TO BE OR NOT TO JUBILEE: VISITING ROME IN 2025

If you’re active on social media, you have seen the reels, memes and recent posts about visiting Rome right now in this latter part of 2024. You can’t see anything you came to see. The Trevi Fountain is drained, Bernini’s Fountain in Piazza Navona temporarily walled in, the Sant’Angelo Bridge scaffolded and Piazza Venezia gated off. In short, everything is under construction. The streets, the bridges, the castles, the monuments, the fountains and the structures are all “buttoned up” behind construction barriers and tape, while the Roman labor force grinds away in haste to meet the December deadline for the commencement of the exciting, or, the dreaded, Vatican proclaimed; Giubileo.

What exactly IS the Giubileo, or Jubilee in English? In layman’s terms, it’s a Catholic celebration that happens once every 25 years, or so and requires the Pope’s declaration. During the almost thirteen-month celebration, the central doors to St. Peter’s Basilica are opened and devotees who walk through the doors during The Holy Year are absolved of all their sins. This act of “walking through the doors” from December 2024 through January 2026 will draw upwards of 30 million visitors to Rome, making it an especially unique time to visit the Italian capital.

The Jubilee can offer a wealth of opportunities for spiritual enrichment, cultural immersion, and historical exploration, or just a big fat headache. For my clients who plan to travel to Italy in 2025, I start out by explaining what the presence of a Jubilee year means and how it can be a GREAT thing or a NOT-SO GREAT thing, depending on their preferences.

GREAT THINGS about Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee

Spiritual and Cultural Significance The Jubilee is a time of great religious importance for Catholics worldwide. Pilgrims who come to Rome during this time have the opportunity to visit key sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Holy Stairs, all of which hold profound spiritual and historical significance. For Catholics, it’s a chance to receive the Indulgence offered during the Jubilee, an event that makes the experience deeply meaningful.
Exclusive Events and Celebrations The Jubilee year is marked by special religious events, including Masses, processions, and even visits from the Pope. These celebrations offer an exceptional way to witness the heart of Catholicism in action. Not only will you have the chance to attend events at St. Peter’s Square, but there are also smaller, more intimate gatherings in various churches around the city, some of which are open only during the Jubilee year.
Enhanced City Services With the expected influx of visitors, the city is ramping up its services. This could mean better transport options, additional guides, and even more informative signage around key historical and religious sites. The city’s tourism infrastructure will be under pressure to accommodate the crowd, but Rome is no stranger to large numbers of visitors, and the experience may (or may not be) be more polished than usual.
Unique Atmosphere The Jubilee attracts not only pilgrims but also people from all over the world. The unique blend of cultures and languages, along with a palpable sense of reverence, creates an unparalleled atmosphere. If you’re seeking a truly memorable experience in Rome, there’s something extraordinary about being part of this global event. You’ll have the chance to see Rome at its most vibrant, with a sense of shared purpose and community among visitors.

NOT-SO GREAT THINGS about Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee

Crowds and Overcrowding The primary downside to visiting Rome during the Jubilee is the sheer volume of people. The city will likely be crowded, particularly around major religious sites and on key dates like Christmas, Easter, and the Feast of the Assumption. Long lines, overcrowded public transport, and a general lack of space at famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon may detract from the experience for some visitors.
Higher Costs With the influx of pilgrims and tourists, prices for accommodation, meals, and tours will likely increase. Hotels and rental apartments may be booked up well in advance, and some of the more affordable options may be in short supply. Even local restaurants and shops may raise prices in anticipation of the demand, which can make a visit more expensive than during a typical year.
Limited Access to Key Sites Certain areas of religious and historical importance may be closed or have limited access during special events. For instance, the Vatican may restrict visitor entry to certain parts of the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica during large ceremonies or Masses with the Pope. While the chance to witness such events is a huge draw, it can also mean that parts of your itinerary might need to be adjusted.
Logistical Challenges With so many people coming to Rome for the Jubilee, expect more traffic and congestion, both in terms of people and vehicles. Public transport might be overcrowded, making it harder to get around the city. Additionally, some areas of the city may be restricted or difficult to access due to security measures or preparations for large events.

Visiting Rome during the 2025 Jubilee offers a chance to experience the city at its most vibrant, steeped in religious history, and full of cultural events. However, the crowds, higher costs, and potential logistical challenges may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a unique spiritual experience and the chance to witness one of the most significant religious events of the decade, it’s undoubtedly a time to consider. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more leisurely visit to the Eternal City, you might want to plan your trip for another year.

