Rome stands out as one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations, known for its ancient ruins, lively piazzas and rich culinary traditions. The city’s layered history offers something for every visitor, from art and architecture to vibrant street life. Its deep religious roots add another dimension to the experience, especially for those drawn to the spiritual significance of the city.
Rome acts as a beacon for spiritual seekers, attracting not only history buffs and architectural enthusiasts but also, faith-focused visitors who are intrigued by the Vatican and the area's many stunning basilicas. This remarkable destination definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list, but you might want to move up your travel plans if you're in need of spiritual renewal: the Jubilee has arrived, offering the chance for global pilgrims to join together in Rome as they walk forward in faith.
If this sounds like an amazing opportunity, it's time to start planning; the sooner you lock down your accommodations and your museum reservations, the better. Be prepared to compromise as you deal with high demand and significant crowds. This is a small price to pay to take part in such a historic, spiritually meaningful series of events. In this guide to the 2025 Jubilee, we simplify the planning process by revealing all you need to know about the Jubilee and visiting Rome at this important time.
What, Exactly, Is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee marks the Catholic Church's Holy Year and takes place only once every 25 years. The most recent "ordinary" Jubilee, known as the Grand Jubilee, occurred in 2000. This was later followed by the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which was held in 2015.
Spanning one full year, the Jubilee represents a time of grace and forgiveness, in which Catholics are invited to renew their faith and seek a deeper relationship with God. This tradition has a long and vibrant history within the Catholic Church: the very first Jubilee took place in 1300.
While Jubilee traditions have since evolved, there remains a clear focus on penance and redemption, with many Catholics taking this opportunity to secure indulgences by making pilgrimages to the basilicas of Rome or to other holy sites. These indulgences represent remissions of punishment but are only available under special circumstances.
What Is Special About the Jubilee in 2025?
Every Jubilee incorporates a unique theme, meant to reflect the current challenges of the time and to guide the faithful as they navigate these difficulties while maintaining a deeply spiritual commitment. In 2000, for example, the Great Jubilee's theme was "Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever."
In 2025, the theme for the Jubilee is 'Pilgrims of Hope,' referencing, as Pope Francis previously expressed, the need to "fan the flame of hope...and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit." The 2025 Jubilee is especially meaningful as it is meant to inspire hope in the midst of suffering, stemming not only from the recent COVID pandemic, but also, from global conflicts.
Top Things to Know About the Jubilee
Planning a trip to Rome can be exciting and will almost always require research, with this being even more true during the Jubilee. During this time, Rome comes alive with spiritual energy while also taking on a decidedly packed calendar.
The better you understand the spiritual meaning of the Jubilee and the many events it encompasses, the more strategically you can plan your calendar. This will be especially important, as the Jubilee is expected to bring additional travel complications beyond the usual considerations involved in visiting Rome.
Understanding the Jubilee is also helpful because, depending on how you feel about crowds, it may affect your choice to stay a bit farther from the main events or even delay your trip until 2026. Doing so could offer a more relaxed experience and allow you to explore Rome at your own pace.
The Main Attractions
For many Jubilee pilgrims, the biggest goal of this event (other than simply joining the spectacle) is to walk through the Holy Doors of the various papal basilicas. Others may focus more on the Vatican Museums and the various art galleries in the area. There is much to see and experience, but, with added crowds, advance reservations become extra important. Consider building these favorites into your Jubilee itinerary:
- St. Peter's Basilica. Always at the center of the action but especially important during the Jubilee, St. Peter's Basilica represents one of Christianity's holiest sites. Marking the burial site of Saint Peter, this has long been one of the world's top pilgrimage destinations. No Jubilee journey will be truly complete without spending some time here.
- Santa Maria Maggiore. While a visit to St. Peter's is a must, you won't want to neglect the other basilicas, which are all remarkable in their own unique ways. Santa Maria Maggiore is a worthy addition to your list, as it is widely known as the mother of all sanctuaries. There is much to see within this amazing basilica, including the Tomb of Bernini and even relics from the Holy Crib.
- Sistine Chapel. As part of the Vatican Museums the Sistine Chapel will be one of the most-visited sites during the Jubilee. This structure is best known for Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes, which adorn the ceiling. Tours are definitely recommended so you can learn the fascinating stories behind these frescoes.
- Pinacoteca. Many Vatican Museum visitors neglect to spend time in the amazing Pinacoteca gallery and that's a shame; this mesmerizing space houses many incredible works of art, including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting on display in Rome.
One of the most meaningful (though physically challenging) ways to explore during the Jubilee is to complete the Seven Churches Pilgrimage. Extending over 15 miles, this journey extends all the way to the Roman countryside, offering stunning views of the area's most meaningful basilicas. In the Catholic Church, this journey is thought to promote renewal and purification.
