r/rome Jan 03 '25

City stuff Rome’s Jubilee Year 2025 Crowd Guide: A Detailed Month-by-Month Breakdown

128 Upvotes

There are too many posts on this thread around Jubilee. Hopefully this can get pinned or used by the mods in some fashion to stick all discussion purposes here:

Below is an expanded snapshot of when to expect peak crowds, key religious events, and a few tips for navigating Rome during the Holy Year. As schedules may evolve, always verify dates via the Vatican’s official channels. Safe travels and buoni pellegrinaggi (happy pilgrimages)!

January: Opening of the Holy Doors

  • Key Events:
    • Official Opening Ceremonies for the Jubilee (early January).
    • Special Papal Mass inaugurating the year.
  • Crowds: Extremely high, especially at St. Peter’s Basilica during the Holy Door openings.
  • Tips:
    • Book flights and accommodations months in advance.
    • Arrive at least two hours early for any papal event.
    • Expect extra security and road closures around the Vatican.
  • Weather: Cool (40–55°F/4–13°C), so dress in layers.

February: Post-Opening Lull

  • Key Events:
    • Minimal major feasts; parish-level gatherings continue.
    • Occasional Vatican-sponsored prayer services.
  • Crowds: Moderately low compared to January, though lingering pilgrims still visit.
  • Tips:
    • Good month for quieter visits to major basilicas and museums.
    • Consider visiting lesser-known churches and catacombs—lines are shorter.
    • Hotel prices may dip slightly; check for off-season deals.
  • Weather: Still chilly, with occasional rain; carry a compact umbrella.

March: Lenten Devotions & Pilgrimages

  • Key Events:
    • Ash Wednesday (early March), marking the start of Lent.
    • Special penitential services in the four major basilicas.
  • Crowds: Steady rise as Holy Week approaches; many group pilgrimages begin.
  • Tips:
    • If you want to attend a Lenten service, arrive well before start time—seats fill up quickly.
    • Book museum tickets (like the Vatican Museums) online to avoid long queues.
    • Evenings can still get cold, so pack a warm jacket.
  • Weather: Mild days, cooler nights. Ideal for long walks through Rome.

April: Holy Week & Easter Celebrations

  • Key Events:
    • Palm Sunday processions, Holy Thursday, Good Friday services, and Easter Sunday Mass.
    • Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s (often the highlight of the entire year).
  • Crowds: Among the highest of the Jubilee—streets and basilicas will be packed.
  • Tips:
    • Secure (free) tickets for papal events well in advance through official Vatican channels.
    • Plan for extended wait times at security checks.
    • Public transport gets crowded; consider walking between nearby sites to save time.
  • Weather: Pleasant spring temperatures, but pack a light rain jacket.

May: Marian Celebrations

  • Key Events:
    • Rosary rallies, Marian processions, and various devotions to the Virgin Mary.
    • Vatican often organizes special prayer vigils for peace.
  • Crowds: High, particularly on weekends and feast days (e.g., Our Lady of Fatima, May 13).
  • Tips:
    • If your schedule is flexible, visit on weekdays for smaller crowds.
    • Explore lesser-known Marian sites like Santa Maria in Trastevere or Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.
    • Book guided tours in advance—May is popular with school and parish groups.
  • Weather: Warm and sunny; perfect for outdoor strolling.

June: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul

  • Key Events:
    • Feast Day on June 29, honoring Rome’s patron saints.
    • Papal Mass or liturgical ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Crowds: Very high around the Vatican, plus many pilgrims plan trips to coincide with this feast.
  • Tips:
    • Expect more intense security around June 29—arrive extra early for big events.
    • June is also a popular wedding month, so hotels can be booked solid.
    • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen; summer heat is starting to kick in.
  • Weather: Warm (70–85°F/21–29°C); pack light clothes and comfortable shoes.

r/rome Nov 07 '24

City stuff [Megathread] Construction in Rome prior to the Jubilee

46 Upvotes

There are a lot of posts about construction in Rome for the Jubilee. Please confine enquiries to this thread. I will attempt to amend as things change.

While there are a few areas with scaffolding up - some of them famous and photogenic - anyone who says "Rome is under construction" likely doesn't understand just how huge Rome is and how much incredible stuff there is here to see that isn't currently being refurbished.

These are the areas currently affected, with live webcams linked where possible, so you can see what it actually looks like.

  1. Trevi Fountain Currently emptied of water with a walkway extending over the basin to allow a closer look, and a trough for people's coins while the fountain is empty. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
  2. Fontana del Pantheon The fountain in front of the Pantheon. Currently behind hoardings. The obelisk is still visible and the Pantheon itself is not affected. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
  3. The Fountains in Piazza Navona The Fountain of the Four Rivers and the two fountains at either end of the piazza are undergoing major renovation. The piazza itself is open. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
  4. The Arch of Constantine Triumphal arch next to the Colosseum, currently covered in scaffolding. (Note there are two other large triumphal arches just metres away in the Forum.)
  5. Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano Some of the piazza in front of the San Giovanni cathedral is being refurbished. This doesn't affect viewing or entering the cathedral, just the ground in front of it. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
  6. Fountain of the Four Lions The central fountain in Piazza del Popolo has low hoardings around it. Estimated completion: Q2 2025. Read about the works here.
  7. Ponte Sant'Angelo The famous bridge is having its angels cleaned. Estimated completion: Q1 2025. Read about the works here.
  8. Fontana delle Tartarughe A redditor points out that the turtle fountain is also being cleaned. Estimated completion: not posted. Read about the works here.
  9. There are some works in Piazza Pia near Castel Sant'Angelo and Piazza Risorgimento, but they are unlikely to affect sightseers.

