The 2025 Jubilee, (held every 25 years), will be a monumental celebration in Italy, drawing millions of visitors for a year of religious and cultural events. With the Vatican at the heart of the Holy Year, other cities across the country will also host special ceremonies, pilgrimages, and cultural festivities. To help you plan your Jubilee experience, here are the major celebrations in seven of Italy’s most important cities.
1. Rome (Vatican City)
As the focal point of the 2025 Jubilee, Rome will host the largest and most significant events, centered around Vatican City and its sacred sites.
Opening of the Holy Doors: The Jubilee will officially begin with the Pope opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the opening of the Holy Doors at the three other papal basilicas—St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Major Papal Masses and Blessings: Throughout the year, special Masses and papal blessings will take place, especially on Christmas, Easter, and during pilgrim processions. The Via della Conciliazione will be alive with pilgrims walking toward St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cultural Exhibitions and Pilgrimage Routes: Museums like the Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums will host special exhibitions on religious art and history. Pilgrimage routes will connect the four papal basilicas and other important religious sites across the city.
2. Florence
Known for its Renaissance heritage and religious history, Florence will host special events that blend art and spirituality.
Jubilee Masses at the Florence Cathedral (Duomo): The Duomo will host a series of religious services and special prayers during the Jubilee. Religious art and historical exhibits will emphasize the city’s sacred contributions to Catholicism.
Exhibitions on Renaissance Religious Art: Major museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti will offer special exhibitions showcasing religious works by masters like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Fra Angelico.
Pilgrimages to Historic Churches: Florence’s many historic churches, including the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, will become key pilgrimage destinations for spiritual reflection and celebration.
3. Assisi
Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, will be one of the most important pilgrimage sites during the Jubilee, drawing pilgrims seeking to connect with Franciscan spirituality.
Special Masses and Events at the Basilica of St. Francis: The basilica will host a full schedule of religious services, including special pilgrimages, retreats, and meditations. The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to the Porziuncola, will also be a focal point for religious events.
Spiritual Retreats and Pilgrimages: Monasteries and spiritual centers in and around Assisi will offer unique retreats focusing on the teachings of St. Francis, fostering a deeper connection to peace and humility.
Cultural Celebrations: The town will also host art exhibitions, performances, and lectures that celebrate the life and legacy of St. Francis.
4. Venice
Venice will bring its own unique charm to the Jubilee celebrations, combining religious traditions with its famed artistic heritage.
Celebrations at St. Mark’s Basilica: St. Mark’s Basilica will be the center of religious events in Venice, with special Masses, processions, and spiritual gatherings. Pilgrims will also visit the basilica to view its stunning mosaics and relics.
Sacred Music Concerts: Venice’s churches will come alive with concerts of sacred music, including performances of Renaissance and Baroque choral works that complement the spiritual atmosphere of the Jubilee.
Pilgrimage Routes and Religious Sites: Key Venetian churches, such as the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, will offer special religious services and become pilgrimage destinations during the Jubilee.
5. Milan
As a major religious and cultural hub, Milan will play a key role in the Jubilee celebrations, hosting a series of events that highlight its historic and artistic importance.
Jubilee Celebrations at the Milan Cathedral (Duomo): The Duomo will host numerous religious events, including special Jubilee Masses, prayer services, and processions. The cathedral’s rooftop, with its stunning views, will offer pilgrims a unique perspective on the city.
Art and Faith Exhibitions: Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera and other major art institutions will showcase religious works of art, including masterpieces from the Middle Ages and Renaissance that explore themes of faith and spirituality.
Visits to the Last Supper and Historic Churches: Pilgrims will flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, as well as other important religious sites such as the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio.
6. Naples
Naples, with its deep religious traditions and rich cultural history, will celebrate the Jubilee with a mix of spiritual and cultural events.
Celebrations at the Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro): The cathedral, dedicated to St. Januarius, will host Jubilee Masses, special religious ceremonies, and veneration of the saint’s relics. The Feast of San Gennaro, which usually draws large crowds, will be even more significant during the Jubilee year.
Religious Pilgrimages: Key sites such as the Church of Santa Chiara and the Certosa di San Martino will be focal points for pilgrimages and spiritual events, offering visitors a chance to connect with the city’s religious heritage.
Cultural Events and Religious Art Exhibitions: Naples will also host cultural events and exhibitions that explore the city’s connection to Catholicism, including religious art exhibits at the Museo di Capodimonte and the National Archaeological Museum.
7. Turin
Turin, home of the famous Shroud of Turin, will be a major destination for pilgrims during the 2025 Jubilee.
Exposition of the Shroud of Turin: One of the most anticipated events of the Jubilee year will be the rare public display of the Shroud of Turin. Pilgrims from around the world will flock to the Turin Cathedral to see the sacred relic, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Christ.
Religious Services at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: The cathedral, where the Shroud is housed, will host a series of special Masses, veneration services, and religious celebrations throughout the year.
Pilgrimages to Historic Churches and Sacred Sites: Pilgrims will also visit other significant religious sites in the city, such as the Basilica of Superga and the Church of San Lorenzo, which will host special Jubilee-related events.
Opening of the Holy Door – December 24, 2024:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Marks the start of the Jubilee with a special ceremony at the Holy Door.
Jubilee of Communications – January 24-26, 2025:
Location: Vatican City
Celebrating those in media and communications.
Jubilee of Armed Forces & Police – February 8-9, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Honoring military personnel and law enforcement.
Jubilee of Artists – February 16-18, 2025:
Location: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
An event to celebrate the artistic community.
Jubilee of Deacons – February 21-23, 2025:
Location: St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome
A gathering for deacons from around the world.
Jubilee of Volunteering – March 8-9, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Celebrating the work of volunteers globally.
Jubilee of Healthcare Workers – April 5-6, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Honoring healthcare professionals and their contributions.
Jubilee of Adolescents – April 25-27, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Square and various other venues across Rome
Focused on spiritual engagement for youth.
Jubilee of Workers – May 1-4, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica and St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome
Celebrating workers and labor organizations.
Jubilee of Families – May 30 – June 1, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Focus on families and their role in the Church.
Jubilee of Youth – July 28 – August 3, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Square, St. John Lateran Basilica, and various venues across Rome
Dedicated to young people from around the globe.
Jubilee of Migrants – October 5, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
A special day for the migrant and refugee community.
Jubilee of the Poor – November 16, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Focused on the Church’s mission to help the poor.
Jubilee of Prisoners – December 14, 2025:
Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Celebrating and advocating for those who are incarcerated.
With the 2025 Jubilee expected to attract millions of visitors to Italy, it’s crucial to start planning your trip 6 to 18 months in advance. Major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice will see a surge in demand for flights, accommodations, and guided tours. To ensure you secure the best accommodations and access to exclusive experiences, begin booking as early as possible.
Crawford Concierge will create a personalized itinerary that includes private tours, priority access to events, and exclusive accommodations. By planning ahead, you can fully immerse yourself in the sacred and cultural experiences Italy has to offer during this extraordinary year.
Luxury Travel Advisor, Founder, and CEO
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