Vatican City is the smallest country in the world in terms of area and population.
But that hasn’t stopped an estimated 32 million visitors from arriving this year for the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long celebration of Catholics around the world.
Jubilee spokesperson Caterina Rigoni said the Jubilee is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, reflection and renewal of faith.
Tourists pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on December 25, 2024.
Franco Aurelia | Getty Images News | Getty Images
She told reporters: “The holiday is being celebrated across Rome with masses, processions and a variety of religious and cultural events in major cathedrals, with a special focus on the Vatican’s role as the heart of the Catholic faith.” CNBC Travel.
The Italian government is providing jubilee visa Suitable for travelers coming to Rome through a trip organized by a local church.
events of the year
The Jubilee Year begins on December 24, with Pope Francis opening the first of the four “Holy Doors”. Tradition Its history dates back to at least 1500.
Passing through the gate means cleansing from sin and reconnecting with the faith, which is the main reason why pilgrims travel to Rome for the Jubilee Year.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas opened the Holy Door of St. Mary’s Basilica on January 1, 2025 in Rome, Italy.
Maria Lara Antonelli | Vatican Pool Getty Images
Participants can also perform the pilgrimage during the Hajj. this “Seven Churches” The route is a ritual that dates back to the 16th century and involves walking 15.5 miles from Vatican City to the outskirts of Rome. at the same time, “Patron of Europe and Doctor of the Church” Pilgrimage allows visitors to learn about Europe’s female saints.
Designate days for celebrations of specific groups. For example, February 8-9 dedicated to the armed forces, while teen jubileeApril 25-27, including concerts in various Roman forums.
Rigoni said Jubilee organizers expected the concerts to be well attended. She advised attendees to plan all events in advance and check Jubilee’s website and app for updates.
Where to stay and eat in Rome
Brandon Shaw has lived and worked in Rome for 15 years and is co-founder of the tour guide company tour group people In 2012, Jubilee tourists were advised to stay in Prati, near the Vatican. Demerini Hotel, hotel number one or NH Collection Rome Center.
For some of the best pizza in town, Shaw recommends visitors to Bunch Bakery. For more formal dining, he recommends Il Sorpasso. Both are within walking distance of the Vatican.
Brandon Shaw (right) visits the Vatican Map Gallery.
Source: Tour Group
“With no ancient ruins or any major monuments, Prati is often overlooked by tourists, but that’s what makes it such an ideal place to stay. It’s home to many locals and is home to many open-air wine bars, stylish cocktails Lounges and gourmet restaurants,” said Shaw, who now lives in Florida.
To enjoy Rome away from the Jubilee crowds, Shaw recommends visiting Catacombs Rome’s underground necropolis containing the tombs of famous popes and martyrs. He also recommends exploring parts of the area on foot Appian Wayan ancient road extending from Rome to the “heel” of Italy, aqueduct park, It contains the remains of an aqueduct built during the Roman Empire.
Avoid the crowds in Rome
For travelers looking to get out of Rome during the Jubilee, TV presenter and producer Kathy McCabe has no shortage of options.
McCabe said she is a big fan of Modena, a city about five hours north of Rome and home to Luciano Pavarotti and balsamic vinegar.
She said that while filming two episodes of “Italian dream” on the PBS travel series, where she met famed chef Massimo Bottura, who runs world-renowned restaurants Francesca Restaurantand more casual Francescaita 58which she says makes the best tortellini in the world.
“Modena is the Italy you longed for 20 or 30 years ago, and I hope it never changes. It’s such a quaint city with almost no tourists or souvenir shops,” said McCabe, who lives in Colorado.
McCabe also filmed in Capua, about two hours’ drive south of Rome, near an ancient amphitheater second only to the Roman Colosseum. Caserta, about 20 minutes from Capua, is another McCabe favorite, with royal palace She said “Rival Versailles”.
For foodies, the northern cities of Bologna and Parma should be top of mind, McCabe said.
McCabe, who has visited Italy more than 90 times and aspires to one day live in Rome, said people who hate crowds should not give up on Rome in 2025.
“Rome is endless. Once you get beyond the big things to see, there are countless churches, museums, shops, restaurants and experiences,” McCabe said.
“If you have the chance to go to Rome, you should go,” she said.
