John Cowan | August 21, 2024
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In Rome, history and culture are woven into every street corner and cobblestone. While many travelers are drawn to its ancient past as the heart of the Roman Empire, the city also holds deep connections to Christianity, as it’s the epicenter of the Catholic faith. In 2025, this side of Roman history will be prominently showcased through the Jubilee, a rare and spiritually significant event that only happens every 25 years.
What is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee, established in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, is a special, year-long celebration dedicated to spiritual renewal and the forgiveness of sins within the Catholic Church. Once every 25 years, Rome's four major papal basilicas—St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—become focal points for Christian pilgrims. The opening of these basilicas’ Holy Doors (which are usually closed!) marks the beginning of the Jubilee, and the doors remain open all year long. Traditionally, pilgrims would need to walk through all four doors in one day to receive an “indulgence,” a form of forgiveness for sins. Today, because these basilicas are so spread out across Rome, a prayerful visit to any of these churches will do.
How will this affect my trip to Rome?
Throughout 2025, Rome will be in an international spotlight. While this increase in attention may present challenges for everyone visiting the city during this Holy Year, including travel companies like EF, it also offers an unparalleled educational opportunity for students (more on that below!).
Rome is expected to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors during the Jubilee, with estimates suggesting up to 35 million travelers, a significant increase from the usual 8 million in non-Jubilee years. This surge in tourism, combined with an overall rise in visitors to Italy over the last few years, will likely result in longer lines at key sites, like the papal basilicas. Larger crowds will congregate in public areas, and traffic congestion is expected to increase. For groups traveling with EF in 2025, know that we are using our longstanding relationships in Rome to ensure every student has an immersive educational experience on tour.
What will my students learn during the Jubilee?
Visiting Rome during the Jubilee offers a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience that extends beyond traditional learning environments. Students will get a rare glimpse of the city at its most energetic, and will celebrate alongside visitors from all over the globe. They’ll also explore Rome’s world-famous art and architecture, which can feel more significant and impactful in 2025. Students will connect Rome’s centuries-long relationship between religion and cultural expression directly to a modern-day event they’re witnessing firsthand.
In any year, Rome is a living classroom. And in 2025, students will experience the city’s rich heritage, unique culture, and lasting global influence in a deeper way than ever before.
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John Cowan
John is an Associate Marketing Director with EF. Outside of work, he considers himself a history buff and loves traveling to Italy.
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