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Ferragosto – the holiday of Augustus – dates back to ancient times. Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August, and all of Italy goes on holiday. Many Romans head to the seaside or the mountains, and offices and factories are closed for weeks around Ferragosto.
At Ferragosto 2026, Rome is almost deserted: Romans flee to the seaside or the mountains, and the streets of the centre empty out in an unusual way. August temperatures can reach 35°C and above – it is advisable to visit the main sights in the early morning or after 5pm, carry a water bottle (Rome’s many nasoni fountains provide fresh drinking water throughout the city) and apply adequate sun protection. More tips on dealing with the heat can be found in our Rome heat guide.
For visitors, this is excellent news: Rome is quieter than at any other time of year. The streets are virtually free of traffic, queues at the major sights are shorter than usual, and the historic centre belongs largely to tourists. Most restaurants and shops in the centre remain open throughout August. In short, Ferragosto is one of the most pleasant times of all to experience Rome.
Opening Hours
Shops
Shops in tourist areas such as Ostia Lido and some parts of the historic centre remain open. Bars, gelaterias, restaurants and duty pharmacies are generally open. Most supermarkets and shopping centres are closed on 15 August.
Museums
The Vatican Museums and the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo are closed on 14 and 15 August. State museums and the Municipal Museums of Rome are open. Full details on museum opening hours can be found on our Rome in August page.
A particular advantage of Ferragosto: with fewer Romans in the city, queues at popular sights such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are noticeably shorter than at other times of the year. Booking tickets in advance is still recommended.
Papal Angelus on 15 August
On the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August, the Pope prays the Angelus at 12 noon from the window of the Apostolic Palace on St. Peter’s Square or from the Piazza della Libertà in front of the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo – the exact location is usually announced only a few weeks beforehand. It is worth checking Vatican announcements shortly before 15 August.
Every Wednesday in August, a General Audience also takes place – free of charge and without reservation.
Transport
Buses and trams run on a reduced summer timetable in August; on 15 August itself, an additional public holiday timetable applies with further restrictions. Metro, buses and trams run from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, and until 1:30 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Licensed taxis and app-based services such as FREE NOW are a practical alternative. For current timetable information, use the Moovit or ATAC app.
Events
In seaside resorts such as Ostia and Fregene, 15 August is celebrated with festivals, concerts and fireworks.
In Rome itself, the Estate Romana offers a rich summer programme: concerts and cultural events in historic villas and on squares across the city turn Rome into an open-air venue. Along the banks of the Tiber near the Tiber Island, restaurants, bars and entertainment draw visitors and locals alike late into the evening.
Further details on events in August can be found on our Rome in August page.
Day Trip Ideas
Rome has a beautiful surrounding region. Follow the Romans’ lead and discover the picturesque towns and landscapes around the Eternal City.
Day Trip to Tivoli
Perched on the slopes of the Apennines 32 km east of Rome, Tivoli sits at 235 metres above sea level on the River Aniene. A cardinal commissioned the Villa d’Este in the 16th century, celebrated for its water features and organ fountain – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a refreshing oasis on hot summer days. Further down the valley lie the extensive ruins of Villa Adriana, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 134 AD. Sun protection is strongly recommended for a visit to Villa Adriana.
Day Trip to the Castelli Romani
The Castelli Romani – wine villages on the slopes of the Alban volcano south of Rome – are cooler than the city and make for a wonderful outing. Please note: the Pope’s summer residence and gardens in Castel Gandolfo are closed on 14, 15 and 16 August. The surrounding area still has plenty to offer, such as a wine tour or a cycling tour – take the train to Castel Gandolfo and cycle back downhill to Rome after lunch.
Day Trip to the Sea
Popular seaside destinations south of Rome include Anzio, Sperlonga and Gaeta, all reachable by regional train. For something special, consider a day trip to the island of Capri – Emperor Tiberius retreated there and never wanted to leave – or a sailing trip around the island of Ponza departing from Anzio, with crystal-clear water and picturesque coves.
See also our article Day Trip to Ostia.
Book Tickets & Tours
Even at Ferragosto, booking tickets for the most popular sights in advance is worthwhile. For a full overview, visit our Rome Tickets page.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ferragosto in Rome
What is Ferragosto?
Ferragosto is Italy’s most important summer public holiday, falling on 15 August. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption on this day. The tradition of summer holidays around 15 August dates back to ancient Rome and the “Feriae Augusti” – the holidays of Emperor Augustus.
Is Ferragosto a public holiday in Rome?
Yes, 15 August is a national public holiday throughout Italy. Most shops are closed; museums, restaurants in the centre and tourist facilities are generally open.
Is Rome worth visiting at Ferragosto?
Yes – Ferragosto is actually a particularly pleasant time for tourists. Fewer Romans in the city means less traffic, shorter queues at the sights and a more relaxed atmosphere in the historic centre.
Are the Vatican Museums open on 15 August?
No, the Vatican Museums are closed on 14 and 15 August. All other state and municipal museums are open.
Where does the Pope pray the Angelus on 15 August?
The Angelus takes place at 12 noon – either from the window of the Apostolic Palace on St. Peter’s Square in Rome or from the Piazza della Libertà in front of the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo. The exact location is usually announced only a few weeks in advance.
Are restaurants open in Rome on Ferragosto?
In the historic centre, around 80% of restaurants and bars remain open – only a few very traditional establishments close for Ferragosto. Outside the centre, the picture is different: roughly half of restaurants, bars and other shops are closed. If you’re eating outside the centre, it’s worth checking in advance whether your chosen place is open.
Is the Colosseum open on 15 August?
Yes, the Colosseum is open on 15 August. As a state museum, it is not closed on Ferragosto. Booking a timed entry ticket in advance is still recommended.
Does the metro run in Rome on 15 August?
Yes, the Rome metro runs on 15 August, from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm (until 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays). Buses and trams follow a reduced summer timetable. For current timetable information, use the Moovit or ATAC app.
