ITALY WILL BE EXTRA CROWDED DURING ITS JUBILEE YEAR IN 2025. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Jubilee Year, held every 25 years, brings millions of extra tourists to Rome and the Vatican, and visitors need to be prepared

If you are planning a trip to Italy this year, remember it is Jubilee Year, a religious event that is held once every 25 years.

Because it is a special event, it is expected to draw an estimated 25 million visitors to participate in Rome's religious rites and celebrations, with 90 per cent occupancy rates in hotels. Travellers who do not buy advance tickets for attractions may be disappointed.

What is the 2025 Jubilee Year?

The Jubilee Year is a religious holiday celebrated by Catholics. During the year, a whole calendar of events in Rome and at the Vatican promise times for papal masses and audiences, pilgrimages to sites in Rome including the Holy Stairs and St Peter's Basilica.

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It began on December 24, 2024, when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St Peter's Basilica, through which 32 million pilgrims are expected to pass this year.

"During the 2025 Jubilee Year, travellers should expect an influx of religious pilgrims, with an estimated 20 per cent to 30 per cent increase in visitors to the Vatican and other key religious sites in Rome. To avoid the busiest times, it's best to visit the major attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon," says Raffaele Di Santo, regional manager for Italy at Daytrip, a platform that provides vehicle hire with drivers for international tourists.

"Remember that the Jubilee is not just a tourist event; it's a deeply religious time, so respect for local customs, especially around sacred sites, is crucial," he adds.

The city's metro will experience 15 per cent to 20 per cent more passengers, and hotels are likely to charge higher prices and require much more time in advance to book.

Christian and Catholic holidays will be especially busy times to visit Rome, with papal masses at Easter expected to draw crowds of one to two million.

Those looking to participate in the Jubilee events are recommended to research the Vatican's website, which offers a calendar of events, along with the Jubilee website. Rome's official tourism website will also be a helpful resource.

How to visit Italy in 2025

Our first tip for planning a trip to Italy in 2025 is to book it now.

Planning in advance will be the best way to ensure travellers will be able to visit all the sites they want, choose the accommodation they desire and plan without too much worry. The later the booking, the more challenges tourists are likely to face. We recommend booking at least four to six months in advance.

Travellers who might be intimidated by the planning process should consider taking a tour to Italy instead. Those who book tours can enjoy such benefits as skip-the-line tickets, pre-booked trips and a seamless holiday without the hassle of planning it.

Tourists are also recommended to travel outside Rome to avoid major crowds. Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, is home to several historical and religious sites, making it a great place for pilgrims wanting to participate in the Jubilee, while Chianti is a must-visit for wine lovers wanting to experience Italy's beautiful countryside.

"While Rome will undoubtedly be a focal point during the Jubilee Year, we're seeing more travellers extend their trips to explore other iconic destinations across Italy, from the timeless romance of Venice and Florence to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and hidden gems like Umbria and Puglia," says Bonty Escallon, managing director, Europe at Classic Vacations, a luxury travel platform.

Taking part in the 2025 Jubilee

Another alternative is faith-based tours. Travellers visiting Rome for the Jubilee can visit seven pilgrimage churches and participate in plenty of activities throughout the year, including daily masses, a Jubilee of the Youth for young adults from July 28 to August 3, and an Advent pilgrimage opportunity with Christmas markets.

Practical tips to make the most out of a trip to Italy

Travellers heading to Italy in 2025 should be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, even in churches or religious sites. They should be wary of strangers and keep their phones in a secure location to avoid theft.

"Crowded places like St. Peter's Square, public transport, and major tourist sites can attract pickpockets and scammers," says Carl Cronje, co-founder and chief executive at TourAxis, a provider of specialised group tours.

"Keep your valuables secure in a money belt or antitheft bag and be cautious of people offering 'free' items or unauthorised tours. Stick to official vendors for tickets and tours, and always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft.

"Rome's buses and metro will be crowded, especially routes to Vatican City and major landmarks. Keep your bag in front of you and watch out for pickpockets, especially near doors."

With large crowds expected in Rome, travellers should make sure to prepare beyond the typical water bottle and walking shoes: they should also be aware of the Italian emergency phone number (112) just in case.

They should also pack their patience, as large crowds ensure longer waiting times for major attractions, restaurants, shops, pharmacies and other venues.

They should also be respectful of the locals. They're the ones who keep the tourism industry running, plan all the Jubilee events for pilgrims to participate in, maintain the beautiful historical and religious sites and ensure opportunities for worship, education and exploration for travellers.

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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2025-02-18T08:27:31Z