We will be driving into Rome on August 15th (from Tuscany), a major Italian holiday, and flying out the next day. We will have a rental car. I'm just wondering how this might affect our visit... I understand a lot of people go to the coast, take off on holiday, etc. Kris
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Kris, August 15th marks a holiday in Italy called Ferragosto. Many businesses are closed and a variety of celebrations are held throughout the city in honor of the Feast of the Assumption, the time that Roman Catholics believe to be the day when the Virgin Mary was taken bodily to Heaven.
The rental car agencies are usually open at the major drop-off points, FCO or Termini (not sure who your vendor is). You can certainly send an email to verify which rental sites are open. The next day should not be an issue regarding your travel to the Airport and your flight.
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
OP
Appleton, WI, USA
5 posts
Thanks Ron, We are returning the car on the 16th at FCO. Just wondering if it's busier at major sites on the 15th, or hopefully less busy! Colliseum, Vatican...
Posted by
Norfolk, USA
255 posts
If you are planning on visiting the Vatican that day, be aware that the Vatican Museum will be closed (it is also closed the day before on the 14th). As far as St Peter's Basilica goes, I am not sure if there will be any services that might close it for touring. It looks like the Pope will be celebrating mass at Castel Gandolfo that day.....summer residence.