Top view of St. Peter’s square in the Vatican

Rome is preparing to welcome millions of pilgrims from around the world for the Holy Year, a momentous occasion deeply rooted in a thousand-year-old tradition

One of the most anticipated events for the entire Christian community, Jubilee 2025 will transform Rome into a meeting point of faith, history, and culture, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists from every corner of the globe. This sacred celebration traces its origins back to an ancient Jewish tradition, where every 50 years, a “year of rest” for the land was declared to ensure more bountiful harvests, along with the return of property and the cancellation of debts. The word “jubilee” comes from the Hebrew yobel, meaning “ram’s horn”, which was used in sacred rituals to announce the start of this special period.

Known as the Holy Year, the Jubilee takes place every 25 years, marked by solemn ceremonies aimed at inspiring a renewal of spiritual life. For Christians worldwide, the Jubilee offers a unique opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence — a complete remission of temporal punishment for sins that have already been confessed. This spiritual grace is granted through acts of penance, prayer, and visits to Rome’s four major basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.

The Jubilee begins with Christmas of the previous year and concludes with the Epiphany of the following year. The ceremony marking its start is filled with solemnity and symbolism: the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, which is bricked up and sealed at the end of each Holy Year, is carried out by the Pope, who symbolically pushes the doors open. This act represents the breaking down of the barriers of sin and serves as an invitation to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal. In the days that follow, the other holy doors are opened for pilgrims to pass through.

The first Jubilee in Christendom was instituted in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, whose papal bull Antiquorum habet fida relatio granted a plenary indulgence to those who visited the basilicas of St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls a specified number of times. Dante Alighieri, in the 18th canto of the Inferno, recounts that the influx of pilgrims during this first Holy Year was so immense that pedestrian traffic on the Castel Sant’Angelo bridge had to be regulated. Originally set to occur every 100 years, the Jubilee interval was shortened to 50 years in 1350 by Pope Clement VI, who sought to mirror the Jewish tradition. Subsequent adjustments established a 33-year interval to reflect the lifespan of Jesus, and finally, it was fixed at 25 years by Pope Paul II.

Over the centuries, the Jubilee has witnessed both memorable moments and challenging events. Despite the devastating Black Death that ravaged Europe, the Jubilee of 1350 drew a significant number of pilgrims to Rome, reflecting the deep faith and enduring hope of the people at that time. The Jubilee of 1450, known as the “Jubilee of Saints” due to the presence of prominent religious figures and also referred to as the “Golden Jubilee” because of the large amount of offerings collected, was marked by tragedy: the collapse of a bridge over the Tiber River claimed the lives of 172 people. This calamity led Pope Nicholas V and his successors to prioritize better organization of the jubilee celebrations, with particular attention to the safety of pilgrims.

In 1575, under Pope Gregory XIII, the Jubilee took on special significance thanks to the work of St. Philip Neri, who revived the tradition of pilgrimage routes through Rome. This practice continued and evolved over the centuries, becoming a living tradition that endures to this day. Neri’s efforts helped to renew the spiritual essence of the Jubilee, transforming it from merely an occasion for penance into a journey of inner renewal and a meaningful encounter with the roots of the Christian faith.

Some Popes have also declared extraordinary Holy Years, often in response to special circumstances or significant historical events. A recent example is the Jubilee of Mercy, proclaimed by Pope Francis in 2015, celebrated 50 years after the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. This extraordinary Holy Year drew millions of faithful, who experienced Rome as a place of welcome, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

For centuries, Rome — the heart of Christianity — has been the exclusive setting for the Jubilee, with preparations now reaching their final stages. During the upcoming Holy Year, in addition to the solemn liturgical celebrations at the Vatican, the city will host a wide array of cultural events, offering visitors an immersive experience that blends art, music, and entertainment. A diverse program of exhibitions, concerts, and a film festival will provide opportunities to explore the history of Christian faith and culture while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Rome’s cultural heritage. Additionally, extraordinary openings of archaeological sites will allow visitors to discover hidden or little-known treasures, making the Jubilee a truly unique journey through memory and faith.

The Jubilee 2025 will carry the motto Peregrinantes in Spem (Pilgrims of Hope), highlighting the communal significance of the pilgrim’s journey, marked by a movement that increasingly leads toward the Cross. Several jubilee routes within the city will showcase the splendor of the Eternal City, emphasizing the magnificence of its basilicas and jubilee churches — such as the Church of St. Prisca on the Aventine and the Church of St. Paul alla Regola — while inviting visitors to explore the charming alleys of the historic center. An official hymn and prayer will accompany the faithful along this path of reflection and spiritual renewal.

