Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rome During the Jubilee 2025

May 13

A breathtaking view of the Vatican at dusk, where St. Peter's Basilica majestically meets the reflective Tiber River, inviting exploration and self-discovery amidst historical grandeur.

The Jubilee Year 2025, declared by Pope Francis as a time of hope and renewal, offers a rare and transformative opportunity for spiritual growth and cultural immersion. Whether you're making a pilgrimage or simply visiting Rome during this sacred year, this guide will help you prepare, navigate, and experience it with intention and ease.

This isn’t just any visit to the Eternal City—Rome will welcome millions of pilgrims from around the world. Lines will be longer, the streets more crowded, and the energy more profound. With so much happening, planning your journey thoughtfully can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling deeply moved.

1. What Is the Jubilee Year?

Every Jubilee year is a spiritual milestone—but it also has a rich historical backdrop. The tradition dates back to 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII called the first Holy Year. Since then, Jubilee Years have been celebrated as opportunities for renewal and reconciliation, drawing millions of faithful to Rome. The last ordinary Jubilee Year, in 2000, welcomed over 20 million visitors.

A Jubilee is marked by special blessings, pilgrimages, and symbolic acts such as passing through the Holy Door. The 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” emphasizes a collective movement toward peace, faith, and resilience in the face of global challenges.

2. What Is the Holy Door?

The Holy Door is a powerful symbol in the Catholic tradition. Normally sealed shut, it is opened only during a Jubilee year, inviting pilgrims to walk through as a sign of spiritual transformation.

Think of it not as a door to a building, but a portal to renewal. The act of crossing the threshold is deeply personal—an invitation to leave behind old ways and step into a realm of grace.

Where to find them:

St. Peter’s Basilica
St. John Lateran
St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Mary Major

3. How to Access the Holy Doors

In past Jubilees, thousands lined up before sunrise to walk through the Holy Doors. This year, expect crowds to be just as devoted—and even more tech-savvy.

To participate:

Register for a Pilgrim Card: This is your digital passport. It provides access to the pilgrimage route and the Holy Door entry.
Download the official app: Iubilaeum25
Plan your visit around the Jubilee calendar, which includes dates for specific pilgrimages and events.

Pro Tip: Bring patience, a bottle of water, and a journal. You may wait, but the experience is worth every moment.

4. Important Jubilee 2025 Dates

While the entire year is filled with spiritual significance, some dates mark major gatherings and events. Plan accordingly—these days will be Rome’s busiest.

Dec 24, 2024: Opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica
May 12–14, 2025: Jubilee of the Eastern Churches
May 16–18, 2025: Jubilee of Confraternities
Sept 27–28, 2025: Jubilee of the Elderly
Dec 28, 2025: Closing of the Holy Doors

Each Jubilee event draws different audiences—from religious orders to entire communities of faith—making these moments deeply emotional and logistically intense.

View the full schedule: Jubilee Calendar.

5. Where to Stay in Rome

Accommodations during the Jubilee Year are expected to fill quickly, so book early and stay flexible. Rome will be bustling—expect crowds, long lines at major sites, and sold-out restaurants. Choosing your location wisely will help you conserve energy and reduce stress.

Prati: Walkable to the Vatican, quiet and elegant.
Trastevere: Authentic and lively, filled with cobblestone streets and Roman charm.
Monti: Central, artsy, and close to many historical sites.
Testaccio: Known for its food and local vibe.
Monastery stays: A reflective option for Pilgrims. Try Monasteries.com

Consider proximity to your desired basilica, but also the quality of the neighborhood for restful evenings.

6. Getting Around Rome

Rome’s streets will be filled with visitors, processions, and special transportation zones. It’s best to walk whenever possible and use public transit strategically.

Public transport: Buses, trams, metro lines (ATAC).
Tourist travel passes:
- Roma 48H: €12.50
- Roma 72H: €18
- Weekly CIS Pass: €24
Buy tickets at ATAC counters or atac.roma.it

Avoid taxis during peak times. Early mornings are the best window to move around with ease.

7. What to Pack for Jubilee Travel

Packing with purpose makes all the difference. You’ll be visiting sacred spaces and walking long distances, often in unpredictable weather.

Modest clothing: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting church.
Comfortable shoes are essential, as you can expect to do a lot of walking.
Daypack: Include water, snacks, a charger, and an umbrella.
Journal: For reflecting on your spiritual journey.
Scarf/Shawl: Quick cover-up for sacred spaces.

Other essentials include a portable phone charger, a reusable water bottle, a small first aid kit, and a lightweight rain jacket.

8. Don’t Miss These Lesser-Known Sacred Spots

While most visitors flock to the four major basilicas, Rome is also home to numerous quieter, sacred gems. These lesser-known sites offer profound history with far fewer crowds.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme: Home to relics of the Passion of Christ.
San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura: A serene resting place for early Christian martyrs.
Santa Maria in Via: Known for a miraculous spring that still flows today.
Domus Aurea: Nero’s palace-turned-reflective ruin.
Pyramid of Cestius: A blend of ancient Roman and Egyptian influences.
Catacombs of Priscilla: Underground art and faith from the 2nd century.

Consider including these in your itinerary to slow down and reflect on your visit.

9. Final Tips for a Meaningful Visit

A Jubilee is more than a trip—it’s a pilgrimage. It invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect.