Rome braces for record crowds as Holy Year begins
The authorities in Rome announced that during the first month of the Holy Year, the city welcomed over a million pilgrims. This unique event attracts the faithful and tourists worldwide, with impressive numbers.
The Holy Year in Rome, which occurs every 25 years, commenced with enormous interest, as confirmed by data presented by city officials. During this extraordinary jubilee, the Holy Doors are opened in four papal basilicas, and the faithful are invited to pass through. The celebration will continue until January 6, 2026.
Pilgrims flock to Rome
More than a million pilgrims arrived in the Eternal City in just one month, eager to pass through the Holy Doors of the Vatican Basilica and other significant churches.
During a special session at the Roman Capitol, Mariano Angelucci, the chairman of the tourism commission, emphasized that this number pertains exclusively to those arriving for religious reasons. He also noted that since the end of January, the city has experienced an increased influx of tourists, further boosting the local economy.
Angelucci assured that Rome is well-prepared to accommodate this large number of guests. "There is no reason to worry about chaos," he said, adding that the situation in the city has significantly improved following numerous renovations completed in 2024. Access to many monuments was restricted at that time, leading to tourist dissatisfaction.
The city stresses that it maintains control over the situation; however, there is no denying that such several visitors result in crowds at the most popular sites and congestion in public transportation, which many travellers have expressed concerns about.
The largest influx is yet to come
Agostino Miozzo from the Holy Year organizing committee added that they are currently receiving positive feedback from ambassadors and consuls. The biggest challenge, however, will be the upcoming Youth Jubilee, scheduled for the end of July and August. Another million people are expected to arrive, and city authorities report that about 450,000 young people are still seeking accommodation for this period.
