The Rome IndexVisiting religious sites
Basilicas and churches — opening hours, dress rules, and the quietest times to go.
Opening hours
Most churches close for a few hours at midday and reopen in the afternoon — check before planning a visit around lunchtime.
During mass
Sightseeing pauses during active services; visitors are welcome to attend quietly, but not to tour the space while mass is underway.
Photography
Usually allowed without flash, though some chapels — including the Sistine Chapel — prohibit photography entirely.