Italy during Easter

Rick in his book Italy lists Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as national holidays and says: "Italy (including most major sights) closes down on national holidays." The question about exactly what will be open during Easter has been asked several times in the last few months and we have not gotten many replies from people who feel they know the details of what will be open and closed. But unfortunately it appears that travel will probably be difficult because the entire country has those days off, and also because in Italy, as in much of Europe, they take their holidays seriously--it's not like here where you can find things open and operating--but I am just guessing. Here's a link to one discussion here about this subject: Click Here

I'm going to Italy over Easter as well--Florence and Rome, but I imagine the rules will apply in most cities. Easter Sunday and Monday seem shot in terms of openings with some limitations Thursday-Friday-Saturday (more mass times = less tourist time in churches). The weekend might be a good time to see the countryside...

I will be arriving myself in Italy the Tuesday after Easter. One bit of advice about long weekends...I was in Venice over a long weekend in 2003 and all the Bancomats in town ran out of money!!! So be prepared if you need to use cash for hotels, etc. As a side trip to somewhere near Venice, perhaps Ravenna would be a nice stop...with the questionable spring weather this city with Beautiful Byzantine mosaics to see indoors may be worth your time. Terry, Salt Lake City, Utah

Rome over Easter period would be expected to be even worse than other cities because in addition to the locals having the holiday off there are thousands of Christians from outside Italy making the pilgrimage to the Vatican.