The 2025 Jubilee Year in Rome is one of the most important spiritual events of the decade — and whether you’re a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, it’s an incredible time to explore the Eternal City. With millions expected to visit, it’s essential to plan ahead so you can experience the celebration with meaning, comfort, and ease.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the Jubilee Year is all about, what to see and do, and how Bellarome Italian Vacations can help you make the most of your time in Rome.
What Is the Jubilee Year?
The Jubilee Year, or Anno Santo, is a special year of forgiveness, renewal, and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church. It happens once every 25 years (the last was in 2000), and Rome becomes a hub for pilgrims from around the world.
The Holy Doors of the four major basilicas will be opened:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- St. John Lateran
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- St. Mary Major
Crossing the Holy Doors is considered a powerful act of spiritual grace for believers – and a rare opportunity to witness centuries-old Catholic traditions.
Key Pilgrimage Sites for Jubilee Visitors
While all of Rome is rich with religious and historical significance, the following places are especially important during the Jubilee Year:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and take time for prayer or a guided history tour.
- Via della Conciliazione: This is the route pilgrims will take toward St. Peter’s Square — it’s a great place to walk and absorb the atmosphere.
- Scala Santa (Holy Stairs): Located near St. John Lateran, these sacred steps are believed to be the ones Jesus climbed before his trial.
- The Catacombs: For a glimpse into early Christianity, we can arrange private visits to Rome’s ancient underground burial sites.
Want to include these stops in your trip? We can tailor a Rome pilgrimage tour just for you.
What to Expect in Rome During the Jubilee Year
Rome will be vibrant, busy, and full of energy. From religious processions to special cultural events, there’s a lot going on – and a lot of people coming.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Book early: Hotels near the Vatican and city center will fill up quickly. We recommend booking your vacation as soon as possible.
- Transportation: Rome’s public transit system will be under pressure. We offer private airport transfers and optional daily drivers to make it easy.
- Guided tours: Official guides can help you avoid long lines, explain religious significance, and even secure special access when possible.
How We Can Help
Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or simply want to experience this once-in-a-generation event, we’ll build a personalized itinerary around your needs.
Our Jubilee Year travel services can include:
- Private Vatican and basilica tours
- Religious experiences like Mass, confession, and guided prayer walks
- Non-religious add-ons such as food tours, Rome’s underground sites, and day trips to Assisi or Castel Gandolfo
- VIP transfers and support throughout your stay
You can even combine your Jubilee pilgrimage with visits to Florence, Assisi, or the Amalfi Coast. Just tell us your vision – we’ll handle the rest.
Traveling as a Pilgrim or as a Traveler? We Do Both.
Not every visitor during the Jubilee is a pilgrim — and that’s OK. Many people are drawn to the cultural and historic significance of this sacred year. Whether you want a deeply spiritual journey or a more leisurely exploration of Rome with a Jubilee flavour, we’ll design a trip that’s right for you.
Interested in a custom Jubilee Year itinerary? Contact us now for a quote and we’ll help you plan everything.