crucis at the Colosseum, Urbi et Orbi blessing
- What’s open: Most attractions remain open, but Vatican Museums close on Easter Sunday and Monday
- Weather: Typically mild spring conditions (10-18°C/50-65°F) with possibility of rain
- Accommodation: Book 3-6 months in advance for best options and rates
- Local traditions: Special food (abbacchio, colomba cake), religious processions, Easter Monday picnics
- Practical tip: Use Radical Storage for convenient luggage solutions during busy Easter events
Easter in Rome 2025: A Special Jubilee Year
The year 2025 marks a significant moment in the Catholic calendar as a Jubilee Year, also known as a Holy Year. Occurring typically every 25 years, the Jubilee represents a time of special grace, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. Pope Francis has chosen “Pilgrims of Hope” as the theme for the 2025 Jubilee, emphasizing unity, compassion, and spiritual renewal.
During this special year, Rome welcomes millions of additional pilgrims and visitors seeking to participate in the unique celebrations and receive special blessings. The Holy Doors at the four papal basilicas—St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—will be open, allowing pilgrims to pass through them as a symbolic act of transition and renewal.
Even for non-religious visitors, the Jubilee Year creates a unique atmosphere in Rome, with enhanced cultural programs, special exhibitions, and events that showcase the city’s rich heritage. The convergence of Easter and the Jubilee Year in 2025 offers a rare opportunity to witness Rome at its most spiritually and culturally vibrant.
Holy Week in Rome: Day-by-Day Guide
Holy Week in Rome represents the most significant period in the Catholic liturgical calendar, commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During the Jubilee Year of 2025, these celebrations take on even greater significance.
Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025)
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The day begins with Pope Francis celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Square at 10:00 AM, blessing palm fronds and olive branches carried by the faithful. The square transforms into a sea of green as thousands of visitors wave their palms during the blessing.
Following the Mass, a procession moves through St. Peter’s Square, creating a powerful visual and spiritual experience. For visitors, arriving at least two hours early is recommended to secure a good viewing position.
Beyond the Vatican, many of Rome’s nearly 900 churches hold their own Palm Sunday services, offering visitors alternative venues to experience this important day.
Holy Thursday (April 17, 2025)
Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. In the morning, the Chrism Mass takes place at St. Peter’s Basilica, where the Pope blesses the holy oils used for sacraments throughout the year.
The evening brings the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, during which Pope Francis performs the moving ritual of washing the feet of twelve individuals, mirroring Jesus’s act of humility and service. This ceremony usually takes place at 5:30 PM, often at a location outside the Vatican such as a prison or refugee center.
Throughout Rome, churches hold their own evening masses followed by the tradition of “Altars of Repose.” Many Romans practice the tradition of “Visiting Seven Churches” on this night, making a pilgrimage to seven different churches to pray before these specially decorated altars.
Good Friday (April 18, 2025)
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by solemn observances throughout Rome. In the afternoon, Pope Francis leads the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at St. Peter’s Basilica at 5:00 PM.
The most iconic Good Friday event in Rome is undoubtedly the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession at the Colosseum. Beginning at 9:15 PM, this powerful ceremony is led by Pope Francis, who carries a cross through the Stations of the Cross around the ancient amphitheater. The Colosseum is dramatically illuminated, creating a profound backdrop for this solemn commemoration.
Each station features meditations and prayers, often addressing contemporary issues through the lens of Christ’s suffering. This event draws thousands of spectators, so arriving several hours early is essential for a good viewing position.
Throughout Rome’s neighborhoods, local parishes also conduct their own Via Crucis processions, offering more intimate experiences of this tradition.
Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025)
Holy Saturday represents a day of waiting and preparation before the celebration of Easter. The main event occurs in the evening with the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, beginning at 8:30 PM.
This beautiful and symbolic service starts in darkness, with the blessing of fire in the atrium of the basilica. From this fire, the Paschal candle is lit, and the light gradually spreads throughout the congregation as each person lights their own candle from the flame.
The Easter Vigil includes several key elements: the Liturgy of Light, the Liturgy of the Word featuring readings that trace salvation history, the Liturgy of Baptism, and finally, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The service typically lasts several hours, concluding around midnight.
Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025)
Easter Sunday represents the joyful culmination of Holy Week, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day begins with Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square at 10:00 AM, celebrated by Pope Francis. The square is transformed with elaborate floral decorations, symbolizing new life and resurrection.
