2779th Birthday of Rome: official program and free monument visits

2779th Birthday of Rome: key events

To celebrate Rome's 2779th anniversary, the city offers a series of cultural initiatives and free visits taking place between 19 and 22 April 2026. Activities include institutional ceremonies, performances by the Armed Forces' bands and exceptional openings of symbolic sites such as Palazzo Senatorio and the Aula Giulio Cesare.

Main program for 21 April (central day)

• 09:00 - Wreath-laying at the Altar of the Fatherland (Piazza Venezia) in the presence of the Mayor.
• 09:30 - Traditional Mass in the Chapel of the Palazzo dei Conservatori.
• 10:30 - Ceremony in the Aula Giulio Cesare with presentation of the commemorative medal, the Cultori di Roma Prize, Certamen Capitolinum and the 87th Strenna dei Romanisti.
• 11:30 - Performance by the Rome Capital Local Police Band in Piazza del Campidoglio.
• 17:30 (simultaneous) - Distributed concerts by Armed Forces bands across the historic center: Piazza del Campidoglio, Spanish Steps (Trinità dei Monti), Piazza San Silvestro, Piazza Pia, Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, Piazza di Pietra, Piazza di Sant'Ignazio.

Special guided visits to Palazzo Senatorio

The Culture Department and the Assembly Presidency organise free guided visits to the Aula Giulio Cesare at 16:30, 17:15, 18:00 and 18:45 on 21 April. Groups are limited to 30 participants and will enter through the Sisto IV entrance (via San Pietro in Carcere, near the Capitoline Wolf column).

Participation is free but requires mandatory reservation by calling 060608. Bookings open from 10:00 on Friday 17 April.

Routes, exhibitions and openings during the week

• 19 April, 10:00 - Museo di Casal de' Pazzi: presentation of a comic book on the area's prehistory.
• 21 April - Urban itinerary in the Quadraro (10:00) for the M.U.Ro street art project; guided visits at 11:00 to the Markets of Trajan (Brâncuşi exhibition) and to the Pietro Canonica Museum; afternoon visits to Barracco, the Modern Art Gallery and the Museum of Rome in Trastevere.
• 22 April, 16:00 - Museum of Rome at Palazzo Braschi: visit "Living in Rome: squares, festivals and trades".

Practical information

• Event dates: 19–22 April 2026.
• Participation: many events are free; some require advance booking (e.g. Palazzo Senatorio visits).
• Reservations and information: single number 060608 (check local announcements for exact procedures and opening times).
• Accessibility: check specific site limitations for groups and visitors.

The programme provides multiple opportunities to visit Rome's emblematic sites, from the institutional spaces of the Capitoline Hill to civic museums: practical chances to explore monuments, deepen knowledge of the city's history and take part in communal celebrations.