I just realized that I will be in Rome from April 3 to April 7, 2012 and it is Easter week. Are all the attractions open during that week? I assume we can't tour Vatican on Good Friday, right? Also, we are leaving Rome on Saturday(the day before Easter) to Venice. would that be any trouble with train travel on that day?
Winny
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
That is always the 64 dollar question. Easter week draws a lot of crowds to Rome. Attractions should be open. Don't know what you mean by trouble with the trains. Could be crowded. While I am not a big fan of advance reservation, this might be a good time for making reservations.
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
811 posts
i was in rome once around this time and it wasn't too bad. the pope will give his speech so anywhere around st. peter will be really crowded including your subway rides there. but once you walk to other areas you'll be ok. the vatican should be open that week. trains/buses are fine on any holiday, but you should always book hotels ahead to be sure you have a place to sleep.
Posted by
Sedona
85 posts
OH YES you can tour the Vatican on Good Friday. I did this last year. We were in Rome on Good Friday and I thought no way would we get near the Vatican. Well believe it or not the crowds were not like I imagined. In fact from the time we entered the square to being through security and into the actual Vatican was no more than 20 minutes. I was amazed. We also got a surprise when the boys choir starting practicing for Easter Sunday. We just stopped from walking around and listened for a while. What a treat. So go and enjoy!!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
When Pope John Paul II was alive he used to hear individual confessions at St. Peter's on Good Friday morning, and the church was totally open to the public. It was a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of him as he entered the church through a side door from his living quarters. I don't know if Pope Benedict has kept up this tradition.