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Ascension Thursday falls in late May and is observed as a public holiday in many countries. Italy, however, is an exception — and for travellers planning a trip to Rome around this date, that is largely good news. The city runs on its normal schedule, everything stays open, and there are no holiday-related surprises to navigate.
Is Ascension Thursday a Public Holiday in Rome?
Despite Italy’s strong Catholic heritage and the presence of the Vatican in Rome, Ascension Thursday has not been a public holiday in Italy since 1977. That year, amid economic and political instability, the Italian government abolished several religious feast days — among them Ascension Thursday, Corpus Christi, and the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul — in exchange for productivity bonuses negotiated between trade unions and employers.
Of the abolished holidays, only Epiphany (6 January) was later reinstated, in 1985, following public pressure to preserve the beloved Befana tradition. The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June) survived as a local holiday in Rome, where the two apostles are the city’s patron saints.
The one exception to this rule is South Tyrol, the autonomous German-speaking province in northern Italy, where Ascension Thursday is still recognised as a public holiday.
For visitors to Rome, the practical effect is straightforward: on Ascension Thursday, the city operates as on any other weekday. Museums, churches, restaurants, and shops are all open, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Tips for a Late May Trip to Rome
Getting There
Late May is one of Rome’s busiest travel periods. Flights and trains tend to fill up well in advance, particularly around Ascension Thursday when travellers from across Europe take advantage of the long weekend. Omio allows you to compare flights, trains, and coach connections in one place — booking early is advisable.
Book Tickets in Advance
Spring is peak season in Rome, and the Ascension weekend draws visitors from countries where it is a public holiday, adding to the usual crowds. For the most popular sites, booking 3–4 weeks ahead is strongly recommended.
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel → Tiqets
- St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets → Tiqets
- Tours & Guided Experiences → GetYourGuide
Accommodation & Getting Around
When choosing accommodation, proximity to public transport is worth prioritising — Rome’s historic centre is large and best explored with good connections. First-time visitors may find the Hop-on Hop-off Bus a practical introduction to the city. For a fuller picture of what to see and do, our 3 Days in Rome guide and the May in Rome article are good starting points.
Religious Services on Ascension Thursday
For those who wish to mark the feast day, Rome’s many international churches offer a wide range of services in English. Several Roman Catholic and Anglican congregations hold regular English-language masses and are likely to observe Ascension Thursday — though we recommend checking individual schedules closer to the date.
For a full list of English-speaking churches in Rome — including Sant’Anna in Vaticano, St. Patrick’s American Church, the Venerable English College, All Saints’ Anglican Church, and several others — see our Rome Easter page, where we have compiled contacts and locations.
Note: In most Catholic parishes in Rome, the celebration of Ascension Thursday is transferred to the following Sunday. On the Thursday itself, the city continues as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascension Thursday a public holiday in Italy?
No — with the exception of South Tyrol. Across the rest of Italy, including Rome, it is a regular working day. All museums, churches, and attractions remain open.
Is St. Peter’s Basilica open on Ascension Thursday?
Yes, St. Peter’s Basilica is open during its normal hours on Ascension Thursday.
Is late May a good time to visit Rome?
Yes, though it is one of the busiest periods of the year. The weather is reliably warm and conditions are generally excellent for sightseeing. Pre-booking tickets for major attractions is essential to avoid lengthy queues.
How far in advance should I book Vatican tickets?
For late May, booking 3–4 weeks ahead is advisable. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are among Rome’s most visited sites and availability can become limited, particularly at weekends.
Why is Ascension Thursday not a holiday in Italy?
The holiday was abolished in 1977 as part of a broader agreement between the Italian government, trade unions, and employers to reduce mid-week public holidays and increase productivity. Only Epiphany was subsequently reinstated, in 1985.
For a complete overview of public holidays and seasonal events in Rome, see our Rome Holiday Calendar 2026.
