The Jubilee Year 2025 is an extraordinary religious event that the Catholic Church celebrates every 25 years, drawing millions of pilgrims from around the globe to Rome.
This Holy Year holds profound significance for Catholics, as it offers a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and the reception of indulgences. The Jubilee is marked by special liturgies, pilgrimages, and events, with Rome serving as the epicentre of these activities due to its status as the heart of the Catholic Church.
During this time, the Eternal City becomes not only a destination for religious devotion but also a hub of cultural and spiritual exchange, reinforcing its role as a global centre of faith.
As 2025 approaches, pilgrims are preparing to embark on this sacred journey, seeking to deepen their faith and experience the rich history and traditions of the Church in the very city where they are most vividly alive.
Key Religious and Cultural Attractions of the Jubilee
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican
St. Peter’s Basilica is the spiritual heart of the Jubilee Year, serving as the primary sacred destination for pilgrims. As one of the most important churches in the world, it houses numerous religious and artistic treasures. Pilgrims can marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, ascend to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for panoramic views of Rome, and visit the papal tombs where many popes are laid to rest.
During the Jubilee, the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, which is normally sealed, will be opened, symbolizing the path to salvation. Pilgrims will have the chance to pass through this door, which is a central rite of the Holy Year. Additionally, visitors can participate in papal audiences and attend solemn masses celebrated by the Pope himself, making their spiritual journey even more profound.
The Four Major Basilicas
Besides St. Peter’s Basilica, the Jubilee pilgrimage includes visits to the other three major papal basilicas: St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Each of these basilicas holds unique significance and offers different spiritual and cultural experiences.
St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Pope, is the oldest and ranks as the most important of the four, serving as the ecclesiastical seat of the Pope.
St. Paul Outside the Walls is renowned for its impressive architecture and as the resting place of St. Paul the Apostle.
St. Mary Major is famous for its beautiful mosaics and as the first Marian church in the West.
Together, these basilicas represent essential stops on the Jubilee pilgrimage, each offering a distinct encounter with the rich history of the Church.
Jubilee Ceremonies and Traditions
The Jubilee Year is marked by significant ceremonies and liturgical celebrations. One of the most important rituals is the opening of the Holy Doors at the four major basilicas, symbolizing the offering of grace and the pathway to redemption. Another central tradition is the Penitential Pilgrimage, where pilgrims travel to these basilicas, often on foot, as an act of devotion and penance.
By completing this pilgrimage and participating in the sacrament of confession, pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence, a remission of all temporal punishment for sins. The Jubilee will also feature special masses, processions, and events throughout the year, drawing Catholics from around the world to celebrate their faith in the heart of the Church.
Events and Cultural Program of the Jubilee
The Jubilee Year 2025 will feature a series of significant religious celebrations that will draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. The year will officially begin with the Opening Mass of the Jubilee, which is typically held in St. Peter’s Square and presided over by the Pope. This event will mark the symbolic opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Another major event is the Good Friday Via Crucis at the Colosseum, a deeply moving ceremony where the Pope leads the faithful in commemorating the Stations of the Cross. Additionally, the Christmas and Easter celebrations in the Vatican will be particularly special during the Jubilee, with masses and ceremonies that reflect the heightened spiritual significance of these holidays during the Holy Year.
In addition to religious ceremonies, the Jubilee Year will be rich in cultural events, offering pilgrims and visitors an opportunity to engage with Rome’s vast artistic and historical heritage. The Vatican Museums will host special exhibitions featuring religious art, rare manuscripts, and other treasures from the Vatican’s extensive collections.
Concerts of sacred music, performed in some of Rome’s most beautiful churches and basilicas, will provide a serene and reflective atmosphere for attendees.
Furthermore, outdoor screenings and light projections on iconic Roman landmarks will be organized, offering a modern interpretation of Rome’s religious and cultural history.
These events are designed to enhance the spiritual experience of the Jubilee while also celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Rome and the Catholic Church.
Together, these religious and cultural events will create a vibrant atmosphere in Rome, making the Jubilee Year 2025 an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Getting Around Rome During the Jubilee Year
Transportation Options
During the Jubilee Year 2025, Rome is expected to welcome millions of visitors, making efficient transportation essential. The city’s public transportation system — comprising the metro, buses, and trams — will be the most reliable way to navigate Rome’s busy streets.
The metro system is particularly useful, with Line A being the most important for pilgrims as it connects key religious sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica (Ottaviano station) and the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti (Spain station), to the Termini Station, the central hub for trains and buses. The metro runs frequently, but during peak times, especially on major religious holidays, it can become crowded. Buses are another option, with extensive routes covering the entire city. Rome also offers taxi services and ride-sharing options like Uber, though these can be more expensive and slower due to traffic, especially during the busy Jubilee periods.
For those looking for a more personalized and potentially less congested travel experience, walking is a viable option in the central areas, where many major sites are relatively close to each other. However, planning your routes and being aware of the busiest times is crucial to avoid the most crowded areas and make your journey as smooth as possible.
Accommodation Tips
Finding the right accommodation in Rome during the Jubilee will require some planning, given the high demand.
- For those seeking proximity to the Vatican and other religious sites, luxury hotels and boutique accommodations in the Prati and Borgo neighbourhoods offer convenience and comfort, though at a premium price.
