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The Jubilee is a religious celebration organised by the Roman Catholic Church as a special time of pilgrimage, penance, prayer and reflection for Catholics worldwide. It takes place every 25 years, with ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ the theme for Jubilee 2025. If you are planning to join the estimated 32 million visitors expected to make a pilgrimage to Rome next year, this is everything you need to know before you go.
Work is already well underway in Rome in preparation for the millions of pilgrims expected to visit the city during the Jubilee, with billions of euros being invested in upgrading public transport networks, creating new pedestrianised spaces and adding accommodation facilities.
The official start of the Jubilee will take place on 24th December 2024, when Pope Francis conducts a ceremonial opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. If you are hoping to witness the ceremony from inside the Basilica, you’ll need to apply to the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household for tickets – otherwise you can follow the proceedings on giant screens erected in St Peter’s Square.
The Vatican has embraced modern technology, creating a Jubilee 2025 website and app to ensure that pilgrims can make the most of their time in Rome. It includes a real-time countdown to the beginning of Jubilee 2025 as well as an event calendar, suggested pilgrimage itineraries and even a recording of the official Jubilee hymn.
You can apply online for a Pilgrim’s Card, which is a free digital pass that will allow you to register for various pilgrimage events, including access to the Holy Door throughout the year. The Pilgrims’ Centre, at 7 Via della Conciliazione, will be open daily to offer advice and assistance, and look out for the Jubilee volunteers in distinctive green vests positioned in key sites throughout the city, ready to help you find your way around.
Rome’s four main basilicas are St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Although passing through the Holy Doors of each of these basilicas is likely to be a key part of your Jubilee pilgrimage experience, the city of Rome has many more historically and spiritually significant churches which you may also like to visit, including the Pantheon, Church of the Gesù and San Clemente.
You should allow at least a day to explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you can marvel at famous highlights such as Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes and the 120-metre Gallery of Maps. With an average 25,000 visitors each day (and likely to be more during the Jubilee), it’s well worth pre-booking your visit if you want to minimise the time spent in long queues.
A variety of art exhibitions, concerts and cultural events are set to take place throughout the year to highlight the Jubilee’s theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ These events are designed celebrate the religious and cultural history of the Catholic Church and the city of Rome.
With many events requiring pre-registration, it’s a clever idea to keep an eye on the Vatican website for announcements and details on how to apply for tickets.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you’re sure to be doing a lot of walking. Most religious sites require a modest standard of dress, with shoulders and knees required to be covered even at the height of the Roman summer.
Millions of pilgrims are expected to visit Rome during Jubilee 2025, and although the city is working to create increased accommodation capacity, its hotels, hostels and other lodgings are sure to fill up quickly.
Rome’s public transport network is likely to be working harder than ever, and you should be prepared for long waits, large crowds and extra security throughout the city. Booking a guided tour can be a smart way to skip some of the queues while also gaining deeper insights into the religious, cultural and historic significance of the attractions. You can also plan your visits to take advantage of early or late opening times, when visitor numbers are often reduced.
Whether you’re embarking on your own personal, spiritual pilgrimage or you simply want to witness a global religious event with seven hundred years of tradition, a visit to Rome during Jubilee 2025 is a chance to experience the city’s ancient and spiritual legacy. To ensure you have the best possible experience, we recommend contacting your personal travel manager to start planning your visit now.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
