Saints Peter and Paul in Rome (29 June): Mass, Infiorata, Fireworks and Closed Sites

Updated on October 5, 2026

On 29 June Rome celebrates its two patron saints, Peter and Paul, who according to tradition were martyred in the city. It is a public holiday in Rome: the Pope celebrates Mass in St Peter's Basilica, flower pictures are laid out on Via della Conciliazione, the bronze statue of St Peter is dressed in its pontifical robes and the day traditionally ends with fireworks. The Vatican Museums are closed that day and many shops shut. The information below is from the 2026 edition.

Highlights

The papal Mass at St Peter's

On 29 June 2026, the Mass for the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul took place at 9:30 am in St Peter's Basilica, with the blessing and imposition of the palliums on the new metropolitan archbishops. To attend papal celebrations, a free ticket is requested from the Prefecture of the Papal Household; without one, you can follow the feast from St Peter's Square.

The statue of St Peter in pontifical robes

Inside the basilica, the bronze statue of St Peter, whose foot is worn smooth by the kisses of the faithful, is dressed that day in a red cope and a tiara, following an old tradition. Expect a long queue to enter the basilica on the feast day.

The Infiorata on Via della Conciliazione

From the early morning, master florists compose flower pictures along Via della Conciliazione and Piazza Pio XII, in front of St Peter's Square. The work is ephemeral: come early, before the Mass crowds.

The Girandola fireworks

The Girandola, a great firework display fired from Castel Sant'Angelo until the 19th century, has remained the signature of the feast (see Philipp Hackert's painting, 1775). Depending on the year, the modern show is fired from the castle or from Piazza del Popolo; check the place and time in the City of Rome's programme.

The two apostles' churches

Two other places are linked to the apostles: San Pietro in Vincoli, where the apostle's chains are venerated, and the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, built over Paul's tomb. Both are quieter than St Peter's that day.

Practical info

Tips

The feast falls on a weekday or a weekend depending on the year; on 29 June the Vatican Museums are closed, as our guide to the best time to visit Rome points out. For other sites, check the day's opening hours before setting out. Arrive very early at St Peter's and go through security; at the end of June the heat is strong, so bring water (see Rome in summer). For papal celebrations and free tickets, see also our guide to the papal audience in Rome. City of Rome programme: turismoroma.it; information checked in October 2026.

How to get there

St Peter's Square, 00120 Vatican City: metro line A, Ottaviano station, then a 10-minute walk; on foot along Via della Conciliazione from Castel Sant'Angelo (about 10 minutes). Streets around the Vatican are closed to traffic that day.