What’s on in Rome: Eight of the best things to do this April

Marvel at the ‘Arch of Light’ inside the Pantheon – April 6th-8th

Between April 6th and 8th, visitors to Rome’s Pantheon will have the unique opportunity to witness a mesmerising spectacle known as the ‘Arch of Light’ (or Arco di Luce). 

At around 1pm on those dates, the sun’s position in the sky will align with the Pantheon’s oculus – the circular opening at the centre of the building’s dome – casting a beam of light that will illuminate the arch above the main entrance.

According to historians, the event is linked to Ancient Roman celebrations held in honour of Diana, the goddess of hunting and nature, and Apollo, the god of music and medicine.

The Pantheon, whose construction dates back to the early 2nd century, was originally built as a temple for all Roman gods (hence the name pantheon, meaning ‘all gods’ in Greek) but has been a church dedicated to St Mary and the Martyrs since the 7th century.

Sample Rome’s famous carciofi - April 11th-13th

The Sagra del Carciofo Romanesco in Ladispoli, a seaside town northwest of Rome, is an annual event celebrating the famous ‘Romanesco’ artichoke – a staple of Lazio's culinary heritage.

During this vibrant three-day festival, Ladispoli's streets will come alive with food stands offering a variety of artichoke-based dishes – from traditional recipes such as carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes) and carciofi alla romana (pan-braised artichokes) to innovative culinary creations.

Besides plenty of artichoke-based specialties, the festival also usually includes cooking contests, live music performances and a fireworks display in the evening of the final day.

The full 2025 programme isn’t available yet, but should be published on the festival’s official website in the coming days.

Attend Easter Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square – April 20th 

For Catholics visiting Rome during the Easter holidays, attending the Easter Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square can be a deeply moving experience. 

This is one of the most significant events in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Admission is free of charge, but you’ll need to secure your passes via the following website. It is strongly advisable to book as early as possible, as demand is incredibly high, and the event fills up quickly.

Besides Easter Mass, the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession taking place on Good Friday is another Easter highlight – though it’s currently unclear whether Pope Francis will be able to attend the event this year due to his recent health issues.

Take a walk through Rome’s Rose Garden – April 21st

Rome's Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale) will reopen for the spring season on April 21st, offering a stunning display of over 1,000 species of roses from all over the world. 

Located on the scenic Aventine Hill, the garden is not only a verdant paradise but also a serene escape that provides breathtaking views of the city, including the Tiber River and the historic Circus Maximus.

Visitors can explore themed sections dedicated to specific types of rose and learn about the cultivation techniques and history of the flowers. 

The garden’s pathways and shaded benches make it an ideal spot for a leisurely weekend stroll.

Join celebrations for Rome’s birthday – April 21st

Italy's capital celebrates the anniversary of its founding on April 21st every year (legend has it that the first king of Rome, Romulus, ploughed the city’s boundaries on April 21st, 753 BC).

Special events including parades, historical reenactments and guest talks will start on April 18th this year. 

READ ALSO: Why Rome celebrates its birthday on April 21st

Celebrations are set to peak on April 21st, when dozens of participants dressed in Roman attire will march through the city centre’s streets to honour the capital’s history.

You can find the full programme for this year’s Natale di Roma here.

Celebrate Italy’s Liberation Day – April 25th

Italy’s Liberation Day (or Festa della Liberazione) is a national holiday that commemorates  the end of the Italian Civil War and the liberation of Nazi-occupied territories in 1945.

READ ALSO: Bella Ciao and a day off: How Italy marks Liberation Day on April 25th

In Rome, the bulk of the official celebrations is held at the Vittoriano monument, in Piazza Venezia. Italy’s president typically presides over the main ceremony, laying a laurel wreath over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a symbolic grave for all Italian soldiers who died in combat but whose bodies were never recovered or identified.

In the rest of the city, Liberation Day is usually marked by parades and marches honouring the women and men who fought in the Italian Resistance, as well as renditions of the Bella Ciao anthem.

One of the most thrilling events of the day will be a flyover from the Frecce Tricolori – the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic unit – whose jets will leave trails of green, white and red smoke (the colours of Italy’s flag) in the sky.

View masterpieces from the famed Farnese Collection  – whole month

A total of 140 items from the Farnese Collection – a prestigious collection of artworks acquired, commissioned or requisitioned by the famed House of Farnese in the 16th century – will be on display in Rome’s Villa Caffarelli, part of the Capitoline Museums, until May 18th.

The display, which opened in early February, features masterpieces including the Portrait of Paul III with Camauro by Titian and Raphael’s Madonna of Divine Love, as well as the classical sculptures of Pan and Daphne, and Ganymede and the Eagle.

The exhibition is one of the most significant cultural projects organised by Rome authorities as part of Jubilee Year celebrations, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the art and antiquities amassed by the Farnese family.

For full details, see the Capitoline Museums’ website. 

Explore Rome’s public gardens

Spring is the perfect time to explore Rome’s beautiful public gardens, as the city’s green spaces come to life with colorful blooms and flowers.

In addition to the above-mentioned Rose Garden, make sure to visit Villa Borghese – a large landscape garden that houses stunning fountains and sculptures and lush greenery.

Highlights include the Pincian Terrace, which offers unique views of Rome’s skyline, and the Temple of Aesculapius, a neoclassical temple jutting out into an artificial lake.

At the centre of the garden you’ll also find Villa Borghese – one  of Rome’s most famous art museums, showcasing an exceptional collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.

Besides Villa Borghese, the city’s Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden) is also worth a visit. 

Nestled in the Trastevere district, it showcases a diverse collection of plants from all over the world and features tranquil spots that are perfect for anyone looking for some relaxation and contemplation.