Places to Visit in Italy on a Monday

The large number of places to visit in Italy often overwhelms first time visitors. While travelers might struggle to see as much as possible during their limited vacation time, it doesn’t help that many sights are closed on Mondays.

Failing to address the Monday closure problem can effectively turn a fourteen day vacation into a twelve day one.

The trick is to make the best use of your precious time. Available options can vary depending upon your location within the country. Here are some generic Monday options to fall back on if necessary:

• Shop for souvenirs.

• Stroll through different neighbourhoods or towns.

• Wine tasting.

• Laundry.

Fortunately four popular places to visit in Italy (technically two of them are separate countries) remain open on Monday. Furthermore there is a good chance that you had intended to visit several of them during your visit anyway.


Monday at Vatican City

The best time to visit St. Peter’s Basilica is 7:00 a.m. when there are no crowds (admission is free). You will have an unobstructed view because there are likely to be no crowds.

One or more of the side chapels may be used for mass (in different languages) at this time so you will have to be quiet.

You can also visit the crypt (admission is free) by using a separate line outside of the basilica. The crypt is the final resting place of:

• St. Peter – visitors will only see the glass doors (not the pearly gates) leading to his tomb unless they take the special Scavi Tour.

• A number of Popes including John Paul II

• The Stuarts (the last members of the English Royal Catholic Dynasty – James III, Charles Edward (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and Cardinal Henry Benedict)

• Emperor Otto II

Monday is also your opportunity to visit the Vatican Museum. Make the most of your visit by booking a ticket online at least three months in advance. Try for an admission time that coincides with the museum’s opening time. While you will pay more for an advanced ticket, this is better than waiting for hours in a long line with no guarantee of admission.

The Sistine Chapel, the highlight of the tour, is about 75% of the way along the route. By the time you arrive, there is likely to be a crowd of people looking up at the ceiling.

Take your time as this tour can be exhausting.

Monday at the Cinque Terra

One of the best places to visit in Italy is the Cinque Terra. You can spend the day hiking the 11 kilometer long trail connecting the five towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

You are likely to require more than 5 hours to complete the hike if you stop to visit each town en route. Bring good walking shoes, a sun hat, sun tan lotion and plenty of water.

While the hike becomes progressively more difficult as you walk from Riomaggiore toward Monterosso al Mare, this is the preferred direction. If you hike in the opposite direction, you may become discouraged as the first leg is the most difficult.

You must purchase a Cinque Terra Pass in order to walk the trail. Sign the pass immediately after purchase as park rangers will ask for it several times along the trail. You could receive a fine if you have not signed your pass.


Monday on the Amalfi Coast

Check out my article on the Amalfi Coast for details.


Monday in San Marino

San Marino is the name of the world’s oldest republic as well as the name of its capital city. This tiny country, sitting atop Mount Titano, enjoys a panoramic view in all directions. The scenery is especially spectacular from the two towers open to the public: Guaita and Cesta.

You can also enjoy the short changing of the guard ceremony that occurs every hour on the half hour from 8:30 to 6:30 p.m. in front of the Palazzo Pubblico.

Don’t forget to spend some time wandering around the back streets. While San Marino has many tacky tourist shops, you can still find bargains.

Maximize Your Time in Italy

While many tourist attractions in Italy remain closed on Monday, this should not compromise your limited vacation time.

Vatican City, the Cinque Terra, the Amalfi Coast and San Marino are all major places to visit in Italy that remain open on Mondays. All you have to do is arrange your travel itinerary so that one of these three sights is accessible when you need it.

Return from Places to Visit in Italy on a Monday to Italy Budget Travel