Celebrating the 2025 Jubilee in Italy: What You Need to Know and How to Avoid the Crowds

Pope Francis will open the Holy Doors in Rome during the 2025 Jubilee

Italy is gearing up for a monumental event this year – the Jubilee! If you’re planning to visit Italy, particularly Rome, in 2025, it’s essential to understand what the Jubilee entails and how to navigate the crowds that come with this religious and cultural celebration.

What is the Jubilee?

The Jubilee is a sacred event in the Roman Catholic Church that occurs every 25 years, with the Holy Year being marked by pilgrimages, special ceremonies, and an overall sense of religious devotion. The word “Jubilee” comes from the Hebrew tradition of the “Year of Jubilee,” a time for people to forgive debts, reset, and celebrate freedom. For Catholics, the Jubilee represents a period of grace, spiritual renewal, and indulgence. During a Jubilee year, people come from all over the world to visit the Vatican and the most holy sites in Rome.

The most famous of these is the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, which is only opened during the Jubilee. Pilgrims can pass through this door as part of their pilgrimage, symbolizing the opportunity for spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

This year, the Jubilee celebrations in Italy will attract millions of visitors to Rome, with special masses, prayers, and events being held throughout the year. Expect large crowds, long lines, and packed attractions, especially around the Vatican, St. Peter’s Square, and major basilicas. If you're considering visiting during this time, here are some tips for making your experience more enjoyable while avoiding the worst of the crowds.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds During the Jubilee

While the Jubilee is an exciting event for many, it also brings large numbers of tourists and pilgrims. If you're not a fan of large crowds, here are some strategies to help you avoid the hustle and bustle.

1. Travel During the Off-Peak Months

The busiest times for the Jubilee will be in the spring and summer, particularly from Easter through to late July, when most tourists and pilgrims will be flocking to the city. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip for the off-peak months. Late autumn or early winter, between September and November, will see fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere.

2. Visit Rome Early in the Morning

Rome’s popular landmarks are most crowded during midday, so consider visiting key sites like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum early in the morning. The early hours are the best time to enjoy quieter surroundings and shorter lines before the bulk of the crowds arrive.

3. Explore Lesser-Known Sites

While the Vatican and the main religious sites will undoubtedly be packed, Italy is full of beautiful, lesser-known locations worth exploring. Consider visiting churches, basilicas, and chapels in less crowded neighborhoods. For example:

• Basilica di San Clemente: A fascinating, lesser-visited church with multiple layers of history.

• Santa Maria in Trastevere: A peaceful church located in the charming Trastevere district, offering a serene atmosphere and beautiful mosaics.

• Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano: One of Rome’s four papal basilicas, yet less crowded than St. Peter’s.

4. Use Skip-the-Line Tickets

To avoid wasting time in lines, invest in skip-the-line tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and other iconic sites. These tickets often allow you to bypass the long waiting periods and head straight into the attraction, giving you more time to explore.

5. Consider Staying Outside the City Center

Rome's city center will be heavily congested during the Jubilee, so consider staying in a quieter neighborhood or even outside the city. Areas like Trastevere, Testaccio, and Prati are still within reach of the main attractions, but they offer a more local, less touristy atmosphere. If you don't mind taking public transportation, staying in the suburbs can also provide more affordable accommodations.

6. Plan Visits to the Vatican on Weekdays

The Vatican attracts the largest crowds on weekends, especially during major religious holidays. If you’re planning to visit the Vatican, try to go on a weekday, ideally in the morning. You'll have a better chance of enjoying a more peaceful and reflective experience.

7. Avoid Major Events and Masses

While it may be tempting to attend one of the grand events held by the Vatican during the Jubilee, such as the Papal Mass or special processions, these events will naturally draw large crowds. If your goal is to avoid the crowds, consider enjoying a quieter experience at one of the smaller daily masses held in various churches around Rome. Alternatively, you could participate in smaller religious or cultural events that take place across the city.

8. Use Public Transport to Navigate the City

Rome’s public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro, will be your best friend for avoiding traffic and crowding in popular spots. Avoid the city’s traffic congestion by using the metro or walking when possible. The metro stations near major attractions like the Vatican and the Colosseum will be crowded, but they still provide a much quicker way to get around than driving or taking taxis.

Final Thoughts

The Jubilee in Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and for those who are prepared, it can be an unforgettable experience. While the crowds may be overwhelming, with the right planning and a flexible mindset, you can still enjoy the beauty and spirituality of Italy without feeling overwhelmed.

By traveling during off-peak months, visiting less crowded sites, and planning ahead, you’ll be able to take part in this extraordinary event while making the most of your time in Italy. Whether you’re drawn by the religious significance or simply by the opportunity to see Italy at its most vibrant, the Jubilee will undoubtedly be a memorable experience.

Happy travels, and buon viaggio!