If you’ve been planning a trip to Rome in 2025, you may have come across news about the Jubilee. For the past year, Rome has been cleaning its fountains (much to the disappointment of recent visitors), refurbishing its palaces and upgrading its public transportation in preparation for this major event. But what exactly is the Jubilee, and what can you expect?
What is the Jubilee in Rome?
The Jubilee is a Catholic holy year that takes place in Rome every 25 years – for instance, in 2000, 2025, 2050, and so on. The first Jubilee was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII way back in 1300 as a time of spiritual renewal and forgiveness. Since then, it has become a significant event for Catholics worldwide. The Pope may also declare ‘extraordinary’ Jubilees during other years, such as the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, which are special occasions outside the regular 25-year cycle.
The Jubilee invites pilgrims to visit Rome’s holy sites to receive plenary indulgence, or the forgiveness of sins. During a Jubilee, the four papal basilicas in Rome – Saint Peter’s Basilica, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo Fuori le Mura – open their Holy Doors. These doors, usually sealed, are ceremonially opened by the Pope during Jubilee years. For pilgrims, walking through these doors is a powerful act of faith, offering a fresh start, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with God.
When is Rome Jubilee 2025? Dates and key information
The Rome Jubilee will officially begin on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, and conclude on the Epiphany (‘La Befana’ in Italy), January 6, 2026. This year’s Jubilee is titled the Jubilee of Hope, reflecting a message of renewal and optimism. A special prayer and hymn has been posted on the website to guide devotees.
The papal basilicas are at the heart of the celebrations because they each hold sacred relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, making them meaningful pilgrimage spots, though the most devoted pilgrims may wish to undertake a longer spiritual journey called the ‘Seven Church Walk’. A 25km route that snakes through Rome, it includes the four papal basilicas and three additional churches in the city.
Throughout the year, a dozen churches in Rome will also serve as gathering points for pilgrims and the Catholic community. There is a designated Info Point just down the street from the St. Peter’s Basilica, on Via della Concilliazione 7, where visitors and volunteers can receive more information, register for pilgrimages, and more. It is open from daily from 10am to 5pm.
Are you visiting during the Rome Jubilee? Here’s what to expect
There’s a reason we named Rome’s Jubilee the best thing to do in the world next year – even if you’re not Catholic, it’s a chance to see the holy city come together in a celebration that only happens a handful of times during a lifetime.
The Vatican predicts there will be more than 30 million pilgrims arriving in the Eternal City to celebrate the Jubilee in 2025, so it’s a good idea to book your hotels early. If you want to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of day trips near Rome to explore.
And if St. Peter’s Basilica feels too hectic, why not explore a different side of Rome? Hang out in Pigneto for its hip vibe, uncover street art in Quadraro or soak up the peaceful atmosphere at the Park of the Aqueducts.
For more information about the Rome Jubilee 2025, visit the official website.
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