How this yearlong event will affect travel to the Italian capital in 2025
If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Rome lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of talk about the upcoming Jubilee. In recent months, many monuments around Rome have been closed for cleaning and renovations, and news coverage of crowds trying to get a peek at the Trevi Fountain through metal barricades may have scared you into thinking the whole city is closed for business!
But while travel to Rome will be a little different in 2025, it won’t be impossible to have a picture-perfect time in the city. All of the major construction works are scheduled to be completed by the end of this month, so you will once again be able to access the city’s most famous sights. They’ll even be a little cleaner than usual! And while there will definitely be more tourists in Rome throughout the year (the city’s mayor has estimated they’ll see 30-35 million visitors, three times the average amount), those with a little insider knowledge will still be able to enjoy the Eternal City like a local.
Read on for answers to some of the most common questions about the Jubilee and find out how to make the most of your next trip to Rome.
What is the Jubilee?
Also known as a Holy Year, the Jubilee is a yearlong celebration observed every 25 years by the Catholic Church. The pope designates a theme for each jubilee; this year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Special events and church services throughout the year will be led by the pope for visitors from around the world who travel to Rome to connect more deeply with their faith.
When is the Jubilee taking place?
The Jubilee officially begins December 24, 2024, when the pope symbolically opens the doors to St. Peter’s Basilica. It will end on January 6, 2026, with the closing of the doors. In between those dates throughout 2025 will be more than two dozen festivals and special masses to honor different groups, including artists, workers, and people with disabilities. Two of the busiest periods during the year will be the Holy Week leading up to Easter (April 13-20) and the Celebration of Young People (July 28-August 3), when youth groups from around the world are expected to flock to the city.
What areas will be affected?
Most of the major Jubilee activities will take place in Vatican City, but visitors are also being encouraged to walk a 15-mile route to all seven “Pilgrim Churches” in the city: St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love. If you’re hoping to see any of these majestic old buildings, plan to arrive early in the morning on a weekday for your best chance at avoiding the crowds.
A few special events will be held in other parts of the city including the Circus Maximus and Centocelle Park on the city’s eastern edge. Be sure to check the official Jubilee calendar for your travel dates to find out which parts of the city will be affected during your visit.
How will the Jubilee affect my trip to Rome?
Hotels in Rome will be in especially high demand in 2025, especially in the area surrounding the Vatican and in the nearby Prati neighborhood. The best way to avoid frustration is to plan your trip far in advance: book your hotel early, buy reserved tickets for experiences like the Colosseum or the secret labyrinth below the Trevi Fountain, and make reservations for the restaurants you’ve got your heart set on. (Feeling intimidated about making restaurant reservations in another country? We’ve got you covered!)
Where can I go in Rome to avoid the crowds?
Our Slow Travel Guide to Rome is the perfect antidote to the crowds you’ll find around Rome’s most popular sights this year. Since Giada was born and raised in Rome, her perfect trip to the city doesn’t include the Pantheon or the Spanish Steps; instead, follow her lead and spend leisurely days strolling off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, sipping espresso on cobblestone piazzas, and enjoying the city’s famous pastas in cozy trattorias.
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