Easter (Pasqua in Italian) isn’t just a single day in Rome; it’s a seismic shift in the city’s atmosphere. As the flowers of the Hanami at the EUR (which we just wrote about) begin to fall like snow, the entire city gears up for a week of solemnity, celebration, and, of course, incredible food.

If you are lucky enough to be in the Eternal City during this period, you are about to witness Rome at its most traditional, spiritual, and deliciously indulgent. This is your curated “Best in Rome” guide on how to navigate the ceremonies and eat like a true local.

Part 1: What to Do — The Spiritual Heartbeat

While today is Easter Monday, Roman Easter is a journey that starts days earlier. This is how the city marked the holy days of 2026, presidid over by our new Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.

1. The Via Crucis (Good Friday)

On the evening of Good Friday (April 3, 2026), the center of the world shifts to the Colosseum. Here, thousands of faithful from across the globe gather with flickering torches to watch the Pope lead the moving “Way of the Cross” procession. Meditations are read in multiple languages, and the sight of the candlelight against the massive, ancient arches of the Colosseum is a breathtaking experience that defies words.

Best in Rome Tip: No tickets are needed, but you must arrive extremely early—by 7 PM at the latest—to get a standing spot with a view.

2. Papal Mass in St. Peter’s Square (Easter Sunday)

On Easter morning (April 5, 2026), the largest gathering in Rome takes place at the Vatican. After celebrating Mass in a flower-adorned St. Peter’s Square, the Pope delivers his famous Urbi et Orbi blessing (“to the city and to the world”) from the central balcony of the basilica. The atmosphere is one of profound unity and joy.

Best in Rome Tip: While this event is free, it requires tickets requested months in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

3. Easter in the Museums

If you missed the religious ceremonies, the holiday is a fantastic time to explore the city’s cultural treasures. The Vatican Museums are closed on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. However, most state museums (like the Colosseum/Roman Forum) and civic museums are open. Easter Sunday (April 5) coincided with the “Free Sunday” initiative, meaning all state museums were free for everyone.

Part 2: What to Eat — The Roman Easter Table

This is where Rome truly shines. For Romans, Easter is a marathon of eating that begins on Sunday morning and doesn’t stop until late Monday night. Here are the Best in Rome traditional dishes you must try.

1. The Big Roman Easter Breakfast (Colazione di Pasqua)

This is a uniquely local tradition that surprises many tourists. Instead of a cornetto and cappuccino, Romans start Easter Sunday with a savory, salty feast. The stars are:

  • Corallina: A dark red, finely ground salami with cubes of lard, traditionally from Norcia.
  • Pizza di Pasqua al Formaggio: A tall, spongy, and incredibly cheesy cake that smells like a dream.
  • Uova Sode: Hard-boiled eggs, often beautifully decorated by the children.

2. Il Pranzo di Pasqua (Easter Lunch)

The centerpiece of the entire holiday. If you can’t get invited to a Roman home, book a trattoria for this exact menu:

  • The Antipasto: Coratella con i Carciofi. A true classic. It’s a sautéed mixture of lamb offal (liver, lungs, heart, spleen) cooked down with seasonal Roman artichokes. It’s offal, but it’s done with so much love you’ll forget what you’re eating.
  • The Main Course: Abbacchio alla Scottadito. Milk-fed lamb chops, marinated and grilled. The name literally means “finger-burning” because they are so delicious you can’t wait for them to cool down.

3. The Desserts (Dolci)

  • Colomba di Pasqua: This is Italy’s universal Easter cake. It’s a dove-shaped (representing the Holy Spirit) counterpart to Christmas’s Panettone, topped with icing and almonds.
  • Uova di Pasqua: Massive, foil-wrapped chocolate eggs (milk or dark) containing a surprise gift. You’ll see them in every pastry shop window and supermarket.

Part 3: What to in Pasquetta (Easter Monday)

It is April 6, 2026: Pasquetta, the “Little Easter.”

While the religious solemnity is over, the tradition on this day is absolute: Romans “escape” the city for una scampagnata (a picnic) with friends and family, often consuming the leftovers from Sunday’s feast. If you want to join them, here are the Best in Rome escape routes for today.

1. The Classic Roman Picnic

Grab some pizza al taglio, some leftover corallina, and head to one of Rome’s great urban parks.

  • Villa Borghese: Central and elegant.
  • Villa Pamphilj: Rome’s largest park, perfect for long walks.
  • Parco degli Acquedotti: Picnic under the dramatic arches of ancient Roman aqueducts.

2. The Day Trip

For a more ambitious escape, do what many Romans are doing today and take a trip to:

  • Castel Gandolfo: Visit the Pope’s summer palace and enjoy the view over Lake Albano.
  • Ostia Antica: Explore the “Pompeii of Rome” and then take the short train ride to the sea for a seafood lunch at Lido di Ostia.

A Final Practical Tip

Remember that today (Easter Monday) is a public holiday in Italy. Public transport is on a holiday schedule, and most shops are closed. However, restaurants and museums are generally open, welcoming tourists and locals enjoying their Best in Rome long weekend.

We wish you a wonderful festive season. Buona Pasqua!