Has anyone been to Midnight Mass in St Peters at Christmas.?

Question

I have secured two tickets for Midnight Mass,and would like to know about times to get there,duration of mass,transport availability after mass, any tips from someone that has been in recent times to lessen the hardship of mass crowds.etc,etc.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I've been there once and it was already 5 years ago. If I well remember we entered the St.Peter's Basilica at around 10:30 pm and it was already rather crowded. In any case I sat in my place just in the middle of the rows. The mass started at about 11:30 pm and it lasted till about 01:00 am.

However this was at Johannes Paulus II times and really I don't know if the new Pope Benedict XVI has "managed" to change something.....!!

My hotel was quite close to the Vatican and I didn't use any transport mean (just my feet...!!) but if your hotel is distant from there I guess yr better bet is to use the metro . Also bus could be a good option but you'll need to move a bit from the St.Peter's square, just a few blocks will be enough. Almost no hope to find available cabs.

I did notice rather a lot of people leaving the Midnight Mass a few minutes prior it was finished. I suppose this is the best way for you to lessen mass crowds.