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| Holy Week in Rome |
Rome is connected to Christianity in many ways: it’s the official residence of Pope Frances, has over 900 cathedrals, churches and chapels, and is the reputed resting place of St Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles. As such, there are few places on Earth that celebrate Easter with the same gusto this Italian city. Here, there are many special services to mark the most important Christian festival, and in Holy Week the city is flooded with religious tourists.
The Vatican City
Situated within Rome is the Vatican City which is home to the Head of the Catholic Church, the Pope. The most popular place to visit at Easter time is St Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) and St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where many services are delivered by the Pope himself. The main event is Easter Sunday Mass, where huge crowds gather in the square to hear the Pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” message from the balcony of the papal apartments.The Colosseum
The Colosseum also has a very strong connection to Christianity, with particular reference to the early Christians that were said to have been persecuted for their faith in God, by being thrown to the lions. On Good Friday an evening vigil called the ‘Stations of the Cross’ is presided over by the Pope in the Colosseum.Scala Santa
A more unusual but no less popular destination for pilgrims is the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), reportedly the steps that led up to the official residence of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It is believed that they were transported to Rome in the 4th Century AD by St Helena, and are now encased by protective walnut boards to guard against damage.
Visiting Rome and the Vatican City Rome is a gorgeous city to visit the whole year round, but it is particularly attractive during holy week.
