All Saints' weekend in Italy: tips and ideas for 2024

Italy is populated with foreign tourists at any time of the year, but on the occasion of some holidays, even Italians tend to prefer their country as a destination for their holidays, especially during the All Saints' weekend. The celebration this year happens between Friday and Sunday, which means that for those who can, it will be a long weekend from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3, with 3 full days available to enjoy some relaxation in between the summer and Christmas vacations. 

Discover the best destinations and travel tips for the All Saints weekend.

All Saints' Day was instituted by the Church to replace and make us forget the pagan rites of the end of October. Many pagan holidays, from the Romans to the Celts, fell on these days and celebrated the end of the year, the beginning of winter and the dead were commemorated. The suppression of pagan rites took place by Gregory III while the day of the dead was established in 998.

Despite the suppression of pagan rites, the eve of All Saints remained rooted in the habits and customs of the population who continued to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of winter, but also a night of magic and fear in which you could talk with the dead or have fun with some tricks. In every Italian region, the festivity was deeply felt so much so that different traditions have been handed down today such as nougat in Campania or even more ancient the Aosta Valley traditions of setting tables in cemeteries or those of the Po valley of hanging sheets to rest the deceased.

Genoa presents itself as an unmissable destination during the long weekend of All Saints' Day in 2024. This port city rich in history and charm offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. A must-see is the Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest and most fascinating in Europe, where you can immerse yourself in a breathtaking marine world. In the heart of the historical centre, walk through the charming alleys that open onto enchanting squares, such as the famous Piazza de Ferrari, the beating heart of the city.

During the All Saints' weekend, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Palazzo Ducale, witness to centuries of Genoese history, and admire the works of art housed inside. Also take time to visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the Museum of Sant'Agostino, which offers a valuable collection of archaeological finds. For an authentic experience, take a stroll along the Porto Antico, where you can breathe in Genoa's lively, maritime atmosphere. Don't forget to indulge in Ligurian specialities at local restaurants, where you can sample dishes such as focaccia and pesto genovese.

In Palermo over the weekend of All Saints' Day 2024, immerse yourself in the enchantment of a city steeped in history and culture. Start your adventure by exploring the magnificent Palazzo dei Normanni, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture encompassing centuries of royalty. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the beating heart of Palermo, the Ballarò market, where the colours and flavours of Sicilian cuisine come alive in a lively dance.

Take some time to admire the city's breathtaking coastline, where the deep blue sea merges with the blue sky in a postcard-perfect landscape. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic centre, where centuries-old palaces tell ancient stories and picturesque squares convey a sense of authenticity. Treat yourself to local delicacies in one of Palermo's traditional restaurants. From Sicilian cannoli to pasta with sardines, Sicilian cuisine will satisfy every palate with its authentic flavours. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the vibrant atmosphere of this Mediterranean city, where every street hides treasures and every corner tells a thousand-year-old story.

Verona, the enchanting city of Romeo and Juliet, presents itself as an irresistible destination during the All Saints' weekend 2023. This period offers the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere that envelops the city. Juliet's House, with its famous balcony, is an iconic place for Shakespeare lovers, while the Arena di Verona offers world-class performances in a perfectly preserved ancient amphitheatre. In addition to its literary treasures, Verona also offers a fascinating historic centre with cobbled streets and picturesque squares. An excursion to the surrounding vineyards allows you to appreciate the region's wealth of wine. Local restaurants, offering a variety of typical Veronese dishes, allow you to explore the renowned local cuisine.

Don't forget to book tickets for Arena performances in advance and plan visits to iconic sites such as the Piazza delle Erbe. Spending All Saints' Day 2023 in Verona promises an unforgettable experience, with a combination of culture, history and romance that makes this city unique.

In Milan during the long weekend of All Saints' Day 2024, immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere that characterises this Italian metropolis. One of the first unmissable stops is the sumptuous Milan Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that stands majestically in the heart of the city. Not far away, along the renowned Via Montenapoleone, the shop windows of international fashion labels will capture the attention of high-class shoppers.

For art lovers, the Pinacoteca di Brera is a veritable treasure trove, with works by renowned masters ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to creations by contemporary artists. Don't forget to spend some time at the Castello Sforzesco, an imposing fortress housing museums and collections of great historical and artistic value. For a moment of relaxation, the Parco Sempione offers an oasis of greenery and tranquillity in the heart of the city, perfect for a stroll or a rejuvenating break. Finally, let yourself be tempted by the local culinary delights: from risotto alla Milanese to delicious panettone, Milan will delight even the most discerning palates. Plan your visit carefully and make the most of the extraordinary opportunities that Milan has to offer during All Saints' weekend 2024.

