Vatican City is the smallest country in the world in terms of size and population.
This is not stopping an estimated 32 million travelers from visiting this year for the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long global celebration among followers of the Catholic faith.
Jubilee spokeswoman Caterina Rigoni said that the jubilee is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, contemplation and renewal of faith.
Visitors cross the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on December 25, 2024 in Vatican City.
Franco Aureglia | Getty Images News | Getty Images
“It is celebrated throughout Rome through masses, processions and various religious and cultural events in major churches, with special attention paid to the role of the Vatican as the heart of the Catholic faith,” she said. CNBC Travel.
Provided by the Italian government Jubilee visas For travelers coming to Rome through trips organized by their local churches.
A year of events
The jubilee began on December 24, with the opening of the first of the four “Holy Doors” by Pope Francis in a ceremony. tradition It dates back to at least 1500. The doors, usually sealed with mortar, are only opened during jubilee years, which occur every 25 years.
Passing through the doors signifies the cleansing of sins and reconnection with faith, which is the main reason pilgrims travel to Rome for the Jubilee.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrikas opens the Holy Door of the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Mary Major on January 01, 2025 in Rome, Italy.
Marialaura Antonelli | Getty Images Vatican Collection
Attendees can also perform the Hajj within the Hajj. the “The Seven Churches” The route is a ritual dating back to the 16th century that involves walking 15.5 miles from Vatican City to the outskirts of Rome. At the same time, “Intercession of Europe and the Doctors of the Church” The pilgrimage allows visitors to learn about female saints in Europe.
Several days are set aside for celebrations for specific groups. For example, February 8 to 9 Intended for the armed forces, instead Jubilee teenagersfrom April 25 to 27, includes concerts in a number of Roman arenas.
Rigoni said that the jubilee organizers expect these concerts to be well attended. She advised attendees to plan all activities in advance, and check the Jubilee website and app for updates.
Where to stay and what to eat in Rome
Brandon Shaw, who has lived and worked in Rome for 15 years and co-founded the guided travel company Round man In 2012, it recommends that visitors to the Jubilee stay in Prati, a neighborhood close to the Vatican, in Hotel de Melini, One hotel or NH Collection Roma Centro Hotel.
For the best pizza in town, Shaw suggests travelers dine there Bonci Bakery. For a more formal meal, he recommends Il Sorpasso. Both are located within walking distance of the Vatican.
Brandon Shaw (right), tours the Vatican map exhibit.
Source: Round Man
“Pratti is not home to ancient ruins or any major ruins, so it is often overlooked by tourists, but that is exactly what makes it a great place to stay. It is where a lot of locals stay, and it is home to many open-air wineries,” said Shaw, who stays. Now in Florida: “Bars, elegant cocktail lounges and gourmet restaurants.”
To enjoy Rome away from the Jubilee crowds, Shaw recommends visiting it Catacombs Rome, which are underground cemeteries containing the crypts of prominent popes and martyrs. It is also suggested to walk parts of Appian methodan ancient road extending from Rome to the “heel” of Italy, and canal garden, Which contains the remains of aqueducts built during the Roman Empire.
Avoid crowds in Rome
As for travelers who want to skip Rome during the jubilee year, TV presenter and producer Cathy McCabe doesn't have many options.
McCabe said she's a big fan of Modena, a city about five hours north of Rome that's also the home of Luciano Pavarotti and balsamic vinegar.
She said that while filming two episodes of the series “Italy dream“, a travel series on PBS, caught up with famous chef Massimo Bottura. He runs a world-famous restaurant Osteria Francescanaand more casual Franceschetta58which she said makes the best tortellini in the world.
“Modena is the Italy of 20 or 30 years ago that you miss, and I hope it never changes,” said McCabe, who lives in Colorado. “It's a quaint city with almost no tourists or souvenir shops.”
Maccabee was also filmed in Capua, about two hours south of Rome, which nearby has an ancient amphitheater second in size only to the Colosseum in Rome. Caserta, about 20 minutes from Capua, is another of Maccabi's favorite places, as it has royal palace Which she said “rivals Versailles”.
For foodies, McCabe said the northern cities of Bologna and Parma should be at the top of the list.
People who hate crowds shouldn't write off Rome in 2025, says McCabe, who has visited Italy more than 90 times and who aspires to one day live in Rome.
“Rome is endless. Once you get past the big things to see, you'll find a plethora of churches, museums, shops, restaurants and experiences,” McCabe said.
“If you have a chance to go to Rome, you should do it,” she said.
