Rome is a popular destination in Italy, and if you thought it was busy now, just wait for 2025. Next year, Rome is set to host the Jubilee 2025, a special event for Catholics worldwide. With an estimated 35 million pilgrims anticipated to arrive for the occasion, it will be more crowded than usual.
So, what does it mean for you? Whether you’re a pilgrim or someone looking to experience Rome’s unique atmosphere and are thinking of travelling during this monumental year, this guide will help you navigate your trip.
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What is the Jubilee 2025?
The Jubilee Year, also known as the Holy Year, is a significant event in the Catholic Church. The first Christian Jubilee was instituted by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300 and has since been celebrated every 25 years, with special Jubilees occurring occasionally in the years in between. The Jubilee is a time for Catholics to seek forgiveness and renew their faith.
A key element is a pilgrimage to Rome, which includes rituals like passing through Holy Doors and participating in various religious ceremonies. Many people save up just to come to Rome during this time, which means there will be an influx of religious tourists in addition to those travelling there for non-spiritual reasons.
Jubilee 2025 celebration and events
The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope.” The event officially kicks off on December 24, 2024, and ends in December 2025. Special events include masses led by the Pope, prayer vigils and cultural activities. The Vatican has planned numerous events and activities to cater to both religious and cultural interests, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. Some of the events taking place during the Jubilee include:
- Holy Doors: The Jubilee 2025 includes the opening of the Holy Doors in four major basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. These doors are only opened during Jubilee Years and symbolize the opening of the gates of mercy.
- Plenary indulgences: Pilgrims who walk through the Holy Doors can receive a plenary indulgence, which is a complete remission of their sins.
- Special events: The Jubilee includes various religious and cultural events, such as Masses, processions, pilgrimages, and exhibitions. Specific events are planned for different groups, such as families, children, youth and the elderly.
For a full list of events, how to obtain the free Pilgrim’s Card (needed to attend the Jubilee events) or to buy the Pilgrim’s Services Card (offers discounts on accommodations, museum tickets, etc.), visit the official Jubilee 2025 website.
How does the Jubilee impact your travel in 2025
If you plan on travelling to Rome in 2025, expect significant crowds, especially around major religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica. Security measures will be stringent, with extensive checkpoints and restrictions.
With millions of pilgrims attending the events, finding accommodation will be difficult and expensive. For many of them, this is a significant trip, and they have likely been planning and saving for it for years. This means they are booking (or have already booked) their accommodations in advance. If you want to stay in Rome during that time, book now.
When getting around the city, public transportation will be busier than usual. Expect changes in schedules and possible delays. To save time, plan on using alternative modes of transport, like walking or biking.
If you still plan on coming to Rome and don’t want to participate in the Jubilee celebrations, you can take advantage of Day Trips from Rome” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>day trip from Rome, or explore other parts of Italy.
Recommended activities:
Construction and preparations affecting your travel now
In preparation for the Jubilee, Rome has been undergoing extensive renovations. This means there is construction everywhere, and many monuments are being cleaned and are boarded up. This includes the fountains in Piazza Navona and outside the Pantheon.
St. Peter’s Basilica and many key churches are also being refurbished to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. There is also construction in Piazza Pia, a passage between St. Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo, which is now closed to traffic. The city’s busiest square, Piazza Venezia, is also closed off as they are building a new subway station there for the next 10 years.
There are over 3,200 public construction projects, including numerous road work projects happening in Rome right now. This means subways, monuments, roads, bridges, etc. You’ll likely encounter scaffolding, closed subway stations and barricades, which will dampen your experience.
Alternative travel options
If you plan to travel to Rome this year, be prepared for all the construction taking place right now. Adjusting your expectations is the best way to enjoy your visit, even if it’s not the experience you expected. Plan extra time for getting from place to place and be patient with the crowds.
If the ongoing construction and limited access is a deal breaker, consider travelling to places outside of Rome. This also works if you plan on coming to Rome in 2025. Here are some places you can explore instead of Rome.
Northern Italy
- Bologna, Verona and the Lakes Region (Lake Como, Lake Garda): These areas offer beautiful scenery, rich history and a more relaxed pace than Rome.
Tours and activities:
Southern Italy
- Campania, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily: These regions offer a blend of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and less-crowded tourist spots.
Recommended reading:
Central Italy
- Umbria, Marche and Tuscany: Experience the cultural richness and exquisite wines of these regions, away from the usual tourist hotspots.
Off-the-beaten-path destinations
- Abruzzo and Molise: These smaller regions offer authentic Italian experiences with fewer crowds and charming, historical towns.
Discovering Chieti, Italy: Is This Abruzzo’s Hidden Gem?
Conclusion
Travelling to Rome right now might not be what you had in mind, but the inconvenience will pay off in the long run. With the amount of money flooding into the city and all the significant projects, Rome is getting a major makeover that will only make it a better place to explore. We certainly are excited to see what the changes will bring.