In the evocative setting of the All Saints' weekend 2024, Turin reveals itself to be a city of extraordinary beauty and history. Immerse yourself in the regal atmosphere by visiting the sumptuous Palazzo Reale, where art and history come together in a fascinating symphony. Stroll down the renowned Via Roma, a shopper's paradise, offering a selection of high-fashion boutiques and delightful craft shops. A must-see is the famous Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of Egyptian antiquities that captures the imagination with its vast collection. For a relaxing break, immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Valentino Park, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city.

An appointment with Piedmontese gastronomy is a must. Don't neglect the cultural aspect: Turin boasts a wide range of art galleries, theatres and cultural spaces, ready to amaze you with extraordinary works and exciting performances. Carefully plan your visit to Turin during the All Saints' weekend 2024 and let yourself be enchanted by its historical, artistic and culinary richness. There is no better time to discover all that this wonderful city has to offer.

The long weekend that runs from 1 to 4 November 2024 is the right time to visit a very famous city in Italy, Bologna. There are many things to do in the city during the All Saints' Bridge or if you prefer on Halloween weekend events scattered around the city, exhibitions, festivals and parties, little-known places in the city centre and guided tours of the best attractions not to be missed.

You can visit the historic centre of the city and lose yourself among its arcades that contain part of the history of the Emilian city. You can visit Piazza Maggiore, the centre of the historic heart of Bologna and climb the two towers, Garisenda and degli Asinelli, which are commonly recognized as the symbol of Bologna and rise in the heart of the city at the intersection with the ancient Via Emilia. Then you can visit a market that has been active since the Middle Ages, the Mercato di Mezzo, within the Quadrilatero District and a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, open throughout the day.

If you're looking for a fascinating way to spend the Ognissanti 2024 holiday, dedicating time to visit places of great beauty could be the ideal option! For art enthusiasts, we recommend exploring the museums. In Bologna, several exhibitions are scheduled, and numerous museums will open their doors to the public with unique displays. Why not dedicate at least one day to art during this special period? 

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy where you can touch the history with your hand. There are many things to see that you can see on the weekend of All Saints in the Tuscan capital whether you are passionate about art, food or urban trekking. Among the first stops, you cannot draw a visit to the "bride of Michelangelo", which is the basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a stone's throw from the railway station of the same name, which houses the famous crucifix by Giotto.

In the historic centre of Florence you can easily move on foot and reach the beauties of Piazza Della Signoria with the David and Palazzo Vecchio, or the Uffizi gallery with the Arno and Ponte Vecchio, up to the Renaissance complex of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Fiore that houses the famous Brunelleschi's dome. If, on the other hand, you love long walks, you can reach Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy an incredible view of the whole city.

For many, this bridge also means a party with friends or family but this year in Florence you can also celebrate it unusually and originally, discovering the places of esoteric Renaissance Florence among palaces, gardens and secret places open to the public on Halloween.

Unlike other cities, in Naples, the feast of All Saints and the commemoration of the dead are celebrated with a particular form of devotion. In this city, there has always been a sort of special relationship with the afterlife in which myth joins tradition, suspended between the sacred and the profane.

In addition to mentioning the well-known attractions, we cannot fail to recommend some of the places where the esotericism in Naples is touched by hand. The first tip is a visit to the catacombs of San Gennaro alla Sanità, to those of San Gaudioso. In the historic center you can visit the San Severo Chapel with the Veiled Christ and all the alchemist's experiments of the prince of San Severo.

Don't forget to try the famous soft nougat that is eaten by everyone these days and that you can find in every bar and stall in the centre.

The All Saints' long weekend is approaching, and it is a good opportunity to have some fun with friends or simply with the people we love. If you wanted to spend some time in Rome, there are tons of events and attractions to visit to spend time in the Eternal City.

All Saints in Rome is very popular because it derives from Roman culture, in which the dead were commemorated by having a meal near the tomb of a deceased loved one, to keep him company. In Rome, there are many ways to spend a day full of fun or even relaxation and of course, the classic traditional celebrations cannot be missed.

Among the multitude of unmissable places for the "Eternal City", St. Peter's Basilica cannot be missing, the largest church in the world with the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum: places that anyone should visit at least one once in a lifetime.

But still the Pantheon, the Borghese Gallery, the Campidoglio, the Trajan's Column, the Christian Catacombs and the Arch of Constantine up to the famous Trevi Fountain, the long Tiber and the beautiful Castel di Sant'Angelo.

The All Saints' Bridge represents for many an opportunity to visit Venice at one of the times of the year when the influx of tourists is somewhat weaker. Venice is certainly an excellent destination and the climate in recent years has often met the needs of visitors, who have been able to enjoy the Venetian autumn with splendid sunsets over the lagoon.

It goes without saying that visiting Venice represents something spectacular, at any time of the year thanks to its physiognomy and its inimitable characteristics. There are many places to see among the calli (the name of the streets of Venice) visit, above all the symbol of the city, Piazza San Marco which, together with its wonderful Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, with its romantic view, and the Bridge of Sighs, probably the most evocative, thanks to the history it carries behind it.