Italian Jubilee 2025: Tips for Planning Your Trip to Rome

Jubilee is a significant religious and cultural event in the Catholic Church that signifies a year of forgiveness, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal. Usually held in Rome, the Jubilee typically happens every 25 years, with the most recent opening on December 24, 2024, and continuing through January 6, 2026.

Even if you’re not Catholic, you can observe some of the year’s events with a one-of-a-kind trip to Europe to see Italian Jubilee. Here are some quick tips for travelers who want to learn more and experience the traditions!

Plan Your Trip Around Key Jubilee Events

Vatican City is the heart of the Jubilee celebration, hosting religious ceremonies, masses, and special gatherings throughout the year. Key moments include the opening and closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, special pilgrimages, and papal audiences. Check the Vatican’s official calendar and plan your visit around these significant dates to participate in the events most meaningful to you.

Outside of Rome and Vatican City, many other Italian cities and towns host Jubilee-related activities, such as concerts, cultural exhibitions, and pilgrimages to famous religious sites. From Florence’s beautiful Brunelleschi Dome to the birthplace of St. Francis in Assisi, there are festivities tied to the Jubilee theme all over the country. You can find a calendar of events here—check for updates throughout the year to plan your journey to the fullest.

Take time to enjoy local festivals, such as food festivals celebrating regional specialties (like truffles in Tuscany and seafood in Naples) and processions marking the occasion’s spiritual significance. If you wish to participate in a Jubilee Walk, many communities organize pilgrimages and group walks, which will give you the chance to connect with locals and fellow travelers. Whether trekking through the countryside to a sacred site or taking part in a smaller procession, these walks are a special way to experience the community around Jubilee.

Embrace the Spiritual Journey

For many, the Italian Jubilee is, first and foremost, a spiritual pilgrimage. If you’re visiting with this purpose in mind, take time to reflect and visit the sites that you find the most spiritually important to you and your faith. The Vatican is the most well-known pilgrimage destination, but Italy is home to many other holy sites that you may love to explore. The journey to these destinations can be profoundly moving, especially if you appreciate their historical and religious significance.

Beyond the Vatican, consider visiting:

• The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage destinations.
• The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto: Known for its revered Holy House, believed to be where the Virgin Mary lived.
• The Cathedral of Milan: Famous for its stunning architecture and connection to Milan’s religious history, this is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan.

Stay Open-Minded and Respectful

While the Jubilee is a deeply spiritual experience, it’s also a time for open-mindedness and togetherness. Before traveling, familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette, dress appropriately while visiting churches and religious sites, and respect others’ traditions and cultures, even if they differ from your background or beliefs.

Travel Beyond Rome to Explore Italy’s Art and History

While Rome is the focal point of the Italian Jubilee, the country’s other regions also offer exceptional experiences for pilgrims and travelers. A few must-see places (if you have time!):

• Puglia: Known for its dazzling coastline, charming towns like Matera, and unique Trulli houses, Puglia offers an off-the-beaten-path experience during the Jubilee.
• Naples: Explore its energetic street scene, visit the beautiful Amalfi Coast, or make a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Pompeii.
• Sicily: The island’s cultural blend, historical ruins, and gorgeous landscapes make it a perfect destination for those looking to explore more of Italy beyond the big cities.

If you have a love of art and history—or art history!—traveling to Italy during Jubilee is the perfect way to see some of the Western world’s most iconic creations, artifacts, and cultural sites. Make time to visit Italy’s world-class museums, cathedrals, and historical landmarks, particularly the churches and museums in Rome, Florence, and Venice, which hold special exhibitions highlighting religious and secular artworks during the Jubilee.

A few highlights:

• The Vatican Museums: Home to the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, showcasing fresco masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael.
• The Uffizi Galleries in Florence: Featuring works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, to name a few.
• The Basilica of St. Mark in Venice: Renowned for its spectacular mosaics and incredible architecture.

Take Advantage of Special Jubilee Offers and Discounts

During the Jubilee year, many attractions, museums, and transport services offer special discounts or free entry to pilgrims and visitors. The Vatican and other religious sites provide special indulgences throughout this special year, such as the opportunity to pass through the Holy Door. Check for discounts at museums, transportation passes, and accommodations—these can help greatly if you’re on a budget but still want to experience Italian Jubilee.

Ready to Travel?

The Italian Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime event, offering a chance to connect with Italy’s rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage. Whether you’re on a pilgrimage, exploring art and architecture, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your trip carefully, and if you need peace of mind, arrange cover with Avanti Travel Insurance. Embrace the traditions, and be open to new experiences to make the most of this unforgettable event.

Buon viaggio and buon pellegrinaggio!

Featured image by Michał Kostrzyński on Unsplash