Following the Mass, at 12:00 PM, Pope Francis delivers the “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. During this special blessing, the Pope addresses the crowd in multiple languages and extends a plenary indulgence to all who receive the blessing.
Throughout Rome, churches celebrate Easter Sunday with special masses featuring exceptional music and festive decorations. The Pantheon offers a particularly unique Easter Mass setting, where natural light streams through the famous oculus, creating a heavenly atmosphere.
Beyond religious observances, Romans celebrate Easter Sunday with elaborate family meals. Restaurants throughout the city offer special Easter menus featuring traditional dishes like abbacchio (roast lamb) and colomba (dove-shaped cake).
Easter Monday (April 21, 2025)
Easter Monday, known as “Pasquetta” (Little Easter) in Italian, is a national holiday that continues the Easter celebrations in a more relaxed manner. Pope Francis typically celebrates a noon Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
For Romans, Easter Monday traditionally involves outdoor activities and picnics with friends and family. The saying “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with family, Easter with whomever you choose) reflects the more social nature of this holiday.
Popular destinations for Easter Monday outings include Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili, and the Appian Way, where Romans gather for picnics and relaxation. Several cultural sites and museums remain open on Easter Monday, though some may operate with reduced hours.
Vatican Easter Celebrations
The Vatican stands at the heart of Easter celebrations in Rome, offering some of the most significant and moving ceremonies of the Holy Week. During the Jubilee Year of 2025, these events take on even greater importance and draw larger crowds of pilgrims and visitors.
How to Get Tickets for Vatican Easter Events
All papal events are free to attend, but tickets are required for seated areas and for some ceremonies held inside St. Peter’s Basilica. To obtain tickets:
Request through the Prefecture of the Papal Household by faxing +39 06 69885863 or emailing prefezionepapaludienza@vatican.va at least 2-3 months in advance. During the Jubilee Year, earlier requests are strongly recommended.
Contact your local diocese or parish, as many receive allocations of tickets for papal events.
For the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Vatican has established an online reservation system through the official Jubilee website, offering an additional avenue for securing tickets to major events.
Even without tickets, you can participate in many events by standing in the general access areas of St. Peter’s Square. For the Easter Sunday Mass and Urbi et Orbi blessing, arrive at least 3-4 hours early for a good viewing position.
Security and Practical Information
Security measures at Vatican events are stringent, particularly during major celebrations like Easter. Visitors should:
- Bring a passport or official identification, which is required for entry to ticketed areas
- Avoid large bags, as these will be subject to thorough security checks
- Dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered, regardless of weather conditions
- Be prepared for extended periods of standing, as most public areas do not have seating
- Bring water and sun protection for outdoor events, as St. Peter’s Square offers limited shade
For those unable to attend the papal events in person, large screens are typically set up in Piazza Pio XII, adjacent to St. Peter’s Square, broadcasting the major ceremonies. Vatican Media also provides live streaming of all major papal events through their website and YouTube channel.
Easter in Rome: Religious Traditions Beyond the Vatican
While the Vatican ceremonies form the centerpiece of Easter in Rome, the city’s religious landscape extends far beyond St. Peter’s Square. Rome’s designation as the “Eternal City” is reflected in its nearly 900 churches, many of which host their own distinctive Easter celebrations and traditions.
Notable Churches and Their Easter Services
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore offers beautiful Easter Sunday services with exceptional choir performances. Its ancient mosaics and sacred relics provide a stunning backdrop for Easter celebrations.
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the official cathedral of Rome, hosts traditional Holy Week liturgies with elaborate processions. As the oldest of Rome’s papal basilicas, it carries special significance during Easter celebrations.
The Pantheon, with its perfect dome and oculus, creates a uniquely dramatic setting for Easter Mass. When celebrated at noon, natural light streams through the oculus, creating what many describe as a heavenly experience.
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere offers more intimate Easter ceremonies with authentic Roman character. Its medieval mosaics and warm atmosphere provide a contrast to the grandeur of the Vatican celebrations.
Local Religious Processions and Traditions
Beyond formal church services, Rome’s neighborhoods maintain distinctive Easter traditions that connect modern Romans to centuries of faith practices:
Good Friday neighborhood processions take place throughout Rome, particularly in historic districts like Trastevere and Monti. Participants carry crosses and statues through candle-lit streets, often following routes established centuries ago.