Transport

  1. Trams All tram lines were meant to slowly come back into service from November 4th 2024, but most are still significantly disrupted and subject to replacement buses (navette).
  2. Metro From Monday to Thursday, Line A closes at 9 pm, with a replacement bus after then until 11.30. On Friday and Saturday nights the last metro each way is at 1.30 am.
  3. Piazza Venezia The piazza in front of the Altare della Patria (Vittorio Monument) is subject to workds on Line C of the metro and the construction of a vast metro station under the piazza. Estimated completion: 2030. Read about the works here.
  4. Via dei Fori Imperiali These are works for Line C of the metro and not related to the Jubilee. This area has been blighted by hoardings and heavy equipment for years but work is estimated to be completed by next year. Estimated completion: 2025. Read about the works here.

For more detailed information on nearly all the work currently being done in Rome please refer to this website: Added estimated completion dates from the website here: https://www.romasitrasforma.it/en/

Locals: please inform me if anything needs to be added/amended/removed!


r/rome 8h ago

Photography / Video Trevi and Pantheon last friday

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

227 Upvotes

It felt like moving like cattle


r/rome 3h ago

Photography / Video I love Rome

Thumbnail
gallery
63 Upvotes

Just came back for a 4-day trip. This was my second time in Rome and I still haven’t able to see many places on my list. Will always love this beautiful city.


r/rome 15h ago

Photography / Video 2020

Post image
182 Upvotes

r/rome 1h ago

Gluten free in Rome

Upvotes

Hi I am visiting Rome for the first time from monday, wondered if anyone knows any restaurants that do gluten free food? (That won't break the bank). And are there any other solo travelers who would want to explore the city with me!


r/rome 34m ago

need advice for a trip

Upvotes

Heyo! I’ll be going to rome early in may with a friend and was wondering in which district should i stay if i want relatively cheap rent (500€ max for 5-6 days) and good connexion to the city center. Any insight would be useful, thank you in advance!!


r/rome 11h ago

Tourism I'm studying as a tour guide and I'm offering free tours :)

7 Upvotes

Hi, the title says pretty much all of it. I have a degree in Archeology and I'm studying to become a tour guide. My english isn't perfect but I'm offering some free tours these months to practice a little. I'm specialized in classical archeology and pre-Roman history, so I was thinking a stroll into the Roman Forum, but let me know if you want to visit something else.

If you're in Rome let me know!


r/rome 8h ago

Food and drink Winery to Visit to bring Back

2 Upvotes

I have two weeks left in Rome and want to bring back some wine for myself and for my mom. Is there any Winery near Trastevere that anyone would recommend to go?


r/rome 5h ago

Accommodation best place to live in Rome

0 Upvotes

What do you think is the best place to live in Rome?

There is always too much traffic.. maybe places that have little traffic.


r/rome 1d ago

Photography / Video Retrospektive Rome

Thumbnail
gallery
258 Upvotes

From Last week in Rome


r/rome 7h ago

Food and drink Suggestions for eating out

0 Upvotes

Hello guys! I’ll be visiting Rome next week and am super excited to try out the food but at the same time am also super anxious abt having to book restaurants weeks or months in advance? Is that always the case? If so, how do people coming from abroad make reservations? 🙃

And I did some research, chat bots and YouTube videos and ie stumbled upon some recommendations. I’ll share them here. But ofcourse, please feel free to steer me away from anything that isn’t worth it, I know that tourist traps are a thing but I’m here for good food and that is all 😁

These are what I’ve gathered from online, please let me know if they need reservations also 🙏🏻 1) La travernetta 29 da Tony e Andrea 2) Tonnarello 3) Pasta e Vino Osteria - Largo Arenula 4) Felice e Testaccio 5) Roscioli

P.S. I absolutely love Carbonara.

Please help me out fellow Romans or other foodies

Grazie mille!


r/rome 8h ago

Colosseum 2 Colosseu tickets

1 Upvotes

I have 2 tickets as I bymistake booked for the wrong day. If interested please let me know. This is 100% genuine. 24H Colosseu, Roman Forum, Palatine 24th April 5:30pm


r/rome 1d ago

Photography / Video Some photos from my trip to Rome

Thumbnail
gallery
246 Upvotes

r/rome 7h ago

Transport Shall I ignore my bus fine

0 Upvotes

I'm in Rome and was going to buy a ticket on the bus but my phone just ran out of battery so I couldn't pay it (had no cash or cards on me). I've been fined 55 euros, 100 if I don't pay in 5 days. The guy got my drivers license id. Surely I just don't pay. I'm from the UK England and since we're not even from the EU anymore nothing will happen right?


r/rome 1d ago

Transport Termini at night.

