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On 29 June, Rome celebrates the solemn feast of its patron saints Peter and Paul – one of the most important celebrations in the Eternal City. The Saints Peter and Paul Rome feast combines spectacular fireworks at Castel Sant’Angelo, magnificent flower petal carpets in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, and a solemn Papal Mass into an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to be in Rome on this special day.
Saints Peter and Paul Rome: Events on 29 June
The heart of the celebrations centers on St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Around these two churches, the festivities unfold – from the Papal Mass in the morning to the grand fireworks display in the late evening.
Here’s what traditionally takes place:
From the eve (28 June): Construction of the Infiorata begins in front of St. Peter’s Basilica – watching the flower petal images take shape is already a special experience in itself.
28 June, 8:00 pm: Traditional street fair begins in Via Ostiense behind the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
29 June, 10:00 am: Solemn Papal Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (advance registration required).
29 June, 12:00 noon: Angelus prayer by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace, freely accessible from St. Peter’s Square.
29 June, until midnight: Street fair in Via Ostiense continues.
29 June, 9:30 pm: Historic fireworks display La Girandola at Castel Sant’Angelo.
Girandola Fireworks at Castel Sant’Angelo
Rome’s most famous fireworks display takes place on 29 June at Castel Sant’Angelo: the Girandola – affectionately known in Rome as La Girandola di Michelangelo.
The tradition dates back to 1481, when Pope Sixtus IV commissioned the finest artists of his era to design the elaborate fireworks machinery – remarkable feats of engineering in their own right. Over the centuries, the Girandola was shaped by two of the greatest geniuses in art history: Michelangelo Buonarroti reinvented the spectacle with his creative vision, while Gian Lorenzo Bernini enriched it with new effects of light, colour and sound, drawing inspiration from the raw power of the Stromboli volcano.
From the 15th century onwards, the Girandola was celebrated by poets and painters, described by Grand Tour travellers and immortalised on canvas by numerous European artists. Today, the imposing silhouette of Castel Sant’Angelo provides the perfect backdrop for this luminous ritual that continues to captivate audiences year after year.
The fireworks begin on 29 June at 9:30 pm. The best vantage points are Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II and Ponte Sant’Angelo, where you have an unobstructed view of Castel Sant’Angelo and can soak up the festive atmosphere. For a quieter experience away from the crowds, Piazza Pia and Lungotevere degli Altoviti are excellent alternatives.
Papal Mass for Saints Peter and Paul at St. Peter’s
On the morning of 29 June, the Pope celebrates the solemn High Mass for the feast of the Apostles at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass lasts approximately 90 minutes. Advance registration is required and can be made through the Vatican’s official booking portal: eventi.pontificalisdomus.va. Allow plenty of time for security checks and arrive early.
At 12:00 noon, the Pope prays the Angelus from the window of the Apostolic Palace. No registration is required for this – simply make your way to St. Peter’s Square to participate. To get a good spot, plan to arrive by 11:30 am.
Infiorata: Flower Petal Carpets in Front of St. Peter’s
One of the most beautiful traditions of the feast is the Infiorata: associations from across Italy create large-scale images made entirely from flower petals on the forecourt of St. Peter’s Basilica, honouring the two patron saints.
Already on the evening of 28 June, the artists begin their work – watching the colourful mosaics take shape petal by petal is a truly special experience.
On 29 June itself, the finished images can be admired in their full splendour. As a rule, they remain well visible throughout the afternoon, weather and wind permitting.
Street Fair at Saint Paul Outside the Walls
A traditional street fair takes place in Via Ostiense, behind the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, with street food, entertainment, games and a variety of goods on offer. The fair runs from 28 June at 8:00 pm through to 29 June at midnight.
The area around Via Ostiense and the nearby Quartiere Garbatella offer plenty of good options for dinner. A particularly worthwhile stop is Il Biondo Tevere – a long-established restaurant that counts the filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini among its former regulars.
Museums on 29 June in Rome
The Vatican Museums are closed on 29 June. All other museums in Rome are open as normal.
Practical Tips for 29 June in Rome
29 June is a public holiday in the city of Rome – but not in the rest of Italy. Traditionally, many Romans use the weekend before 29 June to head to the seaside or the mountains for a short break. If you are planning to leave Rome by car on those days, set off very early – traffic on the main roads out of the city can be significant, and it may take one to two hours just to clear the urban area.
Within the city itself, 29 June is pleasantly quiet – a welcome bonus for visitors spending the holiday in Rome.
Public transport: Bus, metro and tram services run on a public holiday timetable.
Getting to Saint Paul Outside the Walls: Take Metro B to San Paolo, or Bus 23 from St. Peter’s, or Bus 792 from San Giovanni.
Hotels and travel: As 29 June is a popular date, booking your hotel and travel arrangements well in advance is strongly recommended.
Tickets & Tours for Rome
Around the 29 June holiday, booking ahead makes all the difference. For a full overview of tickets and tours in Rome – from the Colosseum to the Vatican – visit our Rome Tickets page.
You can also book directly with our trusted partners:
Frequently Asked Questions about Saints Peter and Paul in Rome
Is 29 June a public holiday in Rome?