Alternative Attractions
Because main attractions are often extremely crowded and tickets can be difficult to secure without careful, months-ahead planning, it's wise to have a few backup options in mind. While you're very likely to be able to visit major basilicas, access to popular museums is not always guaranteed. That said, you may discover that some of the lesser-known sites on the outskirts of the city are just as impressive and rewarding to explore.
- Via Appia Antica. A great option for active travelers who hope to avoid the congestion of the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, this history-filled expedition is best explored by bike. During this journey, you'll encounter the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and the Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella.
- Castel Gandolfo. Known for its papal gardens, Castel Gandolfo was acquired by the Vatican hundreds of years ago and was once the preferred summer residence for previous popes. This attraction is easily reached from Rome by train and, while many visitors are drawn to the expansive gardens, the palace is just as enchanting.
Centrale Montemartini. If you're struggling to gain entrance to top museums due to the Jubilee crowds, look to Centrale Montemartini as a reliable alternative. This sculpture museum houses many spectacular Roman sculptures but is also unique in that these sculptures can be found within a former power plant.
Important Events
The attractions highlighted above are worth visiting any time during the Jubilee or after 2025 draws to a close, but some spectacles are unique to this Holy Year and, depending on your faith or your cultural interests, may be worth checking out. Special holidays are also worth noting because museums are more likely to be closed, meaning you will want to double-check operating hours.
In May, for example, the city comes alive with Marian processions and vigils for peace, while June brings a special mass in honor of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. In October, harvest festivals are worth attending, while November's Ognissanti (All Saints' Day) tends to involve quiet reflection and cemetery visits. Christmas in Rome, while always a delight, feels especially festive during the Jubilee, complete with nativity scenes and lightings at iconic city squares.
When Will Rome Be the Busiest?
With so much to see and do, Rome is almost always busy. This can make findng the right time of year to visit Rome difficult for some travelers. During the summer months, you can expect to see an uptick in tourism, with families flocking to Rome while school is out of session. This year, however, the crowds may prove significant even during periods typically categorized as the off-season.
The Vatican has previously estimated that over 32 million pilgrims will travel for the Jubilee in 2025. These already substantial numbers could increase further in the event of Pope Francis’s passing, which would prompt a conclave to elect a new pope. This would be followed by the traditional announcement from St. Peter’s Square, known as Habemus Papam, meaning “We have a pope.”
In general, Jubilee crowds tend to peak in April for the Easter Vigil, in June for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul and in July as pilgrimages coincide with the general peak of summer travel.
Things begin to calm down a bit in September and October, which are also favorable times to visit due to the beautiful weather. The relative sense of calm won't last long, however; crowds pick up again in December and the Vatican will remain busy not only for Christmas but also, until the Holy Door closes again on January 6th, 2026.
If you plan to visit during one of the busier seasons, be prepared for huge crowds and long waits. Booking museum visits or tours well in advance will likely ease some of the difficulty, however, you'll likely need to take care of these essentials several months before your trip. If you wait too long, you might end up needing to skip some attractions on your itinerary.
How to Get Around
Navigating Rome can be challenging even under normal conditions and the additional traffic during the Jubilee is likely to make things even more complicated. Although car-based travel can be useful for exploring areas outside the city, it's generally best to avoid driving in Rome, as parking will be even harder to find than usual.
Staying in a central location and getting around on foot is usually the most convenient option, however, this may prove more difficult during the Jubilee. Accommodations in prime areas may already be fully booked or might not fit within your budget. Be ready to rely on the Metropolitana, which can make travel much more efficient. Most visitors find themselves using lines A and B, the orange and blue routes, for the majority of their trips.
The tram system is also worth exploring and, while trams generally do not reach the city center, they can still be useful. This is a great option when you want to take a break from the crowds for a day or two and, instead, explore lesser-known attractions on the outskirts of Rome.
No matter your preferred mode of transportation, you will need to build extra time into your itinerary to account for the crowds. Consider booking a tour, which should make it easier to get around and may even help you score skip-the-line access.
Getting a Pilgrim’s Card
Depending on your Jubilee plans, you may need to acquire a Pilgrim’s Card. This digital pass is a key requirement for taking part in many Jubilee events and is also crucial for visiting the Holy Doors as a pilgrim. Thankfully, the sign-up process is straightforward, involving an official online portal or the Jubilee App.
Booking Travel for the Jubilee
With Rome busier than ever, booking in advance becomes even more important, as vacancies will be limited and the high demand is bound to increase prices. Thankfully, affordable accommodations are still within reach, however, you'll need to be strategic to take advantage of them. Resources such as AAA can help, providing not only the chance to score much-needed discounts, but also, offering valuable guidance as you plan your itinerary.
Remember: advance planning is key and the sooner you get started, the better. Make the most of AAA's Trip Canvas tools, which help you determine not only which attractions to visit, but also, how to strategically build these destinations into your itinerary so you spend less time traveling and battling the crowds. If you could use extra guidance, don't hesitate to work with our talented AAA agents.
Plan Your Trip to Rome with AAA
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