In the past few years you may have head people come back from Rome with the feedback "every building is covered by scaffolding", and murmurs of the word "Jubilee". That is because Rome has been preparing for something, something BIG; the Holy Jubilee. The city is experiencing its largest urban renewal since the 2000 Jubilee, with new pedestrian areas, improved transport links, and renovated pilgrim paths. If you're planning to experience this once-in-a-generation event, waiting to book could mean missing out entirely.
The Rome Jubilee 2025 marks an extraordinary moment in the Eternal City's history. This Holy Year, announced by Pope Francis under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," represents the first post-pandemic Jubilee, making it particularly significant for global travellers and pilgrims alike.
This sacred door is only opened during Jubilee years, making it a rare and highly anticipated event for Catholics around the world
The most holy of holy doors is that of St.Peters Basilica which is made of bronze and is decorated with intricate carvings and symbols, representing the journey of faith and salvation.
Passing through the Holy Door is not only a spiritual experience but also a physical one. The door is a massive structure, standing at almost 12 feet tall and weighing over 10,000 pounds. It is a reminder of the strength and power of faith.
So if you are sitting there reading as someone who has always had Rome on the bucket list and decided 2025 is the year then you need to put a bit of extra time and effort into booking your trip, why? EWTN predict 35 million pilgrims, Yes, I will say that again ... 35 Million will pass through the holy doors! Early planning isn't just recommended – it's essential.
With that we have curated some of the best places to stay and some of the essential things to book onto in what will be a multiple blog series on the stunning city of Rome.
Quick Fact - Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, measuring just 0.44 square kilometers.
Key Rome Jubilee 2025 Dates to Remember:
Official Opening: December 24, 2024 (Opening of the Holy Door)
Main Jubilee 2025 Period: January 1 - December 31, 2025
Closing Ceremony: January 6, 2026
The official Vatican jubilee website can be found here. Lets get into this pilgrims.
CONTENT LINKS
Where to Stay During the Jubilee
For those seeking architectural splendour during their Jubilee stay and if budget is not a consideration then there is one property that stands out.
Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville
Housed in an 18th-century palazzo at the top of the Spanish Steps, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends Rome's classical heritage with contemporary luxury. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city's skyline, while the courtyard features original baroque fountains. Sipping on an early morning espresso in the courtyard whilst reading the paper (or one of our blogs), this place will make you start searching your ancestors in a longing to be part of such a rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Rooms are not cheap though and this is impacted further due to the 2025 Jubilee; however even at €1000+ per night, Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville will leave you asking, "should I stay one more night?". Check prices on booking above.
Slightly more mindful of budget but supply a lot of architectural joy is Hotel Locarno, again right in the heart of the action this place is a fantastic option for the quintessential Italian experience.
Hotel Locarno
This Art Deco gem near Piazza del Popolo has hosted artists and intellectuals since 1925. The original 1920s elevator, handcrafted furniture, and geometric marble floors make this hotel a living museum of architectural design. Book six months ahead for Jubilee period stays. Rooms run from €450 per night, Check prices on booking above.
Hotel Centro Cavour (€150 per night)
Located in a 19th-century townhouse near the Roman Forum, this simple but characterful hotel offers incredible value. The building retains its original vaulted ceilings and stone staircase, while the entrance features classic Roman arch details.
Essential Bookings for Jubilee 2025
Usually I am the sort of traveller who likes to keep things fairly loose and fluid waking up each day and seeing where the espresso takes me, however this is one trip where you are going to need to be more like a drill Sargent with your bookings. If there is something you want to see, as soon as you know your holiday dates, get your excursions/ tours and tickets all lined up.
There are some things that are 'big ticket items' in Rome and this year that ticket is going to be the size of a novelty cheque, so lets look at them below to make sure you have your spot secured.
Skip-the-line entry before general opening (absolutely essential)
Dedicated Jubilee 2025 guided tours from €100
Special access to newly opened areas. The best option for those looking for deep insight into the history of the art and architecture. I am a big advocate for guided tours and to be honest here, its essential. You will not believe how rich the basilica is. Know for the sistine chapel of course but every wall and ceiling in every room is covered in biblical painting and stories. The names of thousands of painters we do not hear in history bit are truly masters, a guide will help paint the story of this architectural cavas (excuse all the puns).
St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb from €35
This one is booked directly through the Vatican's site (linked in blue) its not one for the feint hearted and a little bit creepy is you are claustrophobic. You will be in a one way line circling the cavity of the dome, the roof arches up and over you, the stairs are wide enough for an average person so turning back is simply not an option. Is it worth it? Yehh it is! The view out over Rome is something but the feeling of standing within and around the capola of St. Peters basilica, perhaps the most iconic basilica ever build? left me with goosebump's.