Yes. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June is a public holiday in the city of Rome and in the Vatican – but not in the rest of Italy. Many Romans leave the city for the long weekend, which makes the historic centre noticeably quieter and more enjoyable for visitors.
When and where does the Girandola fireworks display take place?
The Girandola takes place on 29 June at 9:30 pm at Castel Sant’Angelo. The best views are from Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II and Ponte Sant’Angelo. For a quieter spot, try Piazza Pia or Lungotevere degli Altoviti.
Are the Vatican Museums open on 29 June?
No, the Vatican Museums are closed on 29 June. All other museums in Rome are open as normal.
Do I need a reservation for the Papal Mass on 29 June?
Yes, free advance registration is required for the Papal Mass at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Basilica. Register through the Vatican’s official portal: eventi.pontificalisdomus.va. The Papal Mass lasts approximately 90 minutes. The Angelus prayer at noon on St. Peter’s Square requires no registration.
What is the Infiorata and where can I see it?
The Infiorata is a large-scale carpet of flower petals created by associations from across Italy in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. You can already watch the artists at work on the evening of 28 June. The finished images are typically on display throughout the day on 29 June and usually remain visible well into the afternoon.
I am planning to leave Rome by car around 29 June – any advice?
Set off as early as possible. Many Romans head out of the city in the days before 29 June, causing significant congestion on the main roads. Leaving very early in the morning helps avoid the worst of the traffic.
Can I visit St. Peter’s Basilica on 29 June outside of the Papal Mass?
St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome open to visitors after the Papal Mass, from approximately 11:30 am onwards.
How do I get to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls?
Take Metro B to San Paolo, or Bus 23 from St. Peter’s, or Bus 792 from San Giovanni.
The History of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome
Peter and Paul are the two prince apostles, venerated together since the earliest days of Christianity as the founders and pillars of the Church of Rome.
Peter, the fisherman from Galilee, was the first disciple called by Jesus. Around the year 50, he came to Rome, where he preached with great influence until he was arrested during the Christian persecutions under Emperor Nero. According to tradition, he initially escaped – but on the Via Appia, Jesus appeared to him and persuaded him to return and accept martyrdom. He was crucified around the year 67 in the Circus of Nero. At his own request, he was crucified upside down, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. He was buried on the Vatican Hill. Over his tomb, a chapel was built, then the Basilica of Emperor Constantine – and finally, in the 16th century, the present-day St. Peter’s Basilica.
Paul was born into a Jewish family in Tarsus, in present-day Turkey. Following a vision on the road to Damascus, he converted to Christianity and became a tireless missionary. Arrested in Jerusalem as a troublemaker, he invoked his rights as a Roman citizen and was transferred to Rome in the year 61, where he spent several years in house arrest. During the renewed persecutions under Nero he was arrested again. As a Roman citizen, he was entitled to a swift death: he was beheaded around the year 67 at the Three Fountains on the Via Laurentina. Legend has it that his head struck the ground three times and that a spring arose at each spot – today the Cistercian church of Tre Fontane stands on that site. Paul was buried outside the city walls along the Via Ostiense, where the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls stands today.
According to tradition, Peter and Paul were executed on the same day. Since the early Church, their joint feast has been celebrated on 29 June – and as the feast day of Rome’s patron saints, it is observed as a public holiday in the capital.
Is the Basillica, Tombs and Dome open on the 29th June, we were informed that it would be closed due to the festival.
We had booked a tour on 29th June 2024 at 12:30pm not knowing about the festival. The tour operator is now saying that it was open and we could have attended for a tour of St Peters Basillca, dome and tombs.
Can you tell me if it would have been open at that time/date?
Hi Mike,
St. Peter’s Basilica is open after Mass, even on June 29, and many security checkpoints are open for the 12 noon Angelus prayer. The 12:00 Angelus prayer is a good time to visit the Basilica and the Dome, as most of the people in the square enter the Basilica after the Pope’s speech is over.
will The fireworks La Girandola take place in piazza del popolo in 2022?
Hello, we expect it to take place. But it is not yet confirmed. By the way, Cinecittà World will host a championship of fireworks from 1-10 July.
Goodmorning. Still no information for The fireworks La Girandola in piazza del popolo in 2022? I can’t finalise me schedule 🙂
It is very strange, but the city of Rome has not yet published a program. Apart from possible last minute surprises, I think we have to assume that this year no events have been organized for the city festival.
Hi Bernhard,
do you know whan exactly will be the Basilica open for public? Is it noon or typically later? Many thanks Michal
Hi Michal,
after the Angelus Prayer of the Pope, a little before 13:00. At that time, half of the people assisting the Angelus want to enter the Basilica.
How can I get one ticket if I was regretfully denied in my email request to the Vatican? I sent the email in February. Only need 1 ticket
Hi Cindy,
the Prefecture of the Papal Household accepts requests only via Fax to + 39 06 6988 5863 or by post.
Hi Tracy,
If we buy “dedicated access and self-guided tour” of the Basilica on June 29th, will we be able to go into St. Peters from 3-5?
Hi Betsy,
yes, the Basilica is open in the afternoon of June 29th.
Will Hop On/Off buses be running and where do you get tickets from Empire Palace Hotel?
Hi Tracy,
the next hop on hop off stop is at Termini Main Station and they are running June 29. More information about hop on hop off