Staying in Rome: Easter in Rome, surrounded by religious and culinary tradition

The charm of Rome gets even stronger during the Easter period, when the capital of Christianity offers visitors the opportunity to participate in the traditional rites of Holy Week, in a unique setting for its beauty and mild spring weather, especially this year in which Easter falls towards the end of April. Those who love nature can explore the many green areas of which Rome is full; there actually are large parks where it is possible to walk quietly among secular trees, immersed in silence; many of these are located on the hills and allow you to admire the amazing views of the city from above.
Those who prefer cultural tourism are spoilt for choice as the monuments, the churches, the museums are really numerous and every visitor can plan guided tours that will allow them to come into contact even with the less known aspects of the metropolis. Moreover, during the Easter festivities, numerous art exhibitions take place in galleries or museums, an opportunity to admire ancient and modern works of art.

Easter traditions in Rome

The religious tradition is particularly felt in Rome as it is the capital of Christianity, above all due to the presence of the Holy See which, during the Holy Week, organizes numerous sacred functions. The Easter Triduum begins on Holy Thursday with the blessing of the holy oils, followed by the Mass with the ritual of washing the feet; each year the Pope chooses a different venue to celebrate this function. The most exciting moment is the Via Crucis ceremony, taking place on the evening of Good Friday; it is the Pope in person who leads the imposing procession from the Colosseum to the Temple of Venus, as the ideal representation of the journey Jesus did in the ascent to Mount Calvary. The Pontiff often takes charge of the Cross while stopping at the Stations of Christ's life: an experience of great emotional impact.
On this occasion, the Flavian Amphitheatre is illuminated by thousands of torches and candles, and the whole route is characterized by suggestive stages on the Palatine Hill, an experience you don't easily forgot. If for the believers the ritual is an extremely touching occasion as it allows them to remember the last moments of Jesus' life, even for non-believers the atmosphere is full of great suggestiveness. To access the area reserved for the procession, it is advisable to approach it several hours in advance, due to the enormous public participation. On the night of Holy Saturday, the Pope takes part to the Easter Vigil at the basilica of St. Peter, during which he presides over the Liturgy of the Word after a suggestive procession with the Easter Candle, accompanied by the songs of the Exultet.
The event of greatest resonance is the Solemn Mass celebrated by the Holy Father on Easter Sunday; due to the large participation of pilgrims from all over the world, it is necessary to get tickets available free of charge from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. On this occasion, tourists have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the moving atmosphere of the most important Christian anniversary, which recalls the resurrection of Jesus.

Culinary traditions in Rome during the Easter period

One of the most traditional appointments appreciated by the Romans is the Easter breakfast: a particularly abundant meal including sweet and savoury foods, dating back to the celebration of the end of the Lenten fast. One of the most served dishes is Easter Pizza in two versions: salted with cheese or sweet. They use to eat assorted sausages, including the typical red Corallina (a type of salami), accompanied by numerous varieties of cheese, boiled eggs, omelettes with asparagus or artichokes. Even savoury pies, including the typical vegetable-based Torta Pasqualina, are famous dishes; as well as the typical Coratella with Artichokes, cooked with lamb entrails mixed with artichokes. In addition to these salty foods, there are numerous Easter cakes, including the ever-present Doves (the Easter cakes).
Easter lunch is the most significant moment of the Holy Week; eaten in the family or at the restaurant, it is still particularly rich in exquisite traditional dishes. The first courses are usually Lasagna, Fettuccine or Rigatoni with a condiment or with broth, when the recipe allows it; the second courses are the strong point of the whole lunch and include the lamb (as they call it "abbacchio") baked in the oven with potatoes, or even grilled (as they say "a scottadito"); the breaded and fried lamb ribs; the Coratella and the Puntarelle. The artichokes are considered the symbols of the Easter culinary tradition, usually cooked "alla giudia" (according to the Jewish tradition), to be combined with the Coratella. Concerning desserts, the Easter tradition includes a great variety, such as typical doves, cakes of many types, Pastarelle and chocolate eggs in all the possible versions. The Easter period therefore is an excellent opportunity to stay in Rome as, even if for a few days, it offers the possibility to take part to extremely suggestive events and shows, but also to taste the typical dishes of the culinary tradition. We suggest you to choose a good accommodation to be able to fully enjoy the pleasures of a Roman holiday. The Hotel Colosseum, located in Monti district on the top of the Esquiline Hill, is the ideal accommodation for those who want to stay in an exclusive location that allows them to walk to all the most famous monuments of the city. The structure actually is near the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and that of San Pietro in Vincoli, where there is the famous statue of Moses by Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Well served by transport services both public (bus and taxi) and private (car and bike rental), it has a staff always available to fulfil guests' needs, suggesting itineraries, shops and clubs. The Hotel is located in Via Sforza 10, a quiet and peaceful location which, despite being in the historical centre, ensures maximum relaxation. Rooms of all types are available, equipped with private bathroom, television and Wi-Fi service and furnished in a sober and elegant style.