- For a more authentic Roman experience, consider staying in charming neighbourhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio, which, while slightly removed from the most tourist-heavy areas, are still well-connected by public transport and provide a more relaxed atmosphere. These areas also offer a variety of bed & breakfast options, combining comfort with a local touch.
Booking early is highly recommended, as accommodations in Rome will be in high demand throughout the Jubilee Year. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city centre or the quieter charm of outlying districts, securing your stay well in advance will help ensure that you have a comfortable base from which to explore all that the Jubilee has to offer.
Discovering the Eternal City
Rome, often referred to as the Eternal City, is a living museum, where history and culture blend seamlessly into everyday life. A visit during the Jubilee Year is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to explore some of the most iconic squares and monuments that define the city.
Start your exploration with Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful and lively squares, famous for its stunning Baroque fountains and the magnificent Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. Originally built as a stadium in ancient Rome, it later became the elegant public square we see today, adorned with works like the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Nearby, Piazza di Spagna is another must-visit, home to the Spanish Steps, which rise to the elegant Trinità dei Monti Church. This area is also known for its luxurious shopping streets and is an ideal spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Piazza del Popolo, with its twin churches and the towering obelisk, is another remarkable square, serving as the gateway to Rome from the ancient Via Flaminia. From here, a short walk will take you to the Pincio Terrace, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city.
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to its ancient wonders. The Colosseum, Rome’s most iconic symbol, once hosted gladiatorial games and remains a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Romans.
Just a short distance away are the Roman Forum and the Imperial Fora, where you can stroll through the ruins of what was once the heart of political and social life in ancient Rome.
Lastly, the Pantheon, with its impressive dome and oculus, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, still in use today as a church and burial site for important figures like the artist Raphael.
While exploring Rome, take the time to indulge in the city’s rich culinary heritage. Roman cuisine is known for its simplicity, focusing on quality ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Be sure to try pasta alla carbonara, made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and pepper, or pasta all’amatriciana, a tomato-based sauce with guanciale and Pecorino. Another local favourite is carciofi alla giudia, Jewish-style fried artichokes that are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
For a more authentic experience, seek out trattorias — traditional, family-run restaurants — where you can enjoy these dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Some of the most famous areas for dining include Trastevere, known for its vibrant nightlife and charming streets, and Testaccio, the heart of traditional Roman food culture.
Don’t forget to finish your meal with a sweet treat. Rome is famous for its ice cream, and you can find some of the best in the city’s historic ice cream parlours. For coffee lovers, a stop at Caffè Sant’Eustachio is a must. Located near the Pantheon, this iconic café has been serving what many consider to be the best coffee in Rome since 1938.
Exploring these cultural and culinary treasures will give you a deeper appreciation of Rome’s history and its vibrant contemporary life, making your Jubilee pilgrimage a truly memorable experience.
How to Reach Rome for the Jubilee
To participate in the Rome Jubilee 2025, you can easily reach the capital from various major Italian cities. For instance, you can travel from Milan, Bologna, Florence, Naples, or Salerno to Rome by high-speed train for a convenient journey.
From Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Naples to Rome
Rome is incredibly accessible via high-speed trains such as Italo, connecting it seamlessly to all major Italian cities. If you’re traveling from Milan, you can reach Rome in approximately 3 hours, offering a quick and comfortable journey through the Italian countryside. From Florence, the trip is even shorter, taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Similarly, the route from Bologna to Rome takes about 2 hours, while those departing from Naples can expect to arrive in just 1 hour and 10 minutes. These fast and efficient train services make it easy for pilgrims and tourists alike to reach the Eternal City in time for the Jubilee events.
From Salerno to Rome
For those who want to add an extra dimension to their pilgrimage, consider traveling to Salerno before heading to Rome. This southern city offers a unique blend of history and coastal beauty, with attractions like the medieval Duomo and the scenic lungomare (seafront promenade). After exploring Salerno, you can easily continue your journey to Rome by train, enjoying a scenic ride that enhances your overall experience.
Air Travel and Transfers
Rome is served by two major airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino. Both airports have frequent connections to Rome’s city centre. From Fiumicino, the hub train offers a direct link to Roma Termini station in just 32 minutes. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available for a more flexible travel experience. Ciampino Airport is also well-connected by bus and taxi services, ensuring easy access to the heart of Rome.
With these varied transportation options, getting to Rome for the Jubilee is straightforward and convenient, whether you prefer the speed of high-speed trains, the flexibility of air travel, or the scenic routes from southern Italy.
As the Jubilee 2025 approaches, it offers an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience that transcends mere travel. This event is not only a profound spiritual journey but also a celebration of Rome’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Whether you are drawn by faith, the allure of the Eternal City’s timeless beauty, or the desire to be part of this extraordinary global gathering, the Jubilee promises an unforgettable experience.
To make the most of your pilgrimage, it is crucial to prepare both spiritually and logistically. Ensure that you have thoroughly planned every aspect of your trip, from securing accommodation to booking tickets for key attractions. This level of preparation will allow you to fully embrace the unique atmosphere of the Jubilee, soaking in the sacredness of Rome’s churches and the grandeur of its historic sites.
By organizing your journey in advance, you’ll be well-positioned to enjoy all that Rome has to offer, making your pilgrimage a truly enriching and memorable experience. The Jubilee 2025 is not just a trip; it’s a journey of faith, culture, and discovery that will leave a lasting impression on your soul and your heart.