For information direct from the Vatican on Jubilee festivities, visit this link:
https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html

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Author, MARLO DI CRASTO, is an Italian-US dual citizen and founder of Live Laugh Love Rome, a travel planning service specializing in carefully curated and customized travel experiences to all areas of Italy.

November 26, 2024

If you’re active on social media, you have seen the reels, memes and recent posts about visiting Rome now in the latter half of 2024. You can’t see anything you came to see. The Trevi Fountain is drained, Bernini’s Fountain in Piazza Navona temporarily walled in, Castel Sant’Angelo gated off. In short, everything is under construction. The streets, the bridges, the castles, the monuments, the fountains and the structures are all “wrapped up” in construction tape, while a Roman labor force grinds away in haste to meet the December deadline for the commencement of the exciting, the dreaded, Vatican proclaimed; Giubileo.

What exactly IS the Giubileo, or Jubilee in English, you ask? In layman’s terms, it’s a Catholic celebration that happens once every 25 years, with the requirement of the Pope’s designation. During the almost thirteen-month celebration, the central doors to St. Peter’s Basilica are opened and devotees who walk through the doors during The Holy Year are absolved of all their sins. This act of “walking through the doors” from December 2024 through January 2026 will draw upwards of 30 million visitors to Rome, making it an especially unique time to visit the Italian capital.

While the Jubilee offers a wealth of opportunities for spiritual enrichment, cultural immersion, and historical exploration, it also brings certain challenges that potential visitors should be aware of. For my clients who plan to come to Italy in 2025, I start out by explaining what the presence of a Jubilee year means and how it can be a GREAT thing or a NOT-SO GREAT thing, depending on your preferences.

GREAT THINGS about Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee

Spiritual and Cultural Significance The Jubilee is a time of great religious importance for Catholics worldwide. Pilgrims who come to Rome during this time have the opportunity to visit key sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Holy Stairs, all of which hold profound spiritual and historical significance. For Catholics, it’s a chance to receive the Indulgence offered during the Jubilee, an event that makes the experience deeply meaningful.
Exclusive Events and Celebrations The Jubilee year is marked by special religious events, including Masses, processions, and even visits from the Pope. These celebrations offer an exceptional way to witness the heart of Catholicism in action. Not only will you have the chance to attend events at St. Peter’s Square, but there are also smaller, more intimate gatherings in various churches around the city, some of which are open only during the Jubilee year.
Enhanced City Services With the expected influx of visitors, the city is ramping up its services. This could mean better transport options, additional guides, and even more informative signage around key historical and religious sites. The city’s tourism infrastructure will be under pressure to accommodate the crowd, but Rome is no stranger to large numbers of visitors, and the experience may be more polished than usual.
Unique Atmosphere The Jubilee attracts not only pilgrims but also people from all over the world. The unique blend of cultures and languages, along with a palpable sense of reverence, creates an unparalleled atmosphere. If you’re seeking a truly memorable experience in Rome, there’s something extraordinary about being part of this global event. You’ll have the chance to see Rome at its most vibrant, with a sense of shared purpose and community among visitors.

NOT-SO GREAT THINGS about Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee

Crowds and Overcrowding The primary downside to visiting Rome during the Jubilee is the sheer volume of people. The city will likely be crowded, particularly around major religious sites and on key dates like Christmas, Easter, and the Feast of the Assumption. Long lines, overcrowded public transport, and a general lack of space at famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon may detract from the experience for some visitors.
Higher Costs With the influx of pilgrims and tourists, prices for accommodation, meals, and tours will likely increase. Hotels and rental apartments may be booked up well in advance, and some of the more affordable options may be in short supply. Even local restaurants and shops may raise prices in anticipation of the demand, which can make a visit more expensive than during a typical year.
Limited Access to Key Sites Certain areas of religious and historical importance may be closed or have limited access during special events. For instance, the Vatican may restrict visitor entry to certain parts of the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica during large ceremonies or Masses with the Pope. While the chance to witness such events is a huge draw, it can also mean that parts of your itinerary might need to be adjusted.
Logistical Challenges With so many people coming to Rome for the Jubilee, expect more traffic and congestion, both in terms of people and vehicles. Public transport might be overcrowded, making it harder to get around the city. Additionally, some areas of the city may be restricted or difficult to access due to security measures or preparations for large events.

Need a little help from planning your trip to Italy, from a LOCAL?

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