The tradition of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday evening continues to be practiced by many Romans. Following this tradition allows visitors to experience multiple sacred spaces and join locals in a meaningful pilgrimage experience.
Easter blessing of homes remains important to many Roman families. Visitors may notice small gatherings in apartment courtyards as priests bless residences with holy water during the Easter season.
What makes Easter in Rome particularly special is how seamlessly ancient traditions blend with contemporary celebrations. The same cobblestone streets that witnessed Easter processions centuries ago continue to host similar ceremonies today.
What’s Open and Closed During Easter in Rome
Navigating Rome during Easter weekend requires some planning, as the holiday affects opening hours for many attractions, businesses, and services. Understanding what’s open and closed will help you maximize your time in Rome during Easter 2025.
Museums and Archaeological Sites
The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill remain open throughout Easter weekend, typically operating from 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM. However, the Colosseum closes early (around noon) on Good Friday to prepare for the Pope’s Via Crucis procession.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Easter Sunday and Monday. If visiting these sites is a priority, plan to visit earlier in Holy Week.
Galleria Borghese remains open but requires advance reservations, which are essential during this busy period. Book at least 2-3 months ahead for Easter weekend visits.
The Capitoline Museums maintain regular hours throughout Easter weekend, offering an excellent option for Easter Sunday cultural experiences.
Shopping and Dining
Tourist areas like the historic center maintain near-normal operations, with most restaurants and shops open throughout the Easter weekend, though some may have limited hours on Easter Sunday.
Major shopping streets such as Via del Corso and Via Condotti generally maintain regular hours, with many stores open even on Easter Sunday to accommodate tourists.
Local neighborhood shops and businesses in residential areas are more likely to close on Easter Sunday and Monday, as Romans celebrate with family.
Restaurants throughout Rome remain open during Easter, with many offering special Easter Sunday menus featuring traditional dishes. Reservations are essential, especially for lunch on Easter Sunday and Monday.
Transportation and Services
The Metro operates on a holiday schedule (5:30 AM – 11:30 PM) with longer intervals between trains. During the Jubilee Year, service may be enhanced on certain lines to accommodate increased visitor numbers.
Buses and trams run on reduced frequency with holiday schedules. Key tourist routes maintain more regular service.
Taxis remain available but expect higher demand after major events, particularly following the Easter Sunday Mass and the Via Crucis procession on Good Friday.
Banks and post offices close on Easter Sunday and Monday, so handle any essential financial matters before the weekend.
Planning Around Closures
To make the most of your Easter visit to Rome, schedule indoor activities and museum visits for the days leading up to Easter Sunday. Reserve Easter Sunday primarily for religious events, outdoor exploration, and enjoying the festive atmosphere of the city.
Easter Monday is ideal for parks, piazzas, and day trips to nearby destinations like Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or the Castelli Romani towns, which offer special Easter Monday events and are popular with locals.
If you’re arriving with luggage during the Easter weekend, plan ahead for storage solutions. Radical Storage offers convenient luggage storage locations throughout Rome, remaining open during the Easter period to serve travelers. Their strategically placed storage points near major attractions and transportation hubs allow you to explore freely without being burdened by heavy bags during this busy period.
Traditional Easter Food in Rome
Easter in Rome is as much a culinary celebration as it is a religious one. Traditional foods play a central role in the festivities, with specific dishes carrying symbolic significance and connecting modern Romans to centuries of cultural heritage.
Traditional Easter Dishes
The centerpiece of the Roman Easter meal is typically “abbacchio” (roast lamb), symbolizing sacrifice and new life. Roman preparation often involves roasting with herbs like rosemary and garlic, creating a fragrant and flavorful dish that appears on most Easter Sunday tables.
“Coratella con carciofi” (lamb organ meat with artichokes) represents a more traditional Roman Easter dish that connects to the city’s historical cucina povera (peasant cooking).
Artichokes feature prominently in Easter menus, prepared in the distinctive Roman style “carciofi alla romana” (artichokes braised with mint, garlic, and parsley) or “carciofi alla giudia” (Jewish-style fried artichokes).
Easter Breads and Sweets
“Colomba pasquale” (Easter dove cake) is the traditional Easter dessert, a sweet bread shaped like a dove to symbolize peace and the Holy Spirit. Similar to panettone but studded with candied orange peel and topped with almonds and pearl sugar, this treat is found in every bakery and home during the Easter season.
