Is everything closed in Rome on Sundays?

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is known as the home of the Colosseum and has many ruins scattered across the city.

You may have noticed already, but a lot of stores and businesses do close on a Sunday in Rome. But the main shopping streets, clothing stores and department stores stay open on Sundays. If you aren’t sure, be sure to check in advance if you are planning on visiting anywhere on a Sunday!

Many of the main attractions are open on Sundays. But a lot of the attractions in Rome are in the open air, so you are still able to view them from the outside if you aren’t fussed about going inside!

Now you know not everything is closed on a Sunday in Rome, but what is open and what can you do and see?

Colosseum

One of the oldest buildings in the world, the Colosseum is also the biggest ancient amphitheatre. Built all the way back in 70 – 80 A.D, it was once used for gladiatorial games. It is estimated that about 400,000 people died during spectacles at the Colosseum. You can view the Colosseum from the outside. But if you want to get a better look, it’s best to buy tickets to see the inside, you won’t regret it! You can either wander the inside on your own or get a guided tour which will give you more of the history of the Colosseum.

Trevi Fountain

Hidden away in the streets of Rome, the famous Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in the city. At 20 metres wide and 26 metres high, it’s an amazing sight to see. The fountain is open all day and night but be aware some days the water is drained so the fountain can be cleaned. Travellers come here to throw coins in the fountain’s waters because of the myth from the movie Three Coins in the Fountain. It’s said if you throw one coin you will return to Rome. Two coins will have you fall in love with an Italian. Three coins you’ll marry the person you met. But you must throw the coins in your right hand over your left shoulder!

Vatican City

Known as the home to the Pope and the smallest city in the world, Vatican City is located inside Rome. Travellers come here to visit the Vatican Museums which are closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month). But you can still wander the small city and stand in Saint Peter’s Square to view St Peter’s Basilica.

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museum is one of the most important and fascinating museums to visit in Rome. You will need about two hours to view everything from the marble statues to ancient Roman art. You can even get a view of some of the ruins nearby from the top floor. Additionally, if you are visiting in summer, the museum has air conditioning to provide relief from the Roman heat!

Take note! Attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums and many more have free entry on the last Sunday of each month.