What to know and how to avoid crowds in Rome this year

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world in terms of size and population.

That won’t stop some 32 million travelers from visiting this year for the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long global celebration among the Catholic faith.

The Jubilee is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, reflection and faith renewal, said Caterina Rigoni, spokeswoman for the Jubilee.

“It is being celebrated throughout Rome through masses, processions and various religious and cultural events in the main basilicas, paying particular attention to the Vatican’s role as the heart of the Catholic faith,” he said. CNBC Travels.

It is being provided by the Italian Government Jubilee visas For travelers coming to Rome through trips organized by the local church.

The Jubilee began on December 24, when Pope Francis opened the first of the four “Holy Doors”. the tradition that dates back to at least the 1500s. The gates, usually sealed with mortar, are only opened during Jubilee years, which occur every 25 years.

Passing through the gates represents the washing away of sins and reconnecting with faith, and is the main reason pilgrims go to Rome to participate in the Jubilee.

Attendees can also do it as part of a pilgrimage. The “Seven Churches” It’s a 15th century ritual, and it’s a 15.5 kilometer walk from Vatican City to the outskirts of Rome. Meanwhile, “Patrons of Europe and Doctors of the Church” the pilgrimage allows visitors to learn about the holy women of Europe.

Several days have been organized for celebrations for specific groups. For example, From February 8 to 9 it is dedicated to the armed forces Teenage Jubileefrom April 25 to 27, it includes concerts in many Roman squares.

Rigoni said that the organizers of the Jubilee hope that these concerts will be well attended. He advised the attendees to plan all activities in advance and check the Jubilee website and app for updates.

Brandon Shaw, who lived and worked in Rome for 15 years and founded a tour company. Tour Guy In 2012, he recommends that Jubilee visitors stay in Prati, a neighborhood near the Vatican. Hotel Dei Mellini, Hotel One or Hotel NH Collection Rome Center.

For the best pizza in town, Shaw suggests travelers dine there Bonci bakery. For a more formal meal, he recommends Il Sorpasso. Both are within walking distance of the Vatican.

“There are no ancient ruins or important monuments in Prati, so it’s often overlooked by tourists, but that’s what makes it such a great place to stay. Lots of locals live there, and there’s a lot of open-air wine bars, fancy cocktail bars and restaurants. gourmet,” said Shaw, who now lives in Florida.

To enjoy Rome away from the Jubilee crowds, Shaw recommends visiting Catacombs Roman, underground tombs with crypts of notable popes and martyrs. It also suggests walking parts Appian WayThe ancient road that extended from Rome to the “heel” of Italy, and Aqueduct Park, It contains the remains of aqueducts built during the Roman Empire.

He said he was shooting two episodes”Italy’s dream,” a PBS travel series, met celebrity chef Massimo Bottura. He runs the world-renowned. Osteria Francescanaand by chance Franceschetta58he said he makes the best tortellini in the world.

“Modena is the Italy of 20 or 30 years ago, and I hope it never changes. It’s such a quaint city with no tourists or souvenir shops,” said McCabe, who lives in Colorado.

McCabe also filmed in Capua, about two hours south of Rome, which has an ancient amphitheater second only to the Roman Colosseum. Caserta, 20 minutes from Capua, is another favorite of McCabe’s, a royal palace “Versailles rivals” he said.

For foodies, McCabe said the northern cities of Bologna and Parma should be on the list.

McCabe, who has visited Italy more than 90 times and wants to live in Rome one day, says anti-crowds shouldn’t take out Rome in 2025.

“Rome is endless. Once you get beyond the big things to see, there are countless churches, museums, shops, restaurants and experiences,” McCabe said.

“If you have the chance to go to Rome, you should,” he said.