Is there any RELIABLE source of opening/closing hours for sites in Rome?
May 11th, 2006, 06:22 AM
#1
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Is there any RELIABLE source of opening/closing hours for sites in Rome?
Rome is quite a challenge to plan for, as so many of the churches are closed at various times during the day. Is there any RELIABLE souce of opening and closing hours? Look at what I've gotten for Santa Maria in Trastevere:
DK Eyewitness Guide: 7 am to 9 pm
Rick Steves: 7 am - 5: 30 pm
Rome tourist website: 7:30-1 and 4-7
Fodors: 9-noon and 4-9
Frommers: 7:30-8 pm
No two sources have given the same info!
I know that some places have web sites, but IS there a reliable source for opening and closing hours if the church or other location doesn't have a web site?
DK Eyewitness Guide: 7 am to 9 pm
Rick Steves: 7 am - 5: 30 pm
Rome tourist website: 7:30-1 and 4-7
Fodors: 9-noon and 4-9
Frommers: 7:30-8 pm
No two sources have given the same info!
I know that some places have web sites, but IS there a reliable source for opening and closing hours if the church or other location doesn't have a web site?
May 11th, 2006, 10:37 AM
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No - there isn;t.
You can check their web sites and even call them the day before and then find out the info isn't accurate. My advice is to call them the morning you're going - and then hope for the best.
You can check their web sites and even call them the day before and then find out the info isn't accurate. My advice is to call them the morning you're going - and then hope for the best.
May 15th, 2006, 05:58 AM
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Hello Missypie,
We recently experienced this same confusion. Because Monday, May 1, was a major holiday in Rome, we had trouble planning our day. I sent an email to Contextrome inquiring about a private tour of the Colosseum and Forum area. They responded that the Colosseum would be closed that day due to the holiday. When we arrived in Rome (I don't know if you're reading my current trip report or not...) I inquired at our hotel about the Colosseum. They made some calls and yes, indeed, it was open. Not only was it open, they offered a discount entrance fee. So...long story to say that I, too, found conflicting info which created difficulties in truly planning out our precious time. Good luck!
We recently experienced this same confusion. Because Monday, May 1, was a major holiday in Rome, we had trouble planning our day. I sent an email to Contextrome inquiring about a private tour of the Colosseum and Forum area. They responded that the Colosseum would be closed that day due to the holiday. When we arrived in Rome (I don't know if you're reading my current trip report or not...) I inquired at our hotel about the Colosseum. They made some calls and yes, indeed, it was open. Not only was it open, they offered a discount entrance fee. So...long story to say that I, too, found conflicting info which created difficulties in truly planning out our precious time. Good luck!
May 15th, 2006, 09:23 AM
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missypie, that is Italy you are asking about where no opening hours are completely reliable. Sometimes there are no rhyme or reason why something is closed so you have to go with the flow. We learned this years ago. Any time anyone quotes about opening hours or days is merely a suggestion, even from the groundskeeper. Have fun.
May 15th, 2006, 10:35 AM
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Quickly change your mindset! You cant get along in Italy if you are rigid in almost anything. Far niente all the way, Baby. La Dolce Vita doesn't have rigid rules. This is what draws people to Italy.
May 15th, 2006, 10:54 AM
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Part of it is financial, I admit. It doesn't seem like public transportation is of much use in Rome. So let's say we spend the money for my family of 5 to take two cabs to a given church...then it's closed. I can see getting a bit irritated if I flush money down the toilet like that very often.
May 15th, 2006, 11:58 PM
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You could try to arrange it so that you see a major sight near the church, followed or preceded by the church, which with any luck will be open. But that way you minimize your "losses".
If you walk from one destination to another, you are sure to see many appealing things along the way, so if you arrive and find the church closed, it won't seem so painful.
If you walk from one destination to another, you are sure to see many appealing things along the way, so if you arrive and find the church closed, it won't seem so painful.
May 16th, 2006, 12:42 AM
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' It doesn't seem like public transportation is of much use in Rome.'
I use public transport all the time in Rome (- can't remember the last time I used a taxi there).
The passes are excellent value and cover both buses and metro ...
Steve
I use public transport all the time in Rome (- can't remember the last time I used a taxi there).
The passes are excellent value and cover both buses and metro ...
Steve
May 16th, 2006, 04:03 AM
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Missypie-
You will be surprised how easy it is to get around and how much stuff you will just find by walking around. I found that the public transportation system was quite good. If we wanted to get somewhere fast we took a cab. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Maybe we will see you in Florence
.
You will be surprised how easy it is to get around and how much stuff you will just find by walking around. I found that the public transportation system was quite good. If we wanted to get somewhere fast we took a cab. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Maybe we will see you in Florence
.
May 16th, 2006, 05:53 AM
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So educate me on the public transportation system. I've looked at where the metro lines go and they don't seem to go much of anywhere we want to go. When I read about the busses, they are usually refered to as something like "the pickpocket express." We are staying in the Campo dei Fiori (sp?) area. What busses might be of use to get to the typical tourist areas (Vatican, Colleseum, etc.)?
May 16th, 2006, 06:58 AM
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Bus No 87 goes from nearby Corso Vittorio to the Colosseum.
Bus No 62 goes from Corso Vittorio (- other side) to the Vatican.
Bus No 64 also does this route but this is the infamous pickpocket express. Either avoid ... or do like I do and have nothing in your pockets
You can find all bus info on the ATAC website:
http://www.atac.roma.it/
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Bus No 62 goes from Corso Vittorio (- other side) to the Vatican.
Bus No 64 also does this route but this is the infamous pickpocket express. Either avoid ... or do like I do and have nothing in your pockets
You can find all bus info on the ATAC website:
http://www.atac.roma.it/
Hope this helps ...
Steve
