Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, especially in the Eternal City, where spirituality, culture, and beauty intertwine in a unique way. Visiting Rome at Easter is a deeply emotional and fascinating experience. With solemn liturgies, special events, strolls through historic alleys, and day trips to nearby sites, Easter in Rome reveals all its magic.
To help you plan your holiday or festive day, this article offers useful information on dates, religious and cultural events, Easter Monday destinations, and recommended activities.
When Is Easter in 2025?
In 2025, Easter falls on Sunday, April 20. The date is determined by the lunar calendar and always takes place on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. The following day, Monday, April 21, is Easter Monday (also known as “Little Easter” or “Angel’s Monday”), traditionally devoted to out-of-town trips.
Where to Go for Easter 2025 in Rome?
During the Easter season, Rome comes alive with religious celebrations, exhibitions, markets, and leisure opportunities. If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a curated selection of experiences that will make your Easter stay unforgettable.
Join the Religious Celebrations
Easter in Rome is, above all, about spirituality. The heart of the celebrations takes place in the Vatican, but evocative liturgies are also held in many of the city’s historic churches.
Some of the most important events include:
- Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, celebrated by Pope Francis and followed by the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
- The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, usually held in the evening of April 19 inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies, especially the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Adoration of the Cross.
Explore Exhibitions and Cultural Events
Springtime in Rome also brings major cultural exhibitions and art shows. These are a great way to blend spirituality and culture into your Easter itinerary.
Stroll Through Rome’s Most Beautiful Spots
Rome in Easter blooms with spring: mild weather, longer days, and streets filled with flowers make it the perfect time to explore the city on foot.
Here are some of the most charming places for a stroll:
- Trastevere, with its cobbled alleys, ancient churches, and traditional trattorias.
- The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on the Aventine Hill, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views of the city.
- The Monti district, authentic and vibrant, ideal for an Easter brunch and a walk among indie boutiques and artisan shops.
Plan an Easter Monday Day Trip
Easter Monday is the perfect time to venture out of Rome and enjoy nature or artistic treasures in the surrounding area. There’s no shortage of destinations, and many are easily reachable even without a car.
Here are some ideas for your Easter Monday 2025:
- Tivoli, with its breathtaking Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Castel Gandolfo and the Castelli Romani, perfect for those seeking fresh air, local cuisine, and lakeside landscapes.
- Ostia Antica, for a journey into the past among Roman ruins and a seaside walk.
Where Will the 2025 Via Crucis Be Held in Rome?
One of the most symbolic and moving events of Good Friday is the Via Crucis at the Colosseum, which in 2025 will take place on April 18.
Presided over by Pope Francis, this evening procession follows the Stations of the Cross, accompanied by reflections, prayers, and hymns. Faithful from around the world participate with torches in a deeply spiritual and reflective atmosphere.
The route begins at the Colosseum and winds around the Roman Forum, in a natural setting of extraordinary beauty and symbolism. The event is free and does not require booking, but it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot.
What to Eat in Rome at Easter?
Easter in Rome is also a gastronomic experience. The local culinary tradition offers typical dishes that blend sacred and secular, ancient recipes and seasonal ingredients.
Many restaurants and trattorias offer special menus for Easter and Easter Monday, but we recommend booking in advance, especially at the most popular spots.
For those who want to try something traditional, here are some must-haves:
- Roast lamb with potatoes (Abbacchio al forno con patate), the undisputed star of the Roman Easter lunch.
- Coratella with artichokes, typically served on Easter morning as a hearty breakfast after Mass.
- Pizza sbattuta with chocolate, a sponge cake-style dessert traditionally paired with chocolate eggs.
- Colomba cake and chocolate eggs, of course, are a staple in every Italian household.
What’s the Best Way to Explore Rome at Easter 2025?
To make your Easter in Rome even more special, we recommend discovering the city aboard the Green Line Tours Hop-On Hop-Off panoramic bus tour.
This service allows you to hop on and off the open-top double-decker buses freely, stopping at the city’s main attractions at your own pace and preference. With three different lines, you can admire iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, the Vatican, and many more.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Rome in a practical and flexible way during the Easter holidays. Buy your ticket now with Green Line Tours and get ready to discover the Eternal City like never before.
