Already a travel destination that tops many a bucket list, the Italy Jubilee 2025 promises to be an extraordinary cultural and spiritual celebration, throwing a spotlight on the cultural heritage of this charming country. Embrace age-old traditions, take part in special religious events, all the while enjoying the best of Italian cuisine and hospitality.
This special event, occurring only every quarter century, will mark a year of pilgrimage, reflection and renewal, and bring a fever to the streets of Italy. Impress your friends with your travel plans and insider knowledge with our handy guide of everything you need to know about the Jubilee 2025.
For travel inspiration: Italy destination guide
What is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee 2025 is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican City, and across Italy, starting at Christmas 2024 and ending at Epiphany 2026. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration, and sees millions of pilgrims visiting Rome seeking spiritual renewal and a stronger connection to their faith.
Everything you need to know:
1. The Jubilee is a special year of grace
During the Jubilee, the Catholic Church allows people to ask for a plenary indulgence, which means forgiveness of sins for themselves or their deceased loved ones.
2. It happens once every 25 years
The Catholic Church started the Holy Year tradition in 1300 with Pope Boniface VIII, who planned for Jubilees to happen every century. The interval was later changed to every 33 years (reflecting Jesus’ life), and since 1450, Jubilees have occurred every 25 years so that each generation can take part in at least one Holy Year.
3. It was born from Jewish origins
The concept of the Jubilee has Jewish roots, going back to a time when every 50 years people celebrated a year of rest for the land and freed slaves to promote equality and reduce wealth gaps. The start of this Jewish Jubilee was marked by the sound of a ram’s horn, called “jobel” in Hebrew, which is where the Christian term “Jubilee” comes from.
4. In 2015, there was an Extraordinary Jubilee
The most recent Jubilee was the extraordinary one in 2015, called by Pope Francis. The upcoming 2025 Jubilee will be his second. An Extraordinary Jubilee is called for special reasons. The 2015 Jubilee was held for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council and focused on Mercy. Before this Jubilee began, Pope Francis opened the holy door at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Bangui on November 29, showing support for the Central African Republic, which had experienced civil war.
5. The opening of the Holy door
One of the most exciting and famous parts of the Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Door. The first record of this event at St. Peter’s Basilica dates back to 1500 with Pope Alexander VI. The opening of the Holy Door represents the journey from sin to grace for every Christian and marks the start of the Jubilee.
6. The four papal basilicas of Rome have a Holy Door
The four main Holy Doors are located at the major basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. St. Peter’s Basilica is the first to open, with the other doors opened in the days that follow.
7. The Holy Doors are usually closed
The Holy Door is only open during the Jubilee year. They stay open until the end of the Jubilee, after which they are sealed again.
8. The process was changed for safety reasons
In the past, the Pope would strike a partially broken door with a gavel, and workers would complete the opening. For safety reasons, Pope John Paul II changed this process so that the door is already prepared to be pushed open by the Pope.
9. There are other Holy Doors in the world
Around the world, there are other Holy Doors approved by the Pope where people can receive plenary indulgence. Some of these include Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L’Aquila, Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral, Atri Cathedral, and a holy door in New Delhi.
10. There are lots of celebrations
This sacred event will be filled with many festivities, spiritual activities, and cultural experiences, promising to attract visitors from all over.
11. Five million pilgrims are due
If you plan to attend, make sure to book a tour to secure good accommodations and get help during this busy season. Cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence in particular are expected to welcome a huge number of tourists during this time.
Visiting Tips
Plan well ahead: With so many people expected to visit, finding places to stay and getting around may be tricky. Staying a bit farther away from the Vatican, in areas like Testaccio or Monti, can help you escape some of the crowds while still keeping you within reach of Rome’s wonderful sights.
Embrace off-peak: Visit Iconic locations like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums early in the morning or later in the afternoon to dodge the biggest crowds.
Honor the Sacred Space: Whether you’re joining in with Jubilee events or simply sightseeing, it’s important to remember that these locations hold great significance for many people. Dress appropriately and conduct yourself in a respectful manner.
Keep an eye on event timings: Certain places, especially near the Vatican, will be busy during significant Jubilee activities. If you’re not planning to take part in the celebrations, make sure to check event schedules and adjust your plans accordingly.
Take a tour: If you are keen to visit Italy during the Jubilee 2025 then its the perfect time to join a guided tour. Have peace of mind knowing your accommodation is all booked, and not at elevated prices. With the benefit of a Travel Director taking care of all the detail you can just focus on enjoying the atmosphere and celebrations with none of the hassles. All in “Business Class” style of course.
Take a look at our collection of premium guided tours to Italy.
