Milan Cathedral (better known as Duomo of Milan), or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. It has an eastern apse that is French Gothic with a profusion of pinnacles, flying buttresses, and intricate tracery window panels; an octagonal Renaissance cupola; an 18th-century spire; and a Neoclassical facade with bronze doors installed in the 20th century. Photo: Rama Gaind.
If visiting Italy is on the cards for you in 2025, be conscious of predictions that a staggering 35 million visitors are expected to descend there this year due to a major religious event that takes place only once every 25 years!
That’s the forecast – nearly triple the 13 million visitors seen in 2024 – from Italy’s National Tourist Research Institute.
Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, reflection and grace. The event that kicked off the jubilee was the unlocking of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve last year. It heralded the start of a historic event that will end with the closing of the Holy Door on 6 January, 2026, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
Even though the four major basilicas of Rome – St Peter’s, St John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Walls and St Mary Major – have opened their doors, most of the jubilee activities will be held at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and St Peter’s Square.
The theme for 2025 is ‘’Pilgrims of Hope’, a call for renewed hope and faith in the face of adversity. It was chosen to reflect the world’s current challenges, such as war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.
Meticulous preparation will be crucial to avoid disappointment, and making the most of your holiday during this historic occasion.
The church of Santi Simeone e Giuda, better known as San Simeon Piccolo, is perhaps one of the best-known monuments in the city of Venice. With all its majestic bulk, it stands on the Grand Canal, opposite the Santa Lucia train station, and is the first thing you see of the city when you arrive by train. Photo: Rama Gaind.
Even Smartraveller advises taking care with plans for holidays in Italy.
“A large number of visitors, including pilgrims, are expected and there’s likely to be a high demand for accommodation. Disruptions to traffic routes, an increased risk of petty crime and limited taxi availability due to overcrowding could occur. If you’re visiting Rome during this time, plan accordingly and make early preparations.” Check entry and exit conditions, fee requirements, tourist taxes and other relevant costs.
Italy consistently ranks as one of the top-five destinations Australians want to visit. With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe (behind London and Paris) and the 14th worldwide. Rome attracts visitors who come to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites, not to mention its renowned cuisine and lively atmosphere.
Walking through this City of Seven Hills is not just about touring an ancient metropolis full of archaeological remains. It was called the ‘‘Eternal City’’ by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, this city would always remain standing.
With more than 16 million visitors a year, tourism in Rome is unstoppable!
St Peter’s Basilica is a church of the Italian High Renaissance, in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within Rome. St Peter’s Square is a large plaza directly in front of St Peter’s Basilica. Photo: Supplied.
The five most visited places in the capital are: the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel and the Roman Forum. Exploring the city centre by foot surrounded by splendid monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the glory that was Rome.
In addition to exploring the Vatican City while on your Italian sojourn, you can also discover the canals of Venice, admire art in Florence, discover the ruins of Pompeii, enjoy the Amalfi Coast and indulge in some R&R under the Tuscan sun.
St Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within Rome. St Peter’s Square is a large plaza directly in front of St Peter’s Basilica.
Milan Cathedral, or Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, is the cathedral church of Milan, in the Lombardy region. It took nearly six centuries to complete: construction began in 1386, and the final details were completed in 1965. It is the largest church in the Italian Republic.
A small church with a large presence, San Simeone Piccolo is in the Santa Croce district of Venice, northern Italy. From across the Grand Canal, it faces the railroad terminal serving as the entry point for most visitors to the city.
Your vacation in Italy will be nothing short of unforgettable: there are landscapes that will take your breath away, rich history and delicious food.
Italy’s summer 2025 tourism boom, on the other hand, could disrupt your travel plans, with expected record-breaking crowds. Unless you specifically plan to go on the pilgrimage, it may be a good idea to avoid the stampede and postpone your visit. Go there in 2026, when it will be a little less hectic!
