Are you visiting Rome in 2025? Are you ready to face the crowds and challenges of the jubilee?

2025 will be marked by the Jubilee Year, a centuries-old Catholic event that attracts millions of believers from around the world. Established in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, this meeting, initially celebrated every 50 years, has now taken place every 25 years since 1450.

The 2025 jubilee, placed under the theme of “pilgrims of hope” by Pope Francis, calls the faithful to prayer, charity and spiritual reflection. It will officially open on December 24, 2024, during a solemn ceremony marked by the opening of the Holy Doors of the four major basilicas of Rome: Saint Peter, Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major and Saint -Paul-outside-the-Walls. Crossing one of these Doors, a symbol of redemption, is an essential step for pilgrims seeking plenary indulgence, the total forgiveness of sins.

But the Jubilee is not limited to a religious act: it is a complete immersion in Catholic tradition and an encounter with the exceptional heritage of the Eternal City.

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A city in transformation for the occasion

Rome is actively preparing to welcome more than 30 million visitors. To meet this logistical challenge, the city has undertaken monumental work. Iconic monuments, such as Michelangelo's Pièta and Bernini's Baldachin in St. Peter's Basilica, have been painstakingly restored. Other masterpieces, such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, have also been restored to their former splendor. Even the Vatican Necropolis remains closed for work to be ready for the influx of 2025.

These renovations aim to enhance the visitor experience, but they also come with their share of disadvantages: scaffolding, restricted access and traffic jams in an already saturated city. “The metamorphosis of Rome is spectacular, but it comes at the cost of a certain patience», confides Linda Martinez, co-owner of the Beehive Hostel. One month before the jubilee, the Italian capital has turned into a vast open-air construction site. “ It's weird to see a city completely under construction », adds Clara, 20 years old.

A record crowd expected

With more than 30 million pilgrims and tourists expected, the year 2025 promises to be eventful. For comparison, Rome usually welcomes 13 million visitors every year. This human tidal wave will push tourism infrastructure to its limits. The 400,000 beds available in the capital risk quickly becoming insufficient, particularly for modest budgets. Pilgrims often favor campsites or religious accommodation, which will be stormed. Anticipating your reservations, whether for accommodation, a visit to the Colosseum or entry to the Vatican Museums, is essential.

Local authorities, aware of these issues, have announced a possible increase in the tourist tax, which could reach up to €12 per night in high-end hotels. An additional constraint for visitors, but also an opportunity to finance the infrastructure necessary for this extraordinary event.

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How to take full advantage of the jubilee

Despite the logistical challenges, Rome remains an unparalleled place to enjoy a unique spiritual and cultural experience. For those wishing to obtain the plenary indulgence, the Vatican has specified the essential steps: passing through a Holy Door, going to confession, participating in the Eucharist, praying for the pope's intentions and performing acts of charity.

Religious ceremonies, which will take place throughout the year, will include special masses dedicated to different groups, from migrants to artists to prisoners. These moments will offer total immersion in Catholic spirituality.

For less religious visitors, Rome is full of historical and artistic treasures outside of the traditional circuits. Do not limit your stay to places taken by pilgrims. Rome is full of free masterpieces, such as frescoes by Michelangelo and paintings by Raphael, visible in little-known churches.

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Tips to Avoid the Pitfalls of a Exceptional Year

To get the most out of your stay, choose off-peak periods, such as the winter months. January and February are often overlooked, but Rome is beautiful during this time. On the other hand, avoiding Easter, the peak period par excellence, could prove wise.

Also adopt a flexible approach: Rome is much more than a collection of must-see sites. Strolling through its streets, marveling at a small café or a local market can offer moments just as unforgettable as visiting the key monuments.

If the 2025 jubilee promises a demanding year, it also reflects Rome's capacity to combine heritage, faith and modernity. The Eternal City, strong in its history and its resilience, will welcome this flow of visitors with its legendary charm. In 1600, Rome welcomed 3 million pilgrims to a city that had barely 117,000 inhabitants. Today, with its modern infrastructure and its centuries-old experience, the Italian capital seems ready to take on this titanic challenge. Whether you are a believer or simply curious, Rome in 2025 will be a memorable adventure.

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