Rome prepares for the conclave as tourists face restrictions and rising prices

The death of Pope Francis on 21 April drew tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists to Rome, eager to pay their respects to the pontiff and witness the election of the new head of the Catholic Church.

On Wednesday, 7 May, cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave — the closed procedure for electing a new Pope. During this period, interest in the city remains high, and the number of visitors has sharply increased.

Pilgrims queued outside St. Peter's Basilica late into the night to pay their respects to Pope Francis, after which thousands accompanied the funeral procession.

The start of the conclave is accompanied by a series of ceremonies, with the world's attention fixed on the Sistine Chapel chimney, from which white smoke will rise at a certain point — the signal that a new pontiff has been elected.

Travellers who find themselves in Rome during these days will have the chance to witness a rare historic event, but should be aware of restrictions, crowds, and the closure of a number of attractions.

When the Sistine Chapel will close

In the coming weeks, visitors to Rome will face restrictions on visiting key tourist sites, especially within the Vatican — the spiritual centre of Catholicism.

The Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes, is closed to visitors from today for the entire duration of the conclave. It is expected to reopen only a few days after voting concludes, no earlier than mid-May.

Access to the chapel is through the Vatican Museums, which remain open. Entry to other halls, including the Raphael Rooms, remains open.

At the same time, tours of the necropolis on the Via Triumphalis and walks through the Vatican Gardens have been temporarily suspended for security reasons — cardinals move through these areas between their accommodation and the chapel.

The Vatican Museums note that tickets already purchased, including for the Sistine Chapel, are non-refundable and cannot be changed to a different date or time. If purchased through third-party services, visitors should contact them directly regarding refunds or rescheduling.

Where to see the white smoke during the conclave

Despite the closure of the Sistine Chapel, for many visitors a trip to Rome during this period will be a truly unique opportunity to see history unfold in real time.

From 7 May, St. Peter's Square and the surrounding areas will be filled with journalists and pilgrims. Everyone will be waiting for the white smoke — the symbol that voting has concluded — and for the new Pope to appear on the basilica's balcony for the Urbi et Orbi blessing.

The colour of the smoke is an important signal: black means the vote did not produce a result, white means a Pope has been elected. Smoke can appear twice a day — around midday and at 7pm — though white smoke could appear earlier, around 10:30am or 5:30pm.

St. Peter's Square is likely to be difficult to access due to the large crowds. Religious goods retailer Mondo Cattolico suggests alternative spots for watching events unfold.

The main street, Via della Conciliazione, leading to the square, offers a good view and may suit those arriving later. Piazza Pio XII also offers a convenient spot with a full view of the basilica and smaller crowds.

For a panoramic view, the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge and the terrace of Castel Sant'Angelo are good options. Rooftops of nearby hotels and cafés can also be used — they offer a unique vantage point on events.

Queues and dress code when visiting St. Peter's Basilica

Although Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Peter's Basilica remains one of the main pilgrimage sites. Long queues and heightened security measures are expected.

Strict dress rules apply for visits: shoulders and knees must be covered, and shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, and beach footwear are not allowed.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site, also remains busy. It houses relics, including a piece of the manger and a revered icon of the Virgin Mary — patroness of the Romans.

Sharp rise in flight and hotel prices

Due to the influx of visitors from around the world, prices for flights and accommodation in Rome have risen significantly. Tourists planning a trip in the near future should be prepared for increased costs.

According to experts, further increases in airfares to Rome and other Italian cities are expected in the coming weeks, as the faithful seek to pay their respects and witness this historic event.

Rising accommodation prices are also forecast by tourism industry representatives. In addition, some shops and restaurants may temporarily close out of respect for the mourning period.