Italy has been a top vacation for years now and a major Catholic celebration, the Jubilee, is coming up in a couple of months that may affect your vacation or honeymoon to Italy.
To give you more info about what the Jubilee is and how this major event may affect where you might want to visit in Italy next year, one of our friends in Italy provided this for us to share with you.
What is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a significant event in the Catholic Church that occurs typically every 25 years. It attracts a large number of visitors to Rome, which can affect travel patterns and accommodations in the city. Here are the key points:
- The Jubilee is rooted in Catholic tradition, dating back to the year 1300.
- It’s a time when many pilgrims and tourists visit Rome for religious and cultural reasons.
- The event involves special ceremonies and the opening of usually sealed “Holy Doors” in major Roman basilicas.
How Will This Affect Travel to Rome?
- Increased Visitor Numbers: Rome is likely to see a higher than usual number of visitors, especially around key dates.
- Accommodation Demand: Hotels and other lodgings may experience higher occupancy rates and potentially increased prices.
- Attraction Access: Popular sites, particularly religious ones, may have altered schedules or increased waiting times.
Key Dates and Information
- The Jubilee will begin on December 24, 2024, and end on January 6, 2026.
- Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024, and close it on January 6, 2026.
- Peak periods are expected to be around Christmas 2024, Easter 2025, and the closing days in January 2026.
The Holy Doors
The opening of the Holy Doors is a central ritual of the Jubilee. The four main Holy Doors are located in Rome’s major basilicas:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- St. John Lateran
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- St. Mary Major
The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica is opened first, followed by the others in subsequent days. They remain open until the end of the Jubilee, after which they are sealed again.
Impact on Travel to Rome
- The Vatican Museums will maintain regular operating hours.
- Visitors to Rome are expected to experience no significant issues except during the Christmas period of 2024-2025 and Easter 2025.
- All museums will maintain their regular schedules.
Should Travelers Postpone Their Trip to Rome?
Not necessarily. While the Jubilee will bring increased visitor numbers to Rome, it’s still possible to have a great experience in the Eternal City during 2025. Here are some recommendations:
- Timing: If possible, suggest that clients avoid the key periods around Christmas 2024, Easter 2025, and early January 2026.
- Alternative Attractions: We encourage visitors to explore some of Rome’s equally impressive but potentially less crowded sites:
- Museo Nazionale Romano Palazzo Massimp
- Musei Capitolini
- Parco della Via Appia
- Tivoli’s Villas
- Galleria Colonna
- Palazzo Doria Pamphili
- Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia
- Advance Planning: We can’t stress, enough, the importance of booking accommodations and tickets well in advance, especially for any must-see attractions.
- Flexibility: If you can be flexible with your itineraries and to consider early morning or late afternoon visits to popular sites.
By following these suggestions, travelers can still enjoy Rome during the Jubilee year while minimizing potential inconveniences related to increased visitor numbers.
Important Travel Advisory
We strongly recommend booking hotels and experiences well in advance. Note that tickets to Vatican attractions can only be purchased two months before the visit date, so early booking doesn’t guarantee availability.
Beyond Rome: Exploring Italy
The Jubilee will touch only the city of Rome so that all other Italian destinations will operate as usual.
This presents an excellent opportunity to explore alternative destinations:
- Apulia: Sun-soaked beaches, charming trulli houses, and delectable cuisine in Italy’s heel.
- Marche: A hidden gem with rolling hills, medieval towns, and pristine Adriatic coastline.
- Umbria: The “green heart of Italy,” known for its medieval hill towns, forests, and spiritual heritage.
- Maremma (Southwest Tuscany): Wild beaches, Etruscan ruins, and rustic charm away from Tuscan crowds.
- Piedmont: Renowned for its wines, truffles, and elegant capital Turin, nestled at the foot of the Alps.
- Emilia: Home to culinary treasures like Parmesan and prosciutto, plus Ferrari’s hometown of Modena.
The team at My Vacation Lady can help plan your vacation or honeymoon to Italy for 2025. Whether you want a fully independent and customized itinerary or you prefer an escorted tour, we can help.
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