When I tried to buy Colosseum tickets for November 4th and 5th, both dates were blocked out. (not sold out, but blocked out), so I settled for the Monday tickets. And now I'm seeing that there are no Pantheon tickets available for that weekend as well. At first I just assumed the Pantheon was sold out, but every other Saturday and Sunday of October and November has almost every time slot available, even this coming weekend. What would cause these 2 days to be blocked out for both? Just curious, maybe I'm missing something.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11747 posts
Perhaps the "Free Sunday" program?
https://www.romewise.com/rome-free-sunday.html#rome-free-sunday-which-museums
Just my shot in the dark for an explanation. Hopefully someone will come along with real info.
Posted by
261 posts
04 NOVEMBER 2023
National Unity and Armed Forces Day
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16409 posts
As Joe mentioned, Nov. 5th is a first-of-the-month Sunday when State museums are free.
The Rome tourism website states that on Saturday, Nov. 4th state museums in Rome (and others throughout Italy) will be free this year in observance of Day of National Unity and the Armed Forces. This is apparently the first time this has occurred (see below) for this particular holiday.
Also:
https://cultura.gov.it/evento/4-novembre-2023
Translated:
"On Saturday 4 November 2023, on the occasion of National Unity and Armed Forces Day, state museums and archaeological parks will be open for free, as proposed by the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, for the first time in republican history. The visits will take place during the usual opening hours, with access by reservation where applicable."
On the Pantheon's site:
https://www.pantheonroma.com/home-eng/
"Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th. On the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, access will be free of charge. Book your audio guide or guided tour now to discover the Pantheon in Rome!"
Hope this helps!
Posted by
OP
New York
53 posts
Oh wow. Thanks for the info! Well free is always good, but I wonder what lines will be like without tickets with a time slot.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16409 posts
Best guess for the Pantheon is that I'd maybe go as early as they open in the morning or later in the afternoon. Or book a tour.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23574 posts
Our experience is that the free weekends are an absolute zoo with the locals turning out in full force. We now avoid them if possible.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
942 posts
Either go early when the venue first opens or maybe 1 to 2 hours before it closes. We went to the Colosseum on a "free Sunday" and late afternoon worked out very well for us.