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

Vatican City is the most populous and the smallest country in the world.

That hasn’t stopped an estimated 32 million travelers from visiting this year for Jubilee 2025.

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

He told CNBC Travel: “Alu is being celebrated all over Rome with masses, processions and various religious and cultural events in major basilicas, with special attention given to the Vatican’s role as the heart of Catholicism.”

The Italian government is giving. Jubilee visas For travelers coming to Italy on trips organized by local churches.

The Jubilee began on December 24, the first of the four “Holy Doors” opened by Pope Francis in 2011. Tradition This is at least 1500. The doors, usually sealed with mortar, only in the jubilee years that happen every 25 years.

Passing through the gates symbolizes the purification of sins and re-connection with the faith, and is the main reason why pilgrims go to Rome to participate in the Jubilee.

Attendees can make a pilgrimage in Hajj. of “Seven Churches.” The route is a 16th-century ritual that involves a 15.5-mile walk from Vatican City to the outskirts of Rome. Meanwhile, “European Fathers and Doctors of the Church”. The pilgrimage allows visitors to learn about the female saints of Europe.

Several days are set aside for celebrations of certain groups. example – From February 8 to 9 It was given to the Defense Forces Youth JubileeIt includes concerts in several Roman piazzas from April 25 to 27.

Rigoni said Jubilee organizers are expecting these concerts to be well attended. He advised participants to plan all activities in advance and check the Jubilee website and app for updates.

Brandon Shaw, who has lived and worked in Rome for 15 years and co-founded the travel company he runs. The tour guide In the year In 2012 he recommends that visitors to the Jubilee stay in Prati, a neighborhood near the Vatican. Hotel Dei Mellini, Hotel one Or Hotel NH Collection Roma Centro.

For the best pizza in town, Shaw recommends travelers eat it Bonchi bakery. For a more formal meal, he recommends Il Sourpasso. Both are within walking distance of the Vatican.

“Prati is not home to ancient ruins or major monuments, so it is often overlooked by tourists, but that makes it a great place to stay. It is home to many locals and many al fresco wineries. Bars, stylish cocktail lounges and gourmet restaurants, now said Shaw, who is based in Florida.

To enjoy Rome away from the Jubilee crowd, Shaw recommends visiting. Catacombs Of Rome, these are underground burial sites that contain the mysteries of famous popes and martyrs. It also suggests walking classes Appian WayAn ancient road stretching from Rome to the “heel” of Italy and Aqueduct Park, It contains the remains of aqueducts built during the Roman Empire.

She said this when filming two serials.Italian dream“She met Massimo Bottura, a celebrity chef on a travel series that aired on PBS. Osteria FrancescanaAnd more ordinary Franceshetta58She says this makes the best tortellini in the world.

“Modena is the Italy you dreamed of 20 or 30 years ago, and I hope it never changes. It’s a beautiful town with no tourists or souvenir shops,” said McCabe, who is based in Colorado.

McCabe filmed two hours south of Rome in Capua, an ancient amphitheater second only to the nearby Colosseum in Rome. Caserta, about 20 minutes from Capua, is another McCabe favorite, a royal palace “Rivals of Versailles,” she said.

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

McCabe, who has visited Italy more than 90 times and aspires to live in Rome one day, said that by 2025, people who hate people should not be writing about Rome.

“Rome is endless. Once you get past the great things to see, there are tons of churches, museums, shops, restaurants and experiences,” McBee said.

“If you ever get a chance to go to Rome, you should,” she said.