I am planning to attend the 9:30am Holy Thursday Chrismal Mass at St. Peter's on 28/3, after which I will leave from Rome for Florence by train. I'm having trouble estimating when I can reasonably expect to get it to Termini so I can pick a train departure time & purchase my ticket now (saving $). After Mass I will need to return to my apartment to pick up my luggage (unless it is reasonable & possible to take the luggage to St. Peter's at 8am & store it somewhere). . Question #1 is trying to calculate time after Mass from St. Peter's to the apartment at Clivo delle Mure Vaticane 50. The apartment is behind St. Peter's & at the Vatican wall; note: when I inquired, the owner said it was "10 minutes" from "the dome at St. Peter's square" and "5 min" from the museum entrance. HOWEVER, looking at google and michelin, it looks to me like I will have to walk all the way around the Vatican walls and that would make the distance about 1.7km. . I had estimated I should be able to be at Termini by 13:45, based on 2 hours for the Mass (11:30) 30 min for the "10" minute walk back to the apartment 45 minutes for the taxi (or metro from Cipro) to Termini (12:45) Add one hour "cushion" (13:45). However, with Easter/new Pope crowds and this "distance to the apartment" wrinkle, I am not sure my calculations are anywhere close to reasonable. I would appreciate any input.
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, US
223 posts
I did a similar schedule in 2009 and I think your estimates are decent but Italian travel always seems to have one or two surprises. I'm assuming you have done so already but be sure to request your tickets in advance and we found it convenient to collect them the day before the service. Arriving early is a good idea if you want to be anywhere near the front. We by chance got seats on the inner aisle which put me within 2-3 feet of the pope when he came in and left. Though I am not Catholic, I found the service and choir very moving.
Posted by
OP
Edenton, NC, usa
76 posts
Thank you! I have requested the ticket and am advised it is not guaranteed but the US Bishops' Office says they believe I will be able to get it (along with one for Palm Sunday). I am Catholic and am so excited to have this opportunity. By inner aisle what do you mean? How early did you get there? I plan to be there by 8:30am or when the doors open....Any advice/info appreciated!
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
LaVee, If you have trouble getting tickets, your pastor may be able to help. Mine has been able to arrange various tickets for me, which I then pick up in Rome at the North American College (which, if you go, is a lovely building; ask to see the chapel... absolutely stunning stonework). My only thought is that 2 hours is common for the Chrism Mass at a local cathedral. It may be longer at St Peter's, given the size of the congregation, size of the church, etc. (But I think it's one of the most beautiful liturgies of the year; hope you get in.) Can you just buy your train ticket when you get to Termini? It will cost you more than prepurchasing, but buying on arrival will decrease the worry/rush factor.