Millions of pilgrims will travel to Vatican City (and surrounding Rome) to participate in the sacred events planned for 2025. The pope officially opened the Holy Year with the rite of the Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter at 7pm on December 24. After he presided over a mass celebrating Christ’s birth, the Jubilee year started and the festivities will be on all year.
What is Jubilee?
The Jubilee is a holy year for the Catholic community that occurs once every 25 years (generally, sometimes the pope declares a special one like in 2016). Rome, the Eternal City will host major religious events through the year, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. The Jubilee Calendar will have specific jubilees throughout the year for various groups and diocese.
This year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” As Pope Francis wrote in his letter, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope.” https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/lettera-di-papa-francesco.html
Here is an interesting history I found on the official Jubilee website; it starts in 1300, so for the sake of brevity, I’ll let you peruse it yourself: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/giubilei-nella-storia.html
Visiting Rome during the Jubilee will be an important journey for practicing Catholics. Although the main pilgrimage sites are the four papal basilicas and their holy doors, Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica), Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John’s in Lateran), Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura (St. Paul’s outside the wall), there will be celebrations and events all around Rome. If you’re interested in attending Jubillee events, you will need a Pilgrim’s card. Information about this free digital pass can be obtained here: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/carta-del-pellegrino.html
When is Jubilee?
The Jubilee year will run from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026. During this time, the four holy doors will be open.
What events are occurring during the Jubilee?
Here is the official events calendar for the Jubilee: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/calendario/calendario-generale.html I suggest looking at it for the time you plan to be in the city and plan accordingly. Check out where the events are being held to see if traffic routes might be obstructed. You might find an outdoor concert in a public piazza that causes the closing of local roads or a church you planned to visit might be having an event and closed to the public. Remember that many, many sites in Rome are related to the Vatican, so don’t expect that just staying away from Vatican City will make you safe from closures.
I suggest that you look at a visit in 2025 as an exciting and special visit. We were able to be in Rome during a Jubilee year before and it was so special. There will be many extra exhibitions, concerts, and events to entertain those making though pilgrimage, so take advantage of seeing things that happen only once every 25 years (unless there is a special Jubilee).
Things to Know/Tips for Visiting Rome During Jubilee
- Book in advance. The sheer volume of pilgrims expected (between 30 and 35 million—in addition to the usual tourists) will mean that Rome is crowded and that all sites will likely see increased visitors. Plan ahead! Tours will book up. Tickets will sell out. Hotels will have no vacancy. I wouldn’t let the Jubilee deter your trip but plan accordingly and get ready for the beautiful chaos that is Rome! We have partnerships with several tour companies in Rome and they are telling us secure tickets/tours and hotel reservations as soon as you know your dates of travel.
- Check out the recently restored sites around the city. For years, Rome has been preparing for the Jubilee. We noticed the past couple of years that popular sites were closed off as they were restored. Now, the Eternal City will look even more ever-lasting with many popular monuments and sites sporting a refreshed look.
- Check out lesser known local adventures. If the crowds are too crazy at the popular sites (Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, etc.), check out the gorgeous lesser known churches, fountains, palaces, and archaeological sites. Rome is filled with treasures, so get out and roam.
- Venture out early in the morning or later at night. These times of day will be a little less crowded for the more popular sites.
- Consider a day trip outside Rome/Vatican. A close (about 30 minutes via train) and amazing archaeological site is Ostia Antica. Venture around an entire Roman city just like Herculaneum or Pompeii, but closer.
- Take things slowly. Expect it to be busy and be delighted if you find slower moments. I try to ignore the chaos and just relish strolling around an ancient city filled with history.
- Consider local transportation or walking to get around to avoid frustration from lack of taxis. Try to pick areas for your lodging that are central to the sites you plan to see.
We suggest booking with our friends at LivTours for your tour needs. They are experienced and know Rome; they will follow openings/closings and unexpected events. Here is our link with them: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
The Tour Guy also offers many neat options: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1362329&u=4109975&m=89095&urllink=&afftrack=
The 2025 Jubilee in Rome will make the Eternal City even more magical, so I hope you can go! Happy travels!
N.b. I am not Catholic, so some of my language regarding the Jubilee may be awkward or stilted. I am sorry if I have offended anyone by my ignorance. I keep trying to learn new things, including religious doctrine, so if you have gentle criticisms please let me know.
Going on a trip? You will love our tour partners at LivTours, Tour Guy, and Viator. Check them out:
LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
TourGuy (small group/private tours): https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1362329&u=4109975&m=89095&urllink=&afftrack=
Viator (small to medium size groups/private): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
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