Rome at All Saints' Day: what to do during the holidays

Rome at All Saints' is a good idea: the summer crowds are gone, the temperature is mild and the museums are open. But the calendar matters. In 2026, 1 November (All Saints' Day, a national holiday in Italy known as Ognissanti) falls on a Sunday, and 2 November, All Souls' Day, on a Monday: some sites are closed, others free and packed. This guide tells you what to do during these holidays, what to book and what to avoid; opening hours and prices checked in October 2026 are gathered in the summary table.

The All Saints' calendar in Rome in 2026

Saturday 31 October is the eve. Sunday 1 November is a public holiday in Italy, and also the first Sunday of the month: state-run sites are free for everyone. Monday 2 November, All Souls' Day, is not a holiday but many Romans visit the cemetery, and most state museums are closed on Mondays.

The French All Saints' school holidays fall at the same time: the city is busier than in other autumn weeks, especially around the weekend of 1 November. Book tickets in advance for the most visited sites; see our guide to the best time to visit Rome.

Sunday 1 November: free sites and closed sites

On the first Sunday of the month, state sites are free: this includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine, the Pantheon, Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Massimo and the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna. Free entry attracts crowds: arrive before opening, and do not expect the same calm as on weekdays. See our free things to do in Rome.

The Vatican Museums are closed on 1 November, a public holiday, and generally on Sundays (except the last of the month, 29 November in 2026). St Peter's Basilica stays open. On other days of the week, book a slot online.

The catacombs, the cemeteries and the Capuchin Crypt

All Saints' invites visits to places of remembrance. The catacombs of Rome, on the Via Appia Antica, each close on a different day: Wednesday at San Callisto, Monday at San Sebastiano, Tuesday at Domitilla. A ticket is €10 (€7 reduced), with a guided tour.

The Non-Catholic Cemetery, in Testaccio, opens on Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 to 13:00: that is the case on 1 November. Entry is free with a suggested contribution of €5. The Capuchin Crypt, on Via Veneto, is open every day, but closes at 13:30 on 2 November: arrive in the morning.

Rome's large cemeteries (Verano, Prima Porta, Laurentino) host ceremonies and many Roman visitors on these days. Tourists avoid them; if you go, be discreet and check the hours and special transport on the City's websites.

What to do in Rome during the All Saints' holidays

Early-November days suit parks and walks: the Villa Borghese, with its autumn foliage, and the Bioparco, whose summer hours end on 24 October 2026: check the winter hours before going. For families, see Rome with children.

Chestnut sellers (caldarroste) set up their braziers in the centre, and pastry shops sell "fave dei morti" and "ossa dei morti", traditional All Souls' biscuits. It is also a good time for churches and museums: the Pantheon, the basilicas and the palaces are less crowded than in summer. A day at the Colosseum or the Forum is more pleasant in autumn temperatures.

If it rains: fallback plans

November is one of the rainiest months of the year in Rome. Keep museums in reserve: the Borghese Gallery (by reservation), the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Barberini. Our guide Rome on a rainy day offers a full programme.

Summary table: the All Saints' stops

Stop	All Saints' 2026 particularity	Admission	Hours
State sites (Colosseum, Pantheon, Barberini…)	Free on Sunday 1 November	Free on 1 November	Depends on the site
Vatican Museums	Closed on 1 November	See the museum page; free on the last Sunday (29 November)	Closed on Sunday 1 November
Catacombs	Different weekly closing per site	€10 (€7 reduced)	See each site
Non-Catholic Cemetery	Sundays and public holidays	Free, €5 suggested	9:00-13:00 on 1 November
Capuchin Crypt	Closes at 13:30 on 2 November	€10	9:30-13:30 on 2 November

Prices checked in October 2026.

Where to stay and getting around during the holidays

Hotel prices rise slightly around the All Saints' long weekend: book early, see where to stay in Rome. Transport runs normally, with reinforced buses to the cemeteries; see transport in Rome. For the budget of a stay, see budget in Rome.