When I first heard about the 2025 Year of the Jubilee in Italy I knew it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With millions of pilgrims expected to visit Rome this year, planning your trip is key. From the opening of the Holy Doors to special masses and pilgrimages, the city will be buzzing with activity even more than it already does.

So what does this extraordinary cultural and spiritual celebration mean for you as a traveller?

Do you still plan that trip to Italy? And, if you do, how do you navigate the intense crowds in Rome? I’ve had three trips to Rome (and beyond in Italy) and the crowds are overwhelming even during the shoulder season.

I will share what I’ve learned about this extraordinary event, and provide practical tips to help you enjoy your trip to Rome and beyond in 2025.

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FAQ: All About the Jubilee in Italy 2025

arno river with bridge with view to vatican city in italy at spring time

What is the Jubilee?

The Jubilee, or Holy Year, is a special period of remission of sins called plenary indulgence which means forgiveness of sins for themselves and deceased loved ones.

What is the history of the Jubilee?

The tradition of the Jubilee dates back to 1300, initiated by Pope Boniface VIII. Initially held every 100 years, the interval was later reduced to 25 years.

Why is the Jubilee significant?

The Jubilee holds deep spiritual significance for Catholics. It’s a time of pilgrimage, penance, and renewal.

Pilgrims often visit the four major basilicas in Rome, where Holy Doors are opened only during the Jubilee, symbolizing a path to salvation. After the opening of St. Peter’s Basilica, the four main Holy Doors in Rome are: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major.

When does the Jubilee in 2025 start and end?

The Jubilee Year 2025 officially starts December 24, 2024, and ends at Epiphany, on January 6, 2026.

Who can participate in the Jubilee?

The Jubilee is open to everyone, not just Catholics. While many events are centred around religious practices, the cultural and historical aspects of the Jubilee attract curious visitors interested in experiencing the unique celebration in Rome.

What are the key events of the Jubilee in 2025?

Major events include the opening of the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica, special masses, and various religious and cultural activities throughout the year.

Is it Worth Visiting Italy in 2025?

vatican with domed roof and fountain

Visiting Italy during this monumental year offers a unique, cultural and spiritual experience, but it’s not without its challenges.

The benefits are clear: you’ll have the chance to witness the Holy Year in Rome, with special events, masses, and religious ceremonies that attract millions of pilgrims. The energy of the city will be unlike any other, and for those seeking a deeper connection with the Catholic faith, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, the drawbacks are also significant. With the stream of pilgrims, Rome will be packed, and tourist sites will be more crowded than usual. This could mean longer lines, higher prices, and more difficulty finding those quiet moments in the city.

On the positive side, this event is centred in Vatican City, with the greatest impact on Rome, the rest of Italy will see only a modest uptick in tourism.

So, outside the capital city, this year is the perfect time to explore other parts of Italy. I actually prefer exploring Italy beyond its capital city and recently spent an entire month visiting Tuscany again for the second time and northern Italy and loved it.

Whether you’re wandering the rolling hills of Tuscany, soaking in the art and history of Florence, or enjoying the coastal beauty of the Italian Riviera, don’t postpone your trip to Italy just because of the 2025 Jubilee.

The remaining decision is how and when to visit Rome as part of your Italy itinerary.

Tips for Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee Year

view to st paul's cathedral in vatican city with crowds
door to st peter's cathedral in vatican city with guard

Rome already sees around 60 million visitors annually, but with the Jubilee year, an additional influx of pilgrims is expected to push that number even higher, some are anticipating an additional 5 million.

Knowing that here are practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Booking in Advance

  • Book Accommodations Early: Rome’s hotels and vacation rental options will fill up quickly. Secure your stay well in advance.
  • Make Restaurant Reservations: It’s customary to make reservations for lunch and dinner, so with the influx of visitors, restaurants in central Rome will be extra busy. I recommend you reserve in advance to guarantee a table, otherwise, you’ll be forced to eat at street food joints or those restaurants that only cater to tourists (a subpar food experience).
  • Reserve Landmark Entry Tickets in Advance: Iconic sites like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum will be in high demand. I recommend booking your entry tickets ahead of time can save you from long queues and ensure you don’t miss out on visiting these must-see landmarks.

Jubilee Events

  • Stay Informed About Jubilee Events: I recommend you keep an eye on the official Jubilee calendar to know when and where major events are happening. This can help you plan around large gatherings or participate in events that interest you.
  • Be Prepared for Increased Security: Expect heightened security measures around key religious sites. Allow extra time for bag checks and other measures put in place for crowd control.
  • Embrace Flexibility and Patience: With such a significant event, some delays and crowded spots are inevitable. Keep a flexible schedule and a patient mindset to fully enjoy the experience.
interior view of sistine chapel with fresco ceiling and crowds
ceiling of sistine chapel in vatican

Sightseeing

  • Visit Major Sites Early or Late: To avoid the thickest crowds, I recommend you plan to visit major attractions like the Vatican and the Colosseum early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Explore Lesser-Known Attractions: Balance your itinerary with visits to less crowded sites like the Aventine Keyhole or peaceful gardens to escape the crowds.
  • Consider Guided Tours to Navigate Crowds: Booking guided tours can be a smart way to handle the crowds at popular sites. Tours often include skip-the-line access and provide valuable insights.
  • Plan Day Trips Outside the City Center: Escape crowded Rome by booking day trips to nearby destinations like Tivoli, Orvieto, or Pompei.

Accommodations

  • Choose your Accommodations Wisely: I recommend staying away from Vatican City in neighbourhoods like Monti, Trieste, and Trastevere.
  • Understand Tourist Taxes: Be aware of the increased tourist taxes of up to €2 that will be applied during the Jubilee, in addition to the current rates that vary from €4 to €10 per night (depending on the accommodation rating).

Final Thoughts

If a trip to Italy is on your radar for 2025, don’t put it off just because of the Jubilee crowds in Rome. Instead, visit other incredible destinations across the country. Visit my Italy page for inspiration on the best destinations beyond Rome.

Need help planning your Italian getaway? Explore customized trip planning services tailored just for you.