Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
As Rome prepares for the Jubilee Year 2025, millions of pilgrims from around the world are expected to visit the Eternal City, eager to partake in its spiritual significance and long-standing traditions. This event, proclaimed by the Catholic Church, offers the faithful a unique opportunity for reflection, renewal, and indulgences. Central to the Jubilee are the Holy Doors and the ancient Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, deeply rooted in Roman history and spirituality.
For those staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located in the Prati district, this post provides a comprehensive guide to these key aspects of the Jubilee 2025.
The Jubilee: A Year of Spiritual Renewal
The Jubilee, or Holy Year, is a significant event in the Catholic tradition, celebrated every 25 years (with extraordinary Jubilees called occasionally). Its origins trace back to 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Jubilee. The primary aim is to encourage the faithful to seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and indulgences by participating in specific spiritual practices.
The Jubilee 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”, will open with the ceremony of the Holy Doors, symbolizing the path to salvation.
The Holy Doors: Gateways to Grace
One of the most iconic traditions of the Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Doors in Rome’s four major basilicas. These doors are usually sealed from the inside and are only opened during a Jubilee, symbolizing the passage from sin to grace.
- St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City): The most visited Holy Door, located at the heart of Christendom.
- St. John Lateran: The cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and considered the “mother of all churches.”
- St. Mary Major: Known for its stunning mosaics and the relic of the Holy Crib.
- St. Paul Outside the Walls: A majestic basilica dedicated to Saint Paul, where his tomb lies.
The Holy Doors will be ceremonially opened at the start of the Jubilee, likely in December 2024, and remain open until the Jubilee concludes in November 2025.
The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches
The Giro delle Sette Chiese (Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches) is a deeply rooted Roman tradition, revitalized in the 16th century by Saint Philip Neri. It invites pilgrims to visit seven significant churches in a single day as a spiritual journey of penance and reflection. The traditional route includes:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Center of the Christian world.
- St. Paul Outside the Walls: A testament to early Christian architecture.
- St. John Lateran: The Pope’s cathedral.
- St. Mary Major: A Marian sanctuary of global importance.
- San Sebastiano fuori le mura: Known for its ancient catacombs.
- San Lorenzo fuori le mura: Dedicated to the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence.
- Santa Croce in Gerusalemme: Houses relics of the Passion of Christ.
This pilgrimage combines profound spiritual significance with the beauty of Rome’s sacred sites, offering a unique way to experience the city’s history and devotion.
Why Rome During the Jubilee?
Rome during a Jubilee year is vibrant and full of spiritual energy. Pilgrims not only engage in religious traditions but also explore the city’s rich history, art, and culture. For guests at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, located near the Vatican and easily connected to Rome’s major sites, this is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Jubilee experience.
Our central location provides easy access to the Holy Doors, the Seven Churches, and other Jubilee events. After a day of spiritual exploration, relax on our terrace, surrounded by the serenity of Rome’s iconic skyline.
