You may have heard mentions of the upcoming "Jubilee" in Rome for 2025.
As this event will affect travel to the city, I want to provide you with essential information to consider if you're thinking of traveling to Italy next year.
What is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a significant event in the Catholic Church that occurs typically every 25 years. It attracts a large number of visitors to Rome, which can affect travel patterns and accommodations in the city. Here are the key points:
- The Jubilee is rooted in Catholic tradition, dating back to the year 1300.
- It's a time when many pilgrims and tourists visit Rome for religious and cultural reasons.
- The event involves special ceremonies and the opening of usually sealed "Holy Doors" in major Roman basilicas.
How Will This Affect Travel to Rome?
- Increased Visitor Numbers: Rome is likely to see a higher than usual number of visitors, especially around key dates.
- Accommodation Demand: Hotels and other lodgings may experience higher occupancy rates and potentially increased prices.
- Attraction Access: Popular sites, particularly religious ones, may have altered schedules or increased waiting times.
Key Dates and Information
- The Jubilee will begin on December 24, 2024, and end on January 6, 2026.
- Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2024, and close it on January 6, 2026.
- Peak periods are expected to be around Christmas 2024, Easter 2025, and the closing days in January 2026.
The Holy Doors
The opening of the Holy Doors is a central ritual of the Jubilee. The four main Holy Doors are located in Rome's major basilicas:
- St. Peter's Basilica
- St. John Lateran
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- St. Mary Major
The Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica is opened first, followed by the others in subsequent days. They remain open until the end of the Jubilee, after which they are sealed again.
Impact on Travel to Rome
- The Vatican Museums will maintain regular operating hours.
- Visitors to Rome are expected to experience no significant issues except during the Christmas period of 2024-2025 and Easter 2025.
- All museums will maintain their regular schedules.
Should You Postpone Your Trip to Rome?
Not necessarily. While the Jubilee will bring increased visitor numbers to Rome, it's still possible to have a great experience in the Eternal City during 2025. Here are some recommendations:
- Timing: If possible, avoid the key periods around Christmas 2024, Easter 2025, and early January 2026. Instead, I recommend visiting during February, March, July, August, or November, which may be less crowded.
- Alternative Attractions: Encourage visitors to explore some of Rome's equally impressive but potentially less crowded sites:
- Museo Nazionale Romano Palazzo Massimp
- Musei Capitolini
- Parco della Via Appia
- Tivoli's Villas
- Galleria Colonna
- Palazzo Doria Pamphili
- Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia
- Advance Planning: Book accommodations and tickets well in advance, especially for any must-see attractions.
- Flexibility: Be flexible with your itinerary and consider early morning or late afternoon visits to popular sites.
By following these suggestions, you can still enjoy Rome during the Jubilee year while minimizing potential inconveniences related to increased visitor numbers.
Beyond Rome: Exploring Italy
The Jubilee will touch only the city of Rome so that all other Italian destinations will operate as usual.
This presents an excellent opportunity to explore alternative destinations:
- Apulia: Sun-soaked beaches, charming trulli houses, and delectable cuisine in Italy's heel.
- Marche: A hidden gem with rolling hills, medieval towns, and pristine Adriatic coastline.
- Umbria: The "green heart of Italy," known for its medieval hill towns, forests, and spiritual heritage.
- Maremma (Southwest Tuscany): Wild beaches, Etruscan ruins, and rustic charm away from Tuscan crowds.
- Piedmont: Renowned for its wines, truffles, and elegant capital Turin, nestled at the foot of the Alps.
- Emilia: Home to culinary treasures like Parmesan and prosciutto, plus Ferrari's hometown of Modena.
Expert Planning for Your Italian Adventure
Navigating travel during the Jubilee year may seem challenging, but with proper planning, it can still be a rewarding experience. Whether you're interested in experiencing the Jubilee events in Rome or exploring other beautiful destinations across Italy, I can provide personalized advice and assistance tailored to your needs.