P.s. Do not forget the Vatican has its own time zone and you will need your passport to get into the state.
Colosseum Tours from €60
Ok this one slightly underwhelmed me ... there I said it ... however I think I hyped it up a bit in my mind and I am blaming Ridley Scott for that. Its still a stunning piece of architecture make sure to opt for the gladiator's gate and Arena floor option. Ohh how I would have loved to have seen it when first built. The forum is opposite the Colosseum. Again here a guide is absolutely essential as some of these areas look more like artefacts in a museum than a building. A good guide will be able to fill in the gaps for you.
With those big ticket items sorted, we can talk about further areas to explore in separate posts make sure to subscribe to our email list on the home page to be informed of the following releases.
Our Top Tip for Rome in the 2025 jubilee: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (March or November 2025). You'll still experience the Jubilee atmosphere but with more accommodation options and lower price. The summer time will likely be extremely busy.
Rome is safe and well-policed, however, with its additional popularity as a holiday destination for this jubilee year, it will get crowded, and as we know, with crowds come pickpockets. Make sure you have an anti-theft bag like a Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag. An alternate to this is to simply use the day bag you have but lock your zips together with a TSA approved lock.
Coming Up in the Backpacker's Blueprint Rome Architecture Series:
Part 2: The Holy Door and Its significance.
Part 3: The Budget Backpackers Guide to the Jubilee.
Part 4: A self guided walking Tour, Rome by foot.
Part 5: Ancient Engineering, The Architectural Marvels not to be missed
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Getting Around During the Jubilee
Form and to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport
Transfers - Depending on which hotel you are at transfers may be on offer. If not consider using Kiwi for a dedicated airport pickup service. Specify your flight arrival time as the start of your transfer and then simply select the size of vehicle you need and your driver will be waiting at the airport or your hotel for you.
Train - If you want a cheaper option take the The Ferrovie Urbane (overground train) from Fiumicino Aeroporto to Roma Termini it takes around 30 minutes (direct) and costs around € 15 or around an hour and 10 minutes (slow) which is around € 8. Tickets can be booked from https://www.trenitalia.com/
Rome City Centre
Walk - If you land yourself in the centre of Rome then you will find the city is walkable, make sure to forgo fashion over comfort, your best pair of running shoes/ trainers/ sneakers are going to be your best friend as you will be on hard surfaces all day until returning to the comfort of your hotel room where a rug will feel like a spa for your feet.
Taxi - This is an option, however it may not be much quicker than walking. Flagging down a taxi in Rome is fairly legit and wont run you into many troubles.
Uber - Uber is available in the Rome
Metro - Simple to use and a good way to get to get around but the network is not extensive so you may still have a bit of walking to do at the other end.
Bus - There are several options here for buses including a 24 hour ticket, 48 and 72 hour ticket. If you want to get in and amongst the locals and are on a budget then thickets run as follows:
24 hours - € 7 (£ 5.78)
48 hours - € 12.50 (£ 10.33)
72 hours - € 18 (£ 14.88)
Weekly - € 24 (£ 19.84)
Tram - As a tourist, there are not many reasons to be needing the tram in Rome.
Tickets
Public transportation tickets in Rome can be bought in vending machines in any metro station, convenience stores or newsagents.
One-way ticket (BIT) - € 1.50 (£ 1.24).
The BIT ticket lasts 100 minutes since its first validation and allows for unlimited transfers between the metro, buses, trams and urban trains. The only transfer that is not allowed is to leave the metro and return (by the metro turnstiles).
Validate your ticket -Make sure to punch in your ticket every time you use it to avoid fines.
Final Thoughts
Remember, Rome Jubilee 2025 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience Rome's spiritual and cultural heritage. Early planning is essential for this historic Rome Jubilee 2025 celebration and to avoid last minute prices which will ironically likely be more more than less!
Rome Jubilee 2025 FAQs
What makes Rome Jubilee 2025 special?
Rome Jubilee 2025 marks a Holy Year celebrated every 25 years, offering pilgrims spiritual renewal through indulgences, sacred traditions, and unique events tied to the Catholic Church.
How to participate in Rome Jubilee 2025 events?
Attend Masses, processions, and cultural events at key basilicas like St. Peter’s. Register as a pilgrim and walk through the Holy Doors for blessings.
What to expect at Rome Jubilee 2025 ceremonies?
Expect grand papal liturgies, vibrant processions, cultural exhibitions, and millions of pilgrims gathering for a historic spiritual experience in Rome's iconic settings.
For the Intelligent Explorer
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