Leslie_S

We'll be there for a very short stay in early May 2009 and I've just learned about May 1st being a major holiday where just about everything is closed.

I know walking around and seeing the outdoor sites and just absorbing the ambience will be a great way to spend a day -- but I'm worried that with a very short first visit, missing out on a day of churches, museums, etc. we'll be really losing a big chunk of our trip.

Any advice from those who've experienced Labor Day in Rome?

Zerlina

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine are open.

Churches do not close for Labor Day. They will have Ascension Day services in the morning but will be open for visiting in the afternoon.

Leslie_S

Well that sounds hopeful -- thanks.

I contacted one of the tour companies (Context) and they said that the Colosseum would be closed so they don't offer that tour on Labor Day.
Hmmmm...

I'll still plan on mainly doing outdoor stuff to be safe and then pop into churches as we pass them if they're open.

Thanks for the advice Zerlina.

Zerlina

According to this relatively new Web site that seems to be updated fairly regularly, the Colosseum is open:
http://www.060608.it/en/content/item...d/90/itm/12749

According to some older Web sites, it's closed on May 1.

Maybe they decided to keep it open when they changed the combo Colosseum/Palatine ticket to the combo Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine ticket. Or maybe not.

Leslie_S

I know, I've come across that -- some websites say closed; some open. We've booked a Col/Forum tour for the previous day just to be on the safe side.

I'll plan on just doing a walking tour outside on May 1 and then if anything is open, it'll be a bonus.

Thanks for the info.