The Jubilee in Rome is a unique event in the life of the Catholic Church — a time of pilgrimage, reflection, and renewal that transforms the Eternal City into a spiritual capital for millions of faithful from around the globe. At its heart are the Four Major Basilicas, whose Holy Doors are opened only during this extraordinary occasion.
But while the Jubilee is grand in scale, your experience doesn’t have to be rushed or crowded. With the right guidance and timing, you can visit these sacred places quietly and privately, discovering their history, beauty, and spiritual significance.
At YouLocal Rome, we offer exactly that: customized experiences that allow you to walk through the Jubilee not just as a tourist, but as a conscious traveler — and a pilgrim.
What Is the Jubilee in Rome?
The Jubilee Year is a special period in the Catholic tradition that invites believers to receive forgiveness and grace through pilgrimage, penance, and prayer. It was first proclaimed in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII and has since evolved into a recurring event, held every 25 years — with 2025 being the next scheduled Jubilee.
A key ritual of the Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Doors at Rome’s Four Major Basilicas. Pilgrims who walk through them in a state of grace and meet the spiritual conditions (confession, Eucharist, prayer for the Pope’s intentions) receive a plenary indulgence, a total remission of temporal punishment due to sin.
Keep reading: Jubilee 2025: History, Meaning, and How to Experience It with Rome Local Tours
The Four Major Basilicas of Rome
These are not just important churches — they are living symbols of Christian history, architecture, and faith. During the Jubilee, visiting each of them becomes a central act of pilgrimage. Let’s explore what makes each one so unique.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano)
Location: Vatican City
Why it’s important:
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most iconic church in Christianity, built over the burial site of Saint Peter, the first pope. Commissioned in the 16th century, its design brought together some of the greatest artists in Western history — Michelangelo, Bramante, Bernini — and it remains a masterpiece of High Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
What to see:
- The Dome: Designed by Michelangelo, offering panoramic views of the city.
- The Pietà: A marble sculpture by Michelangelo, crafted when he was only 24.
- St. Peter’s Tomb and the Vatican Grottoes: Located beneath the main altar.
- The Holy Door: Open only during Jubilee years, it symbolizes the path to salvation.
Tip from YouLocal Rome: Early mornings are best to enjoy the vast interior in silence. Our private guides know hidden corners — like the spot where Pope John Paul II prayed quietly after hours.
2. St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
Location: South-east of the Colosseum
Why it’s important:
Though less known than St. Peter’s, this is actually the Cathedral of Rome, and the official seat of the Pope. It’s the oldest basilica in the Western world, consecrated in 324 AD by Emperor Constantine, and it holds the title: Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput (“Mother and Head of all churches in the City and the World”).
What to see:
- The Papal Throne: Still used for liturgical events by the Pope.
- The 12 Apostles Statues: Towering Baroque sculptures lining the nave.
- The Holy Stairs (Scala Santa): Believed to have been walked on by Jesus in Jerusalem, brought to Rome by St. Helena.
- The Holy Door: Like the others, it is opened only during the Jubilee.
Tip from YouLocal Rome: With the right timing, you can enter through the Holy Door and meditate along the vast nave in peace — especially early or late in the day.
3. St. Mary Major (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)
Location: Near Termini Station, on the Esquiline Hill
Why it’s important:
St. Mary Major is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Built in the 5th century, it still retains its early Christian structure, with stunning golden mosaics, relics, and a sense of continuous devotion through the centuries.
What to see:
- 5th-Century Mosaics: In the nave and triumphal arch — among the oldest Marian artworks in the world.
- The Crypt of the Nativity: Said to house relics of Jesus’ manger.
- Cappella Sistina (not the Vatican one): A richly decorated side chapel containing the tombs of several popes.
- The Holy Door: A modest portal that opens into one of Rome’s most sacred spaces.
Tip from YouLocal Rome: Visit at sunrise when the church is calm, and Gregorian chants echo softly during morning liturgy. A magical experience.
4. St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
Location: Southern Rome, on the Via Ostiense
Why it’s important:
This basilica was built on the site of Saint Paul’s tomb and was once the second largest church in Christendom. It was destroyed by fire in 1823 but meticulously rebuilt to reflect its original grandeur.
What to see:
- St. Paul’s Tomb: Directly under the main altar.
- Portraits of All Popes: From Peter to the present, arranged in medallions.
- The Cloister: A peaceful garden area perfect for reflection.
- The Holy Door: Marks the entry into the church’s spiritual path during Jubilee years.
Tip from YouLocal Rome: Far from the city center, this basilica is less visited, making it perfect for slow, meditative visits — especially at dusk or just after Vespers.
How to Visit Them Privately with YouLocal Rome
During the Jubilee in Rome, these basilicas will be open to millions. But with YouLocal Rome, you can visit them like a true local — quietly, personally, and with reverence.
What we offer:
- Private, early-access tours to avoid crowds
- Guides with local insight and spiritual context
- Custom pilgrim walks connecting the four basilicas
- Access to lesser-known chapels and sacred areas
- A journey tailored to your pace, interests, and spirituality
Whether you’re seeking silent contemplation, architectural marvels, or sacred history, we help you uncover the heart of the Jubilee through meaningful, private experiences.
Ready for Your Private Jubilee Experience?
The 2025 Jubilee Year will be monumental — but you don’t have to follow the crowds to find its soul. Let us help you cross the Holy Doors in peace, walk ancient paths with purpose, and see Rome through the eyes of those who truly love it.
Contact YouLocal Rome today to begin your personalized pilgrimage through the Four Major Basilicas.
YouLocal Rome — Experience the Jubilee not just as a visitor!
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