The Rome Jubilee 2025 is here! We’ve put together the key details and practical tips to help you navigate the Eternal City during the Holy Year.
The Rome Jubilee 2025 is now officially underway, marking an extraordinary year filled with spiritual renewal, cultural events, and special celebrations in the Eternal City. From Christmas 2024 to January 2026, this Holy Year, a tradition held once every 25 years and decreed by the Pope, will draw tens of millions of additional visitors to Rome and Vatican City — meaning the city will be busier than ever!
Whether planning to attend the Jubilee festivities or simply soak in Rome’s timeless magic, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your complete guide to 2025’s Holy Year in the Italian capital, including key dates, essential tips for avoiding crowds during the Rome Jubilee, exclusive tours, and more.
What is the Rome Jubilee?
The Jubilee, or Holy Year, is a significant Catholic tradition decreed by the Pope every 25 years. Established in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, it’s a time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and celebration.
The most recent Jubilee was held in 2000, with an additional Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2015. The theme for the 2025 edition is hope.
The current Jubilee began on Christmas Eve of 2024 with the ceremonial opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and will continue throughout 2025 with major religious and cultural events. It draws both religious pilgrims and cultural travelers alike, who come from all over the world to attend special Masses and experience a rich array of unique events.
For Catholics, the Jubilee offers the chance to gain plenary indulgence — complete forgiveness of sins.
Key Events During the Rome Jubilee 2025
The Jubilee is not one single event but rather a year-long series of religious and cultural activities. The events are often tailored to specific groups, such as artists, healthcare professionals, public service workers, and youth. Central to the Jubilee experience are pilgrimages to the four Papal Basilicas and their Holy Doors, typically sealed shut and only opened during Jubilee years.
Here is an overview of what’s to come, but be sure to check the official calendar for the full list of events:
Opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica: On Christmas Eve, the Pope ceremonially opened the first Holy Door, marking the start of the Jubilee year, followed by the celebration of Mass inside the Basilica.
Pilgrimage Routes: Specific routes guide pilgrims to the major Basilicas with different prayer stations and moments for reflection along the way.
Jubilee Masses: These special masses are open to the public and held regularly at St. Peter’s and other Basilicas.
Cultural Events: Rome comes alive with additional exhibitions, concerts, and public celebrations that showcase its rich history and artistic heritage.
Papal Audiences & Blessings: Visitors may attend regular Papal audiences, canonizations, or special blessings by the Pope.
Visiting hoping to attend major Jubilee events or pass through a Holy Door must register for a digital pilgrim’s card and reserve a time in advance.
Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee
Not planning to participate in any Jubilee activities but still want to visit Rome? Coming in 2025 is still absolutely worth it!
In 2025, you can enjoy the Eternal City in its best light thanks to months of planning and preparation leading up to this monumental year. Rome has undertaken hundreds of public works projects, cleaning and restoring its landmarks, statues, and iconic sites. There are also new and enhanced public transportation options, particularly focused in the areas most visited by pilgrims.
That said, with an estimated 35 million visitors expected(compared to 13 million in 2023), Rome will undoubtedly feel busier than usual. Expect larger crowds at iconic sites, higher demand for accommodation and tickets, packed transportation, and a more religious atmosphere than normal. The influx of visitors and a packed calendar of events may also bring a layer of unpredictability.
Thankfully, Rome is vast, with plenty of treasures waiting beyond the heavily visited St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City. Here are some tips to make the most of each trip:
Plan in Advance & Book Early: Reserve flights, hotels, transportation, and tickets to attractions well in advance to secure your spots and avoid long lines.
Explore During Off-Peak Hours: Visit popular sites early in the morning or late in the evening to beat the crowds. Alternatively, consider traveling during the low or shoulder seasons for a quieter experience.
Seek Hidden Gems: Discover lesser-known neighborhoods, serene countryside experiences, and underrated attractions to enjoy a calmer side of the city.
Embrace the Italian Way: Just roll with it! Don’t assume everything will go exactly as planned all the time. Plus, everything is more manageable with an Aperol spritz or rich espresso along the way!
In order to get ahead of these challenges, Laura(Founder and CEO), Chiara(Department Coordinator & Strategy), and Marianna(Head of Product) traveled to Rome before the Jubilee to meet with our trusted local guides, drivers, hosts, and other suppliers. Over several productive days, we worked closely to refine every aspect of the travel experience — from optimizing meeting points for tours to seamless transportation arrangements.
Together, our goal was to finalize the best possible logistics and ensure that every journey with See Italy is smooth and stress-free. With our team of local insiders by your side, you can be sure that every detail of your custom-made itinerary — in Rome and elsewhere in Italy — is carefully planned.
Hidden Gems & Alternative Experiences in Rome
Your custom itinerary with See Italy not only offers seamless logistics during the Jubilee, but also the chance to escape the crowds. With the insider expertise of our local travel planners, you’ll uncover unique destinations beyond the typical tourist trail and enjoy exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences that reveal a quieter, more authentic side of Rome.
Just outside the city, serene retreats like the Tivoli Gardens present an opportunity to explore the breathtaking Renaissance gem of Villa d’Este, known for its magnificent gardens and spectacular fountains, or the ancient grandeur of Villa Adriana. In the Castelli Romani area, await a handful of peaceful hill towns known for their wine and relaxed ambiance.
For history enthusiasts, Ostia Antica provides a fascinating and less crowded alternative to the Roman Forum with its remarkably preserved ancient ruins. Craving a little adventure? Opt for a ride along the ancient Appian Way in an e-bike or golf cart. This unique experience is a tranquil way to enjoy the picturesque countryside along one of the most iconic roads of the Roman Empire.
You may also consider venturing further into the stunning countryside. The fascinating hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio, accessible only by footbridge, and the beautiful town of Orvieto are just a couple of options that offer unforgettable day trips from Rome.
Thanks to our trusted local connections, we can also arrange exclusive Roman experiences that are often unavailable to the public. Imagine learning the essence of Roman culinary traditions in the private kitchen of a renowned local chef, followed by a shared meal together over fine wine and lively conversation.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Rome offers endless opportunities for unique experiences and intimate moments if you know where to look — and our local insiders are dedicated to handcrafting personalized, unforgettable experiences just for you.
For those preferring to spend fewer days in Rome(or skip it altogether) this year, we also recommend alternative destinations like Umbria and Marche. These lesser-known regions offer tranquil landscapes, beautiful hill towns, and rich cultural treasures — without the Jubilee crowds.
Make Your Journey Unforgettable with See Italy
Rome in 2025 promises even more magic than usual, but navigating the Jubilee crowds and logistics can feel daunting. That’s where See Italy comes in. With our on-the-ground expertise and trusted network of local guides, drivers, and insiders, we’ll handle every detail to ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free.
Traveling to Italy in 2025 will be busier than usual, but with us, YOUR Italy doesn’t have to be!
Whether hoping to enjoy the Jubilee’s special celebrations or explore the quieter corners of Rome, we’re here to create a personalized itinerary for your journey and deliver the best travel experience possible — every single time.
