Italy: Jubilee Year 2025 Rome Travel Guide
Jubilee 2025: What It Means for Your Travel Plans to Italy
A question I’ve heard many times recently: “Should I go to Rome during Jubilee 2025?”
2025 marks a significant year for Rome and the Catholic Church: the Jubilee Year, a sacred celebration held approximately every 25 years. This religious event will see millions of pilgrims flocking to Rome, making it a unique yet potentially challenging time to visit Italy’s Eternal City. But what does a Jubilee mean for travelers, and how will it impact your experience in Italy? As a luxury travel advisor, here’s my guide to navigating the Jubilee Year, with recommendations for both enjoying Rome during this spiritual celebration and exploring the rest of Italy.
If 2025 is such a significant year for Rome, how will it impact your travel plans to the city? Will it encumber your experience?
Should you travel to Rome at all during this time?
Understanding the Jubilee Year
The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, has been celebrated since the 1300s and is a period of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal for Catholics worldwide. The most notable symbol of the Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Doors, which are typically sealed shut and only opened by the Pope during the Jubilee. These special doors, found in several of Rome’s major basilicas, including St. Peter’s Basilica, will draw countless pilgrims, who cross through them as part of a rite of forgiveness and renewal. The opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica is scheduled to take place on December 24, 2024. For more detailed information on the schedule of events visit the official Jubilee website.
This influx of visitors will create a dynamic atmosphere in Rome, making it both a fascinating and potentially crowded time to visit. However, it’s entirely possible to experience the city’s beauty and history while navigating around the pilgrimage activities.
Why Consider Rome During the Jubilee?
Despite concerns about increased crowds, a Jubilee Year in Rome can be a truly extraordinary experience. The city’s spiritual essence comes alive as pilgrims from around the world gather, and the sense of unity and reverence adds a unique vibrancy. Visiting during this time allows travelers to witness once-in-a-lifetime ceremonies, explore Rome’s quieter neighborhoods, and experience the authentic energy of the city beyond the main tourist areas.
Here’s how to make the most of your trip:
- Visit the Vatican with Special Access Many assume that the Vatican will be inaccessible during a Jubilee year, but this is not the case. The Vatican will be open to the public every day in 2025. There are only a few days marked during the year where the St. Peter’s Basilica will be inaccessible due to religious activities. The Vatican Museum will also observe scheduled closures throughout the year. With advanced planning, you can still visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and even St. Peter’s Basilica. Booking early morning or late evening tours can help you avoid the busiest times. Although a few areas may be restricted during major religious events, the experience of visiting during a Jubilee—witnessing the faithful, the grandeur of ceremonies, and the open Holy Doors—makes it worth the extra planning.
- Explore the Hidden Gems of Rome Instead of spending all your time at the Vatican or Colosseum, delve into Rome’s lesser-known treasures. Wander through Villa Borghese, where a stunning art collection is set amidst beautiful gardens. For sweeping city views, head to the tranquil Aventine Hill. Dive into the local scene by exploring Garbatella, a historic neighborhood filled with authentic Roman charm. Don’t miss Villa Pamphili’s lush park, the Capitoline Museums for their incredible classical sculptures, and the elegant Colonna Gallery, a hidden masterpiece exuding a regal atmosphere.
- Opt for Offbeat Experiences Consider joining a cooking class to master traditional Italian recipes, or take a golf cart tour to uncover the city’s romantic backstreets. Explore the lively neighborhoods of Trastevere and Monti, known for their bohemian atmosphere, local boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. For a more active experience, a biking excursion along the ancient Appian Waywill offer a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s historic past while allowing you to avoid the main tourist crowds.
- Day Trips from Rome With the influx of visitors, it’s wise to plan some day trips to escape the hustle and bustle. The Roman Castles, a collection of charming hilltop towns in the Alban Hills, offer tranquility, wine tastings, and stunning views. Alternatively, visit Tivoli to explore the mystical gardens of Villa d’Este and the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa. For history lovers, Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port town, provides a fascinating look into life during the Roman Empire without the crowds of Pompeii.
Accommodation Tips During the Jubilee
Contrary to what many might think, the surge in pilgrims won’t affect the availability of luxury accommodations. Pilgrims typically stay in religious housing, such as monasteries or hostels, leaving most high-end hotels with their usual capacity. The best luxury properties in Rome, including Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Russie, Hassler Roma, and Palazzo Ripetta, will still have rooms available, though booking well in advance is advisable. Click here to learn more about our partners.
Exploring Beyond Rome: The Rest of Italy Awaits
While Rome will be the focal point for many travelers, the rest of Italy remains untouched by the Jubilee activities, making it a perfect time to explore other regions without the same concerns about overcrowding. Here are some top destinations to consider:
- Venice: The floating city offers a tranquil alternative to Rome’s bustling streets. Wander through its winding canals, enjoy a sunset gondola ride, or delve into its rich artistic heritage.
- Florence: Immerse yourself in Renaissance art and architecture. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and take a day trip into the rolling hills of Tuscany for wine tasting and countryside relaxation.
- Amalfi Coast: Escape to the picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. The coastline’s natural beauty and luxurious hotels make it an idyllic retreat during this busy year in Rome.
- Sicily: From the ancient ruins of Agrigento to the Baroque splendor of Noto and the culinary delights of Palermo, Sicily’s diverse landscapes and history make it a must-visit destination.
Making the Most of Your 2025 Italy Trip
A Jubilee Year can actually be an enriching time to visit Italy. The key is to plan carefully, be mindful of the events happening in Rome, and have a flexible approach. If you’d like to witness the Jubilee celebrations but want to avoid the crowds, consider spending a few days in Rome to experience the Holy Doors and ceremonies, and then head to other parts of the country to enjoy Italy’s broader charms.
By taking a thoughtful approach to your itinerary, you can enjoy a deeply rewarding and unique travel experience in Italy during one of its most significant spiritual events. Let’s craft an itinerary that balances the sacred with the serene, offering the best of Italy during this exceptional time.
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