Jubilee 2025 in Rome, also known as the Holy Year, is an event of great religious and cultural significance, celebrated every 25 years by the Catholic Church. This extraordinary period of prayer and penance will begin on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and will conclude on January 6, 2026, attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world.
The Meaning of the Jubilee
The term “Jubilee” derives from the Hebrew word “yobel,” which referred to the ram’s horn used to announce the sabbatical year. In Christian tradition, the Jubilee represents a time of reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and solidarity. A fundamental symbolic moment is the opening, and respective opening dates, of the Holy Doors in the four major basilicas of Rome:
- Basilica of St. Peter – December 24, 2024
- Basilica of St. John Lateran – December 29, 2024
- Basilica of St. Mary Major – January 1, 2025
- Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls – January 5, 2025
Crossing these doors symbolizes the passage to a renewed spiritual life.
To recap, the Jubilee was inaugurated on December 24, 2024, by Pope Francis with the opening of St. Peter’s Holy Door. The event will conclude on January 6, 2026, when the Pontiff will ceremoniously close the Holy Door at the Vatican.
Updates and Preparations in Rome
To better accommodate the millions of expected pilgrims, Rome is undergoing significant urban and infrastructural upgrades:
- Urban redevelopment: One of the most notable projects is the pedestrianization of Piazza Pia, which will connect Castel Sant’Angelo with St. Peter’s Square, creating a safer and more welcoming area for visitors.
- Transportation improvements: Metro stations such as Ottaviano and Spagna have been renovated to facilitate travel. Additionally, new pedestrian pathways and services dedicated to pilgrims have been introduced in high-traffic areas.
- Facilities for pilgrims: New pedestrian routes, rest areas, and restroom facilities have been created in busy zones. Furthermore, a digital platform has been launched to allow pilgrims to book entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and check the schedule of celebrations.
- Cultural and religious events: The Jubilee calendar includes liturgical celebrations, exhibitions, and concerts, such as the Jubilee for the World of Communication, scheduled from January 24 to 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica.
These initiatives not only ensure an optimal welcome for pilgrims but also serve as an opportunity to enhance the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
Florence: An Extension of the Pilgrimage
For pilgrims who wish to extend their spiritual and cultural journey, Florence is an ideal destination. As the cradle of the Renaissance, the city offers a unique artistic and historical heritage, featuring masterpieces such as the Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio.
Additionally, Florence is easily accessible from Rome thanks to numerous transport options:
- Train: With Trenitalia and Italo, you can reach Florence from Rome in just 1 hour and 19 minutes, with frequent departures from Termini station.
- Bus: Companies like FlixBus and Itabus offer affordable connections between the two cities in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Car: By driving along the A1 motorway, the journey between Rome and Florence takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Here is the link to our Where We Are page to plan your next trip to Florence!
Staying at Marbò Florence means choosing a warm welcome and a strategic location to comfortably explore all the wonders of the city.
Conclusion
The Jubilee 2025 will be an extraordinary opportunity to experience profound moments of spirituality in Rome and to discover other Italian treasures such as Florence. Thanks to infrastructural improvements and a wealth of cultural and religious events, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience. Florence, easily accessible, is the perfect stop to further enrich your journey in Italy.
