The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee, a nearly year-long tradition dating back to the early 14th century. During Jubilee, which often occurs about every 25 years, Catholics are encouraged to make pilgrimages to holy places such as Italy to receive special indulgences, or forgiveness of sins.
More than 500,000 people have passed through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican since Christmas Eve, and more than 30 million people are expected to make the religious journey this year.
Travel advisors predict that people traveling for this purpose are likely to visit other destinations in Italy as the Jubilee Year continues. Italy was already facing the effects of overtourism.
Still, for travelers planning a trip, it’s wise to avoid certain cities and times of year when big events are held.
Some travelers, like Santiago Musferto, choose to go elsewhere.
Musfeldt is planning a big vacation with his wife and two sons to celebrate his 50th birthday in July. Their original plan was to travel across Italy, enjoying famous artworks and Italy’s famous cuisine.
When they learned that the trip coincided with Jubilee, they changed tack. They are now planning trips to Spain and the south of France instead.
“It’s like the Y2K of travel,” said Musfelt, who runs an advertising agency in Miami. “Everyone is afraid of this, but in the end it might be the same as any other year.”
The last Jubilee was unusual in 2015-2016. This year’s Jubilee begins on Christmas Eve and continues until the first week of 2026.
How bad will the congestion get?
Jubilee crowds are not necessarily evenly spread throughout the year. Certain special events are sure to draw more pilgrims to Rome. Sister Maria Juan Anderson, coordinator of the Vatican’s Office of Bishops for Visitors to the United States, said the new saints will be canonized at a special youth-themed event in late April.
It will also be crowded around major holidays such as Easter, she said. More crowds are usually expected during summer and school holidays.
Some travel advisors say they are suggesting their clients limit the amount of time they spend in Rome.
“What we’re saying is, if you want to go to Rome, that’s fine. Let’s plan for 2026,” says Co-managing partner of Florence-based travel company Authentic Explorations. says Jennifer Schwartz.
Other advisers have suggested that crowding levels could fall below worst-case predictions if enough non-religious tourists are discouraged from making the trek. Eli Wagner, founder of Wagner Bespoke Travel in Los Angeles, likens the situation to concerns about visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
“What we found was that people were so afraid to travel to Paris that Paris was actually very empty and very easy to get around,” she says. .
Still, Italy is about to have a record year in tourism. Destinations such as Florence, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast are expected to see similar levels of visitors this year, especially if Jubilee pilgrims extend their travels beyond the Eternal City.
Vyanka Hati, a 20-year-old student and clinical research assistant from Dallas, traveled to Rome with her family in late May as part of a trip to Europe. This choice also came with drawbacks.
“I think we’ve definitely lost a lot of flexibility because of the anniversary,” Hattie said. The family has already booked flights, hotels and tours, and the prices have increased significantly since they were booked.
One workaround that agents recommend for those with the means is to upgrade to a tour guide, which can guarantee front-of-the-line access to popular spots like the Colosseum. Luxury hotels may also feel less pressure to book, as many pilgrims travel with tour groups who stay in low-cost hotels outside Rome.
“If you’re traveling anywhere in Italy during the summer, you should make all your reservations by February,” says Jody Raines, a Dallas-based travel consultant with Strong Travel.
Where to find alternatives
Taking a direct flight or avoiding Rome’s airport could save you some headaches. Other Italian cities with direct flights from the US include Milan, Naples, and Venice. If you’re traveling further afield, keep in mind that your destination may have fewer train and hotel options.
Some advisors say they take clients outside of Italy to destinations such as Croatia and Spain. Others recommend spots further north.
Here are some regions within Italy that travelers should consider.
Dolomites: This mountain range in northern Italy is famous for its natural beauty and hiking. The event will take place during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Emilia-Romagna: This northern Italian region is the birthplace of Parmesan cheese, one of the top producers of products such as prosciutto and balsamic vinegar, and a food lover’s paradise.
Puglia: This region, which forms the heel of Italy, has emerged as an alternative for those seeking a coastal holiday. Besides its picturesque beaches, it is also known for its architectural importance.
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Email Jacob Passy at jacob.passy@wsj.com.