“Pizza dolce di Pasqua” is a slightly sweet, brioche-like bread that rises into a distinctive dome shape. Often flavored with citrus and anise, it’s traditionally served at breakfast on Easter morning.
Chocolate eggs are ubiquitous during the Easter season, ranging from mass-produced varieties to artisanal creations from Rome’s finest chocolatiers. These often contain surprises inside, a tradition especially beloved by children.
Where to Experience Easter Food in Rome
For an authentic Easter Sunday lunch, restaurants throughout Rome offer special menus featuring traditional dishes. Establishments in Trastevere and Testaccio neighborhoods often provide the most authentic experiences, though reservations are essential and should be made weeks in advance.
Notable restaurants for Easter dining include:
- Armando al Pantheon, near the Pantheon, offers a traditional Easter menu in a historic setting
- Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio serves authentic Roman Easter specialties
- Trattoria Da Danilo in the Esquilino district provides a family-style Easter experience
For those preferring to self-cater or bring home Easter treats, Rome’s food markets come alive with seasonal specialties in the days leading up to Easter:
- Mercato di Campagna Amica at Circo Massimo offers farm-fresh ingredients for Easter cooking on weekends
- Mercato Trionfale near the Vatican provides an extensive selection of Easter ingredients and prepared foods
Things to Do in Rome During Easter 2025
Beyond religious ceremonies and traditional meals, Easter in Rome 2025 offers a wealth of cultural and recreational activities. The convergence with the Jubilee Year creates an especially vibrant atmosphere with additional events and exhibitions throughout the city.
Cultural Events and Exhibitions
Special Jubilee exhibitions will be featured at major museums and cultural institutions throughout 2025, with Easter weekend often featuring extended hours or special programming. The Capitoline Museums and Palazzo Esposizioni typically host significant exhibitions during this period.
Classical music concerts and sacred music performances abound during Holy Week, with venues like the Auditorium Parco della Musica and Rome’s historic churches offering exceptional programs.
Easter-themed art tours provide insight into Rome’s religious artistic heritage. Companies like Context Travel and Through Eternity offer specialized guided experiences focusing on the artistic representations of the Passion and Resurrection throughout Rome’s churches and museums.
Outdoor Activities
Easter coincides with spring blooming throughout Rome, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s magnificent parks and gardens. Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili, and the Botanical Gardens offer peaceful retreats from the Easter crowds.
The Spanish Steps come alive with their famous spring flower display, typically in full bloom during Easter. The azaleas creating a cascade of color provide one of Rome’s most photographed spring scenes.
Walking tours of Rome’s historic neighborhoods take on special charm during Easter, when many areas are decorated for the holiday and local traditions are on display. Areas like Trastevere and Monti offer particularly atmospheric experiences.
Day Trips for Easter Monday
Tivoli, located just 30 kilometers from Rome, offers a perfect Easter Monday excursion with its magnificent Villa d’Este (featuring spectacular Renaissance gardens and fountains) and Hadrian’s Villa (the emperor’s vast country estate).
Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port city, provides a less crowded alternative to Pompeii with well-preserved ruins, mosaics, and an ancient theater. On Easter Monday, special guided tours are often available.
The Castelli Romani towns, nestled in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome, are traditional Easter Monday destinations for Romans seeking countryside meals and wine tasting. Towns like Frascati and Castel Gandolfo offer charming historic centers and excellent restaurants serving Easter specialties.
Practical Travel Tips for Easter in Rome
Visiting Rome during Easter 2025, especially during the Jubilee Year, requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. These practical tips will help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of this special time.
Accommodation Advice
Book accommodations 6-8 months in advance for Easter 2025, as the combination of Easter and the Jubilee Year will create exceptionally high demand. Consider staying slightly outside the historic center for better value and availability.
Neighborhoods like Prati (near the Vatican), Monti (near the Colosseum), and Trastevere offer convenient locations with character. For a more local experience with good transportation connections, consider areas like San Giovanni, Testaccio, or Ostiense.
Religious guesthouses and convent accommodations offer unique and often more affordable options, particularly meaningful during Easter. Resources like Monastery Stays can help secure these distinctive lodgings, which often book up quickly for Easter week.
