If there’s one word that defines Rome in 2025, it’s Jubilee — or Giubileo, if you’re speaking Italian. The once-every-25-years event began on 24 December 2024, with Pope Francis opening the normally sealed Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. Until 6 January 2026, tens of millions of pilgrims will pour through these doors, as well as the Holy Doors at Rome’s other Papal Basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and San Paolo Fuori le Mura, to receive plenary indulgences, or the washing away of sins.
In anticipation of the Jubilee and the expected increase in visitors – up to 35 million, a major rise from the 7-10 million who visit every year – Rome has had a facelift. Piazzas are spruced up, fountains are freshly gleaming and vehicle traffic has been rerouted to permit better flow for pedestrians. The results are dazzling and the Eternal City has never looked better.
While the Jubilee is certainly the main event in Rome this year, it’s far from the only one. Whether you’re visiting as part of a Jubilee pilgrimage, or your trip to Rome just happens to coincide with this year-long celebration, there’s a full calendar of not-to-be-missed concerts, art exhibits, limited openings and performances. Here are some of the most tempting offerings.
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How to participate in the Jubilee at sites across Rome
By passing through the Holy Doors of one of the four Papal Basilicas, whether to worship or merely to admire the artistic and architectural treasures within, visitors are granted a plenary indulgence, or a forgiveness of past sins. Around the Jubilee’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, the Vatican has organised an array of events including special celebrations, gatherings for worship and masses led by Pope Francis. If you’re interested in a visit more closely tied to your faith, visit the church’s official Jubilee website, where you can register as a pilgrim and see a full calendar of Jubilee events.
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