Participating in the upcoming Holy Year will mean not only deepening one’s faith but also discovering a Rome more evocative than ever, where ancient streets come alive with culture, languages, and traditions from all over the world. To attend the main events and plan your pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Holy Door, you can obtain the free digital Pilgrim’s Card, which is personalized and ensures orderly access arrangements, including for those with disabilities. The card also provides discounts on transportation, accommodation, dining, mobility, and cultural events. Registration is available exclusively through the official Jubilee website or app. Once registered, pilgrims will receive a personalized QR code and an account to manage their entire experience.

Live the Jubilee 2025 as a protagonist with an exclusive stay at TriviHo, in the heart of Rome

Book your stay at TriviHo and enjoy an unforgettable experience that blends spirituality with exclusive comfort, making your Jubilee truly special

Jubilee 2025 promises to be a landmark religious event that will transform the Eternal City into a hub of faith, hope, and solidarity. The streets will be filled with a spiritual atmosphere, casting a new light and charm over the capital. With liturgical celebrations, cultural events, and the chance to explore Rome at its most evocative, the Holy Year offers a unique opportunity to experience a city in transformation, where the sacred and the everyday come together to enrich the journey of every visitor.

To fully embrace the one-of-a-kind experience of Jubilee 2025, TriviHo – Luxury Hotel Rome is perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty and spirituality of the Eternal City. Located on the renowned Via Barberini, one of Rome’s most historic and captivating streets, our hotel combines elegance and comfort in a refined setting, offering impeccable hospitality and service. The strategic location provides easy access to Jubilee destinations and major attractions, including the iconic Trevi Fountain, the romantic Spanish Steps, and the majestic Pantheon.

Our rooms are designed for maximum relaxation, thoughtfully furnished and equipped with all modern amenities. Guests can choose between traditional double rooms or spacious suites, perfect for extra space. All accommodations feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Large windows offer splendid views of the city center, allowing guests to soak in the atmosphere of Rome from the comfort of their rooms. Every morning, we greet our guests with a delightful buffet breakfast served in our elegant lobby. Our selection of fresh, high-quality products ranges from local specialties to international breakfast classics, ensuring you start your day in the best possible way.

To enhance your stay even further, we offer exclusive services tailored specifically for pilgrims and Jubilee visitors. These include personalized packages for your visit, assistance with booking tours of holy sites, and up-to-date information on Jubilee events and celebrations. Our front desk staff is always available to provide recommendations and suggestions for must-see itineraries, restaurants, and activities. Book your stay now at TriviHo – Luxury Hotel Rome, and experience Jubilee 2025 in an atmosphere of luxury, comfort, and warm hospitality in the heart of the Eternal City.

How to reach the Vatican from Hotel TriviHo

Directions to St. Peter’s Square from the heart of Rome

Located on Via Barberini, our hotel enjoys a prime position for visiting Jubilee destinations, particularly the Vatican. St. Peter’s Basilica is easily accessible by public transportation or via a delightful stroll that lets you take in some of Rome’s most iconic sights.

The hotel is just a short walk from the Barberini metro station on Line A. From there, take the metro towards Battistini and get off at the Ottaviano stop, which is only a 5-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. The entire subway journey takes less than 20 minutes. For those who prefer traveling above ground, bus 62 offers a scenic route through the historic center, bringing passengers close to St. Peter’s Square.

For those who prefer to explore the city on foot, a pleasant walk of about 40 minutes awaits. Starting from the hotel, cross Via del Tritone and continue along Via del Corso, one of Rome’s most famous shopping streets. As you make your way to Castel Sant’Angelo, you’ll traverse the striking bridge of the same name, which leads directly to the majestic St. Peter’s Square. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and immerse yourself in the rich history of Rome.

Staying at our hotel during Jubilee 2025 also means experiencing Rome in an exclusive and privileged way. For guests seeking a more convenient option, we offer a private transfer service upon request, ensuring a quick and comfortable journey to the Vatican.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, our hotel is the ideal starting point for discovering Rome during Jubilee 2025, providing comfort, convenience, and an unforgettable experience. Book your stay now and get ready to explore the magic of the Eternal City during one of the most anticipated events in Christendom.