Luggage Storage Solutions
When checking out of accommodations or arriving before check-in time, luggage storage becomes essential for exploring the city comfortably. Radical Storage offers convenient luggage storage locations throughout Rome, with fixed daily rates regardless of size or weight.
Strategic Radical Storage locations near major transportation hubs like Termini Station, Vatican area, and Trastevere allow travelers to drop off bags and immediately begin sightseeing without returning to their accommodation.
During Easter processions and major events, security measures may restrict large bags, making luggage storage particularly valuable. Radical Storage’s network ensures you can find a convenient location near major Easter events.
Weather and Packing Suggestions
April in Rome typically features mild temperatures ranging from 10-18°C (50-65°F), but weather can be variable. Pack layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change throughout the day.
Rain is possible during April, so a lightweight, packable rain jacket or umbrella is advisable. Waterproof footwear or quick-drying shoes can make rainy day exploration more comfortable.
For attending religious services, particularly at the Vatican, modest attire is required. Both men and women should have shoulders and knees covered. A lightweight scarf can be a versatile solution for women to cover shoulders when entering churches.
Booking Recommendations
For Easter 2025 during the Jubilee Year, advance planning is crucial. Begin researching and booking accommodations 8-12 months ahead, and transportation 3-6 months in advance.
Restaurant reservations for Easter Sunday lunch should be made at least one month ahead, particularly for traditional establishments serving special Easter menus.
Museum and attraction tickets should be purchased online whenever possible, selecting timed entry slots to avoid queues. During Easter week, early morning or late afternoon visits often encounter smaller crowds.
For special Easter events requiring tickets, such as papal ceremonies, submit requests through the Prefecture of the Papal Household 2-3 months in advance, or work through your local parish or Catholic organization for assistance.
FAQs About Easter in Rome 2025
When exactly is Easter in Rome 2025?
Easter Sunday falls on April 20, 2025. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on April 13 and concludes with Easter Monday on April 21. The most significant ceremonies occur from Holy Thursday (April 17) through Easter Sunday.
How does the Jubilee Year affect Easter celebrations in 2025?
The 2025 Jubilee Year adds several dimensions to Easter celebrations in Rome. Expect larger crowds of pilgrims, additional religious ceremonies, special exhibitions, and cultural events. The Holy Doors at the four papal basilicas will be open, allowing pilgrims to pass through them as a symbolic act of spiritual renewal.
Do I need tickets for Easter events at the Vatican?
While many events are open to the public, tickets are required for seated areas at papal Masses and for ceremonies held inside St. Peter’s Basilica. These free tickets must be requested in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household. During the Jubilee Year, demand will be exceptionally high, so requests should be submitted 3-4 months in advance.
Is Easter too crowded to enjoy Rome?
While Easter in Rome during a Jubilee Year will certainly be busy, thoughtful planning can ensure an enjoyable experience. By booking accommodations well in advance, visiting major attractions during off-peak hours, exploring less-known sites, and allowing flexibility in your schedule, you can navigate the crowds successfully.
What should I wear to attend Easter ceremonies?
For Vatican events and church visits, modest attire is required. Both men and women should have shoulders and knees covered. Women often carry a scarf to cover shoulders when entering churches. For outdoor events like the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, dress in comfortable layers that can be adjusted as temperatures change throughout the day.
Conclusion
Easter in Rome 2025 presents a truly exceptional opportunity to experience the Eternal City at its most spiritually and culturally vibrant. The convergence of Easter celebrations with the Jubilee Year creates a once-in-a-generation experience that combines centuries-old traditions with Pope Francis’s forward-looking theme of hope and renewal.
From the solemn processions of Good Friday to the joyous celebrations of Easter Sunday, Rome offers a profound journey through the central narrative of Christianity in its most historic setting. The city’s nearly 900 churches, magnificent art collections, and ancient streets provide a living connection to two millennia of faith and culture.
The practical challenges of visiting during this busy period can be successfully navigated with advance planning, strategic scheduling, and local insights. Services like Radical Storage’s convenient luggage storage network help travelers move freely through the city during special events and transitions.
Whether you come as a religious pilgrim seeking spiritual renewal during the Jubilee Year, a cultural enthusiast eager to experience Rome’s living traditions, or simply a curious traveler drawn to one of the world’s great celebrations, Easter in Rome 2025 promises memories that will last a lifetime.