If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Italy, 2025 offers an extraordinary reason to do so: the Jubilee Year. Also called the Holy Year (Giubileo in Italian), this is a rare and deeply meaningful time for Catholics and for travelers of any background seeking a unique cultural and spiritual experience. But 2025 isn’t just any Jubilee. With the unexpected passing of Pope Francis in April and the election of Pope Leo XIV, it’s become a moment of reflection and renewal like few others in living memory.

Let’s walk through what this year means, what’s happening, and how to truly experience it during your trip to Italy.

The Jubilee Year is a special tradition in the Catholic Church that dates back to the year 1300. Held every 25 years (though occasionally celebrated in between for special occasions), it’s a year devoted to themes of renewal, forgiveness, and hope. For practicing Catholics, it’s a powerful spiritual event. Pilgrims come from around the world to walk through the Holy Doors of Rome’s great basilicas - doors that are sealed shut most of the time and opened only for a Jubilee.

But the Jubilee isn’t just a religious event. In Italy, where Catholicism has deeply shaped the country’s art, culture, and traditions, the Jubilee takes on a broader meaning. It becomes a national moment: one filled with celebrations, events, and opportunities to explore Italy’s heritage through a different lens. Whether or not you practice the faith, it’s a fascinating, once-in-a-generation chance to witness something that brings together millions of people around a shared spirit of community.

The 2025 Jubilee is especially poignant. Its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” speaks to a universal longing for connection and healing, made even more touching by the recent passing of Pope Francis and the peaceful transition to Pope Leo XIV. The mood this year isn’t just solemn; it’s hopeful for peace and prosperity for everyone in the world.

It’s not only about faith though. It’s also about art, history, culture, and coming together. And that’s something worth experiencing.

If you're visiting Italy during the Jubilee, there's no better place to start than Rome. As the seat of the Catholic Church and a treasure trove of history, Rome becomes the beating heart of the celebration. It's here that you’ll find the four major basilicas where the good stuff happens: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. These are not just places of worship, but architectural masterpieces steeped in centuries of art, history, and tradition.

During a Jubilee Year, the Holy Doors of these basilicas are ceremoniously opened, a rare event meant to symbolize a passage into renewal and grace. For believers, passing through them is a profound spiritual act. But even for those who aren't Catholic or religious, witnessing this ritual and the sheer scale of the global pilgrimage can be awe-inspiring.

Rome will host a wide array of Jubilee events throughout 2025, thoughtfully designed to bring people together in spirit, community, and shared reflection.

Highlights from June onwards include:

• Jubilee of Sport (14–15 June): a lively celebration where faith, movement, and teamwork come together in the heart of the city.
• Jubilee of Youth (28 July – 3 August): a weeklong event drawing young people from around the world to connect through dialogue, music, and shared experiences.
• Jubilee of Migrants (4–5 October): a heartfelt event that celebrates hospitality and integration, honoring the stories and faith journeys of migrant communities.
• Jubilee of Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti (18 October): a day dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the cultural identity and spiritual heritage of these communities.
• Jubilee of the Poor (16 November): a call to compassion and solidarity, shining a light on the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable in society.
• Jubilee of Prisoners (14 December): providing space for hope, redemption, and the belief in second chances.
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Whether you’re participating or simply observing, these moments offer a rare window into the rich cultural and spiritual fabric of Italy - and a chance to feel part of something much larger than yourself.
Are you coming to visit Rome this year? Start planning with us and check out our customizable itineraries that have Rome at their core!

Rome may be the centerpiece of the Jubilee, but Italy’s spiritual landscape is beautifully diverse. Across the country, there are sacred places that blend the religious with the artistic, historical, and deeply human.

1. Assisi: nestled in the Umbrian hills, Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, a figure revered for his humility and deep love for nature and humanity. The town is serene, filled with cobblestone streets and gentle landscapes. The Basilica of San Francesco is not just a place of pilgrimage, it’s also home to incredible frescoes by Giotto and a sense of peace that many visitors, religious or not, find moving.
2. Loreto: this charming town in the Marche region is home to the Holy House of Nazareth, believed by many to be the very house where Mary lived. Its presence here is part of centuries-old tradition and devotion, and the Sanctuary of Loreto is both a spiritual hub and an architectural marvel.
3. San Giovanni Rotondo: located in Puglia, this town is closely associated with Padre Pio, a modern saint known for his compassion, miracles, and simple devotion. His tomb and the surrounding sanctuary draw visitors seeking healing, reflection, or simply inspiration from a life lived in service to others.

These towns offer a quieter, more contemplative experience than Rome - ideal for travelers who enjoy slow travel, meaningful connections, and discovering Italy beyond the usual tourist paths - which is a mission we take very seriously here at Play Italy, letting you discover Italy through our Local Experts’ eyes.

But let’s be honest, Rome can be intense even on a normal day, and during the Jubilee, the city becomes a magnet for millions of visitors. The excitement is wonderful, but for many travelers - especially older adults, first-timers, or anyone looking for a smoother experience - it can feel a bit overwhelming.

That’s where Play Italy can make all the difference. We specialize in thoughtful, private tours that take care of everything: skip-the-line entry to key sites, comfortable premium accommodations, seamless transportation, and expert guidance that balances structure with flexibility. Our focus is always on comfort, cultural richness, and authentic experiences.

Whether you're hoping to attend a specific Jubilee event, walk through a Holy Door, or just soak in the atmosphere of Italy during this once-in-a-generation moment, we’re here to help you do it all - without the stress. So feel free to reach out to our Travel Designers to plan any Italian Trip you have in mind!

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