As Easter weekend approaches, significant changes to mobility in Rome are set to take place due to various celebrations and institutional meetings. These events will affect traffic and public transportation across the city, particularly on Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21, 2025.
On both days, the public transport network will operate according to normal holiday hours, with the last metro runs scheduled for 23:30. However, some bus lines, specifically 170, 719, and 781, will be rerouted to accommodate the festivities. For instance, the Via Crucis procession, a significant religious event, will occur around the Colosseum from 21:00 to 23:00. This procession will necessitate road closures in areas including Piazza del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and Via di San Gregorio, starting from 14:00. Consequently, several bus lines, including 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 117, and 118, will be diverted, and the Colosseo metro B stop will be closed.
In addition to the religious observances, U.S. Vice President James David Vance will be visiting Rome over the weekend, departing on Sunday. His itinerary includes meetings with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Paroli. Given the high-profile nature of this visit, security measures will be heightened, particularly in the Parioli area where Vance will be staying at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Villa Taverna. Expect road closures near the U.S. Embassy and on Via Bissolati, with additional restrictions in Centro and along Via della Stazione Vaticana on Saturday, April 19. Public transport lines 2, 3, 19L, 52, 52d, 168, 223, and 910 will experience delays and diversions.
Monday, April 21, coincides with Pasquetta, a traditional day for outings in Italy, and also marks the 2778th anniversary of Rome's founding. Celebrations will kick off at the Altare della Patria at 09:00, leading to road closures in Piazza Venezia and diversions for numerous bus lines, including 8, H, 30, 40, 44, 46, 51, 60, 62, 63, 64, 70-80, 81, 83, 85, 87, 118, 160, 170, 190F, 492, 628, 715, 716, 781, 916F, and C3. A historical parade is also planned in the city center from 11:00 to 13:30, affecting the same bus lines.
Beyond the major events, there are additional processions scheduled throughout the weekend that will further impact traffic. For instance, a procession in Monte Spaccato on Friday at 21:00 will affect bus line 980, while another procession in Fonte Nuova will close a section of the Nomentana from 21:00 to 23:30, impacting line 337. Moreover, a political demonstration is planned for Friday between 13:00 and 16:00 in Piazza Vittorio, alongside a socio-cultural-commercial event in Ostia on Easter, which will close Via delle Baleniere and affect bus lines 04, C4, C13, C02, and C2.
Sports fans will also have something to look forward to, as AS Roma is set to face Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, April 19, at 20:45. The usual security plan will be in place, with modifications to traffic flow beginning in the early afternoon. The stadium will be accessible via public transport lines 2, 23, 31, 32, 53, 69, 70, 89, 168, 201, 226, 280, 301, 446, 628, 910, 911, and 982.
In light of the Easter celebrations, Via dei Fori Imperiali will become a pedestrian zone on both Easter and Pasquetta, leading to further diversions for bus lines 51, 75, 85, 87, 118, and nMB. As the city gears up for a busy weekend, residents and visitors alike are advised to plan their journeys in advance and stay informed about the changes to public transportation and road access.
Meanwhile, in Imola, the weekend is packed with cultural events and exhibitions. On Sunday, April 20, the exhibition "Germano Sartelli. L’incanto della materia" will have special openings at Museo San Domenico from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00. Tickets are priced at 4 euros, with reduced rates for children and free entry for those under 14. This exhibition showcases the entire creative journey of the artist Sartelli, spanning from the 1950s to his latest works.
Also on April 20, Ozzano Emilia will host the ArtInCirco Festival in the park of Via della Repubblica, featuring creative games starting at 15:30, followed by food offerings at 16:00 and a bubble show titled "Il Sogno" at 17:00. Tickets for this event are 8 euros, with discounts available for younger attendees.
Celebrations continue on Monday, April 21, in Fontanelice with the Sagra della Piè Fritta, which begins at 9:00 with the distribution of local delicacies. The day includes various activities, such as visits to the Archivio Mengoni and a donkey parade at 15:00.
In Ozzano Emilia, the ArtInCirco Festival will resume on Monday with a full schedule of activities, including creative games, performances, and workshops throughout the day. This vibrant festival aims to engage audiences of all ages with its diverse offerings.
As the week progresses, there will be a series of events, including a book presentation by Sabrina Grementieri on April 22 in Imola, and a concert featuring Ada Flocco in Mordano that same evening. The cultural calendar remains rich with opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the arts, music, and community gatherings.
With Easter festivities and cultural events in full swing, both Rome and Imola are set to offer a lively atmosphere filled with celebration and engagement.
