Experiencing the 2025 Jubilee in Italy
2025 Jubilee in Italy
Jubilee 2025 is one of those rare moments when Rome feels both busier and more meaningful at the same time. Pilgrims arrive with intention, the city moves a little slower around sacred spaces, and history feels very present.
What Jubilee 2025 Is
A Jubilee, also called a Holy Year, takes place about every 25 years in the Catholic Church.
• It focuses on renewal, forgiveness, and hope
• Rome becomes the center of global pilgrimage
• Jubilee 2025 runs from December 24, 2024 through January 6, 2026, with 2025 being the heart of it
Even if you’re not visiting for religious reasons, the Jubilee shapes the energy, crowds, and flow of the city.
The Holy Doors Explained
One of the most significant parts of Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Doors, which are normally sealed.
There are four main Holy Doors in Rome:
• St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)
• St. John Lateran
• St. Mary Major
• St. Paul Outside the Walls
Passing through a Holy Door symbolizes leaving the past behind and stepping into renewal. You’ll see people pause, touch the door, pray quietly, or simply step through.
When the Holy Doors Are Open
The doors opened on a staggered schedule:
• St. Peter’s Basilica opened December 24, 2024
• St. John Lateran opened December 29, 2024
• St. Mary Major opened January 1, 2025
• St. Paul Outside the Walls opened January 5, 2025
They remain open throughout 2025 and begin closing at the end of the year, with the final closing on January 6, 2026.
What to Expect When You Visit
Walking through a Holy Door is quieter than you might expect.
• Airport-style security is required
• Modest dress is mandatory (covered shoulders and knees)
• Lines can be long, especially at St. Peter’s
• Early mornings feel calmer and more reflective
The moment at the door itself is unhurried and personal.
Do You Need to Book Ahead?
Booking is not always required, but it can help.
• Many visitors wait in line, especially at basilicas outside Vatican City
• St. Peter’s Basilica is the busiest
• Booking through the official Jubilee site can provide a time window and clearer entry
If you prefer flexibility, arriving early without a reservation often works well.
Is a Tour Guide Worth It?
A guide is optional, but can add depth.
• Explains symbolism and history
• Helps navigate crowds and security
• Keeps the experience feeling intentional, not rushed
What Rome Feels Like During Jubilee
The energy changes depending on where you are.
• Very busy near Vatican City
• Calmer just a few streets away
• Neighborhoods like Prati still feel local, especially at night
Practical Tips
• Book accommodations early
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Carry water, especially in warmer months
• Plan slower days with breaks
Jubilee 2025 isn’t about doing everything. It’s about being present during a rare moment in Rome’s history. Whether you walk through a Holy Door or simply witness the city during this time, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
xo, J9