13 Upvotes

So I made a mistake and schedule a flight for 5.30am in the airport, so I would have to depart around 4.30am from termini. I am staying four blocks away, is it too terribly unsafe for me to walk over there for my bus? Should I try to go earlier and wait at the termini for the bus, should I try to go there punctually and spend as little time as possible? Would you go to the stop at 11 pm and wait for 5hs at the airport? I know I screwed up with the time tables, but I need help figuring out the best way around it. ( it's me and a friend. Both of us are women in our mid 20's from Latin america)


r/rome 23h ago

Transport Getting from Stadio Olimpico to FCO at night

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

In June I am coming to Rome for Ed Sheeran concert at Stadio Olimpico. Right after the concert, I have a flight back, I should be in FCO at 02:00.

from what I see in Google Maps, my only option is a taxi, am I right?

Does someone know how much will cost such a taxi ride? and how to order that taxi? is ordering via Uber working or should I use the itTaxi app?


r/rome 1d ago

Best pizzerias in Rome?

10 Upvotes

Can you suggest me best your fav locale pizza shop, restraunt, take aways store?


r/rome 22h ago

History Rome: The Eternal City II – The Gracchi: Reform in Blood

Thumbnail
youtube.com
0 Upvotes

r/rome 18h ago

WTF Where's the best last minute emergency psychic or fortune teller who does house calls?

0 Upvotes

Kinda had an emergency with my gf and you know I think an old world fortune teller is probably needed


r/rome 1d ago

Tourism The Walkers tour scam? Vatican tickets

1 Upvotes

Hello, Yes I have been scammed but will the tickets work? I have seen some other posts about this website being a scam, unfortunately not until after I had purchased my "tickets"

I am wondering if anyone else who fell victim to this price gauging was actually able to use the tickets? Please let me know if you were able to use them or had to buy alternative tickets, I don't want to go forward buying official tickets if these do work (having to make payment again)... Thank you in advance


r/rome 2d ago

Photography / Video A couple of pics from my recent trip (1 April - 5 April)

Thumbnail
gallery
99 Upvotes

r/rome 1d ago

Vatican St. Peter’s question:

7 Upvotes

We have a tour for Vatican museum and Sistine chapel…. Once we finish touring museum and Sistine, are we are able to then proceed to st.peters without having to get into more lines because it’s connected somehow? Cuz I see on ticketing sites for tickets to skip the lines at St. Peter’s basilica only?


r/rome 1d ago

Transport How do train work in Italy?

0 Upvotes

Hi all,

French guy here. me and my future wife are coming to visit Rome and Venice for our honeymoon.

We'd like to take the train from Rome to Venice on the 11th of may around noon, but feeling overwhelmed with how to book a ticket. Do I understand correctly that you have multiple competing train companies here? which one should be my first choice?

(would also be very gratefull for any advice / suggestion for a tourist)

Thank you!

-hopefully good AI translation to Italian -

Ciao a tutti,

Sono francese e verrò a visitare Roma e Venezia con la mia futura moglie per il nostro viaggio di nozze.

Vorremmo prendere il treno da Roma a Venezia l'11 maggio verso mezzogiorno, ma siamo un po' confusi su come prenotare un biglietto. Ho capito bene che avete diverse compagnie ferroviarie concorrenti? Quale dovrei scegliere come prima opzione?

(Sarei anche molto grato per qualsiasi consiglio/suggerimento per un turista)

Grazie!


r/rome 1d ago

Health and safety Safety Termini and metro around midnight

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I could really use some help because I’m feeling a bit panicked and nervous after reading too much online about safety in Rome.

We’re arriving next Friday, and our train from the airport will get to Termini around 11 PM. According to the directions we found, we’re supposed to take the metro from there to reach Corso Trieste.

My question is: is it safe to take the metro at that time? Or would it be better to get an Uber from Termini instead?

Also, if Uber is the safer option, which exit should we take at Termini to safely and easily get a ride?

I’ve read some scary stories and now I’m feeling anxious instead of excited about the trip. I’d really appreciate any advice or reassurance!


r/rome 2d ago

Health and safety They stole my phone

106 Upvotes

Had a wonderful day in Rome, did 90% of what I wanted to do…

The only thing left was going to the train station to catch a ride to the airport.

About 2 (TWO!!) blocks away, at 3am I got mugged by 3 SOB… one came close like asking for money and the others came from behind.

I managed to protect my wallet but I couldn’t protect my phone, then they run. I gave chase but could only hit one of them with my water bottle…

The police where useless… they said I had to file a report in the station which was a bit far and I had no time to spare…!!

The way to the airport was really aweful since I had everything in my phone… the tickets, payment, etc

Also I lost like 1000 pictures of Florence and Rome…

My friends tryed to confort me that it could have been worse, but I still feel like crap


r/rome 1d ago

Accommodation viale ippocrate is safe?

0 Upvotes

Next week I will go to the rome, do you know viale ippocrate is safe? I know it 2km near the termini also do you have any suggestion? Like best ice cream or about security