Everything you need to know about the Holy Year of Rome

This is the year of the Jubilee: in the coming months, faithful and curious people from all over the world will gather in Rome to experience an important period of reflection. The Eternal City will serve as the stage for major events, and the anticipation for the Jubilee 2025 is palpable as you stroll through its streets, adorned with architectural wonders and priceless treasures.

If you want to go to Rome to experience the Jubilee firsthand and, why not, the unique atmosphere that the Capital is able to offer, you are in the right place: we have prepared a guide to tell you about some of the most important places of the Holy Year and several prestigious hotels for the Jubilee, perfect for an unforgettable stay. 

What is the 2025 Jubilee?

The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is considered a period of grace and spiritual forgiveness. It is proclaimed every 25 years, and during this time, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence through specific pilgrimages and religious practices. This edition of the Jubilee also places particular emphasis on the themes of social inclusion and environmental sustainability, in line with the messages of the current Pontiff.

When does the Jubilee begin and when does it end? The Holy Year began on 24 December 2024 at 7:00 PM, when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. It is set to conclude on 6 January 2026, traditionally marking the end of the Christmas season celebrations.

The locations of the Jubilee: the Papal Basilicas 

The Jubilee presents a rich calendar of events involving many squares in Rome, which will host cultural, artistic and spiritual activities, as well as debates, dialogues and discussions on a wide range of issues. The main places of the Jubilee, however, correspond to the four Papal Basilicas: St. Peter's in Vatican City, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the largest church in the world, is the focal point and heart of the entire Holy Year. It is here, in fact, that the Pope will celebrate the most important Masses, and various gatherings with the faithful will take place. The Basilica also houses numerous artistic treasures to admire. Among the most famous are Michelangelo's Pietà, Canova's monument to Clement XIII, the gilded bronze tomb of Innocent VIII by Pollaiolo, and the Chair of St. Peter in the apse.

Basilica of St. John Lateran

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is located near Mount Celio and is the oldest of the Papal Basilicas in Rome. The interiors, shaped by Borromini's vision, house works by Giotto, such as Boniface VIII Proclaims the Jubilee of 1300, frescoes by Ligorio and Daniele da Volterra, the imposing statues of the 12 Apostles, the Papal Altar with the tabernacle, and frescoes by Barna da Siena. In addition, the relics of the apostles Peter and Paul are kept above the Altar. 

St. Mary Major 

The imposing Basilica of St. Mary Major enjoys a unique position, rising on the Esquiline, the highest and most extensive of the seven Roman hills. Another characteristic element of this church is that, unlike the other basilicas, it has maintained its original early Christian plan. Entering, you can admire the imposing central nave with its mosaics, the arch of the 5th century and Giuliano da Sangallo's ceiling.

Paul's Outside the Walls

Located along the Via Ostiense, this papal basilica is named after the remains of St. Paul the Apostle, which are preserved inside. Due to its extraordinary beauty and historical significance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. Inside, it houses invaluable works such as the portico, the statue of St. Paul, medallions depicting the Apostles, and mosaics by Luigi Poletti. 

Seven Churches pilgrimage route

In addition to the four Papal Basilicas of Rome that we've mentioned, there are three more churches – St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, Holy Cross in Jerusalem, and St. Sebastian Outside the Walls – which together form the traditional Seven Churches pilgrimage route. A pilgrimage of fundamental importance, inherited by the Romans from St. Philip Neri in the 16th century.

Where to stay for the 2025 Jubilee: the best hotels in Rome

If you're coming from outside Rome and want to fully experience the Jubilee while staying in the city for a few days, we suggest several hotels characterised by great elegance, exquisite hospitality, and high-level services, as well as a strategic location perfect for moving around the capital with ease.

Maison Roma Piazza di Spagna | UNA Esperienze: between art and elegance

A design hotel converted from an ancient college, the Maison Roma Piazza di Spagna | UNA Esperienze blends the old and the new in harmony. The hotel has undergone a recent and significant renovation, while still retaining its aesthetic connection to art. 

The rooms and common areas are indeed characterised by a unique atmosphere: for example, the lobby features a vaulted ceiling created from a restored ancient chapel, while the bar counter has been crafted from an old altar. 

The property offers a unique location: it is situated on the historic and picturesque Via Margutta, a famous meeting point for the artists of the Dolce Vita era – Federico Fellini lived here for several years – and remains home to ateliers, antique shops, and art galleries to this day. From here, in a few minutes' walk, you can reach the Spanish Steps and the Barcaccia Fountain, but also Via Condotti and the Trevi Fountain.  

UNAHOTELS Trastevere Roma, in the heart of Rome

UNA HOTELS Trastevere Roma is located in the homonymous district, considered one of the liveliest in the city. This district offers many taverns, bars and shops, and is characterised by a strong spirit of authenticity that will make you feel at home immediately. 

The hotel offers 95 bright and fresh rooms, ideal for both couples and families. The flagship of the structure, however, is its unmissable roof terrace: located on the seventh floor, it offers a unique view of the historic centre of Rome. The terrace is home to the Vista Trastevere Roof Bar & Restaurant, ideal for aperitifs and dinners in which the Eternal City is the backdrop.

UNAHOTELS Decò Roma, a stone's throw from the centre

UNA HOTELS Decò Roma offers an excellent location, especially ideal if you're arriving in Rome by train: the property is located in Via Giovanni Amendola, easily accessible on foot from Termini station. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by exceptional hospitality and captivating architectural design, inspired by the Art Deco style that characterises the interiors. 

At the hotel, you will find the prestigious Grande Gatsby Bar & Restaurant: offering both traditional dishes and international recipes, this renowned restaurant is capable of satisfying even the most discerning palates, ensuring a high-level lunch or dinner experience. Whether on foot or by metro, from here you can easily move around to explore the main attractions of the capital. 

UNAWAY Hotel Empire Roma, relaxation and comfort

Near the famous Via Veneto, once a meeting point for Hollywood actors and prominent personalities, stands the UNA HOTELS Empire Roma, a four-star hotel housed in a 19th-century building. Perfect for reaching some of the most famous places in the Eternal City, this hotel has a refined internal courtyard where you can relax by taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying an aperitif. 

The Jubilee, in addition to being an important moment of prayer and reflection, can also be an opportunity to rediscover the great artistic heritage of Rome. 2025 is the right year to visit the Eternal City: our facilities are ready to welcome you and guarantee you the best of experiences.