Rome Jubilee 2025 Explained

Planning a trip to Italy in 2025? You might have heard whispers about something called "The Rome Jubilee 2025" and wondered what all the excitement is about. As Italy travel experts, we're here to help you understand what the 2025 Jubilee Year means for your Italian adventure – and yes, you can still have an amazing trip to Italy during the Jubilee!

In this article:

What is Jubilee in Italy? When is the Next Jubilee Year? Jubilee Rome: Impact on the City Should You Still Visit Rome in 2025? When is the Next Jubilee Year? Alternative Italy Experiences

What is Jubilee in Italy?

The Catholic Church has celebrated Jubilee Years, also known as Holy Years, since 1300. These special years of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal traditionally occur every 25 years. The 2025 celebration marks the first regular Jubilee of the 21st century, with Pope Francis announcing this upcoming Holy Year will celebrate "Pilgrims of Hope."

When is the Next Jubilee Year?

The Jubilee Year officially began on December 24, 2024, when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, and continues through January 6, 2026. During this time, Rome expects to welcome an estimated 35 million visitors – far beyond its usual tourist numbers!

Jubilee Rome 2025: Impact on the City

The Jubilee will bring significant changes to Rome throughout 2025, and it's helpful to understand what to expect. Accommodation prices in Rome are predicted to increase by 30-40% during peak periods, with some hotels already implementing special "Jubilee rates." If you're planning to visit, booking at least 6-8 months in advance will be essential, particularly for properties near the Vatican or historic center.

The busiest periods will center around major religious celebrations. As we saw on December 24th for the opening of the Holy Door, you can expect higher crowds also on Easter 2025, and the weeks surrounding it. Summer months will see higher-than-usual visitor numbers, while shoulder seasons like March-April and October-November might offer slightly more manageable conditions.

Rome is already undergoing extensive preparations, with major renovation projects across the city. The area around St. Peter's Square is seeing significant upgrades, including improved pedestrian access and restored facades. The city is also enhancing several pilgrimage routes, with work planned on the Via Francigena and other historic pathways. These renovations, while temporarily disruptive, will ultimately benefit all visitors with improved infrastructure and beautified spaces! 

Transportation within Rome will also adapt to handle increased visitor numbers, so don’t stress! The city is expanding public transport services, particularly around major basilicas and religious sites. New shuttle services are being planned to connect pilgrimage sites, and some areas may see temporary pedestrian-only zones to manage crowd flow more effectively.

The Vatican and Rome are planning special exhibitions and events throughout the year. While the full calendar isn't yet released, visitors can expect extraordinary art exhibitions, special Papal audiences, and cultural events celebrating Rome's spiritual heritage. Many of these events will be accessible to all visitors, not just religious pilgrims, offering unique opportunities to experience Rome's rich cultural traditions.

Should You Still Visit Rome in 2025?

The short answer is yes – but with some careful planning. While Rome will be busier than usual, the city is actively preparing to handle the increased number of visitors.

Plus, the energy and significance of being in Rome during a Jubilee Year can add an extra layer of meaning to your trip, especially if you’re religious. That being said, it’s certainly going to be busy and crowded, so here’s what we suggest:

• Be selective about which sites are most important for you to see.

• Try to check off just your top 2-3 places in Rome in 2 days then focus your trip on the off-the-beaten-path areas of Italy, which just happens to be what we specialize in, so reach out if you need some help!

• Plan to visit Rome at a leisurely pace. If you feel that you MUST properly visit all of Rome’s highlights, don’t try to cram it all in over 3-4 days or you’re going to get easily frustrated with the crowds and additional wait times.

• Plan way in advance. If you’re traveling to Rome in 2025, you really need to start today! Click to learn more about our custom travel planning or small group trips.

When is the Next Jubilee Year? Alternative Italy Experiences

While Rome welcomes pilgrims, this could be the perfect opportunity to explore Italy's equally magnificent but less-visited destinations. You might discover hidden corners of Tuscany, explore the dramatic coastlines of Puglia, or wander through charming Alpine villages. These alternatives offer authentic Italian experiences away from the Jubilee crowds while still allowing you to experience the special atmosphere of this historic year.

Want to explore Italy beyond Rome during the Jubilee Year? Let us help you plan an authentic Italian adventure that avoids the crowds while still capturing the magic of this special time. Contact us to create an unforgettable journey that makes the most of this historic year.