Laden with history, picturesque monuments and pasta, Rome is never short of tourists – but a special event being held throughout 2025 will likely see the narrow streets become even more crowded.

In May, Pope Francis officially confirmed 2025 to be a Jubilee year; the event has been held every 25 years, or on certain special occasions, since 1470.

Beginning on December 24, 2024, and ending on January 6, 2026, the Holy Year is expected to bring about 32 million pilgrims to Rome.

If the city simultaneously plays host to 35 million regular tourists, as it reportedly did in 2023, there may not be much breathing room left over.

With tourists and locals bemoaning the effects of overtourism worldwide, it might be worth giving Rome a miss next year unless you want to participate in the religious celebrations.

Even months out from the event, Rome is lacking its usual glory as officials scramble to make about $6.6 billion worth of long-overdue upgrades before the Jubilee.

As of July, 3200 public construction works are under way, including 322 projects that are deemed essential for the Jubilee.

The city is also likely using the renovations to improve its chances of winning the next bid to host the World Expo, which it lost to Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh last year.

Frustrating disruptions

Since as early as May, tourists have posted footage on social media of major attractions, such as the Piazza Navona fountain and the Colosseum’s exterior, partially or entirely blocked by barricades and scaffolding.

Some social media users who already had tickets to visit Rome said they were “devastated” by the public works, while others who had already been said the city was still enjoyable to visit.

@cherylosophy don’t worry, Rome is still a beautiful city to visit! There’s a lot of construction in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee but many tourist sites remain open 🤍✨ #rome #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp #roma #italy #italia #summer2024 ♬ original sound – Our Awesome World 🌎

The works range from repaving piazzas to building 5G infrastructure and a new metro line (worth about $6.6 billion on its own) that will run underneath the Colosseum.

Aside from blockages of certain sites, disruptions include buses temporarily replacing some trams and the closure of two metro stations for revamps, including one near the Spanish Steps.

There was also a reported shortage of taxis in May, but Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said at the time that an extra 1000 taxi licences had been approved and would be in use by December.

@eleonora_171717 POV: You came to Rome, and there are construction sites everywhere in preparation for the Jubilee. #Roma #rome #italy ♬ Che La Luna – Louis Prima

What is a Jubilee?

A Jubilee is marked by the promotion of reconciliation and hope, and is a time when Catholics can obtain ‘indulgences’ (a reduction or elimination of punishment for sin) if they fulfil certain conditions or make pilgrimages.

The 2025 celebrations will begin when Pope Francis opens the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica, inviting pilgrims to visit the tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

In a break from tradition, Pope Francis also plans to open a Holy Door in a prison “as a sign inviting prisoners to look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence”.