Additionally, the Queen has a strong personal connection to Italy, having spent time there during her younger years. The trip is seen as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties between the UK and Italy.Should you still travel to Italy?With the expected influx of visitors to Rome for the jubilee year, it is important to consider the potential crowds and increased security measures in the city. The UK Foreign Office has advised tourists to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.If you are planning to travel to Italy during this time, it is recommended to book accommodations and transportation well in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.Overall, the Catholic jubilee year in Italy is a significant event for Catholics around the world, and the King and Queen’s visit highlights the importance of this occasion in strengthening international relations and promoting unity among different faiths. Due to the 88-year-old pontiff’s recovery from pneumonia, the scheduled private meeting between the King and Queen has been delayed. Instead, Charles and Camilla will embark on a historic visit to the Papal Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls, with the King becoming the first British monarch to address the Italian parliament. This visit follows Queen Elizabeth II’s meeting with Pope John Paul II during the last jubilee in 2000.Regarding travel to Italy this year, the UK Foreign Office warns that Rome will be very busy, especially during major jubilee events. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, book accommodations, transportation, and attraction tickets in advance, and expect crowds and potential delays in public transportation. Events are scheduled throughout the year, with May and June having the most listings, including specific activities for different groups and special exhibitions in museums.For those interested in participating in the jubilee or organizing a pilgrimage, a Pilgrim’s card is required. This can be obtained for free from the jubilee website or official app. Despite the increased tourism, Rome and other parts of Italy have undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the jubilee, funded by state and European resources. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri views this event as an opportunity to make structural changes and transform the city, with numerous public construction projects underway. Catholic Jubilee: King and Queen’s Visit to Italy – Should You Still Travel?

The King and Queen have embarked on a three-day state visit to Italy to celebrate the Catholic jubilee year, a rare event that occurs only once every 25 years. During their trip, Charles and Camilla will participate in various public and diplomatic engagements in Rome and Ravenna.

This year, Rome is expecting an influx of visitors, with an estimated 30 to 32 million people traveling to the city for the jubilee, compared to the usual 10 million visitors. The jubilee, also known as the holy year, began on December 24, 2024, and will continue until January 6, 2026.

As part of the jubilee celebrations, the Pope opened several Holy Doors at significant locations, including churches and even a prison. Pilgrims visiting Rome during a jubilee year aim to pass through at least one of these Holy Doors as a symbolic gesture.

Despite being the head of the Church of England, the King is scheduled to meet the Pope during this jubilee year, marking a significant step forward in relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. This meeting is seen as an important event by Buckingham Palace. Image: Trevi Fountain under restoration in Rome. Pic: PA Pic: Reuters/Yara Nardi

Tips from a tour guide

Livia, a European tour guide for operator Scott Dunn, said for people planning to visit the Italian capital this year, «timing is everything».

She recommends tourists visit major sites such as the Vatican and Colosseum earlier in the morning rather than in the afternoon and on weekdays rather than weekends.

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Livia added that visiting «lesser-known neighbourhoods to see some of the more local areas» will also give tourists a more authentic Roman experience without huge crowds.

«Wander the quiet, charming streets of Garbatella, and lose yourself in Monti, home to eclectic boutiques and traditional Roman trattorias,» she said.

Image: Reuters Pic: Reuters

A view shows a construction site in Piazza Pia near the Vatican in July 2024. Pic: Reuters

Tourists crowd in front of a barrier at the Trevi Fountain. Pic: AP

Tips from a tour guide

Livia, a European tour guide for operator Scott Dunn, said for people planning to visit the Italian capital this year, «timing is everything». She recommends tourists visit major sites such as the Vatican and Colosseum earlier in the morning rather than in the afternoon and on weekdays rather than weekends.

Livia added that visiting «lesser-known neighborhoods to see some of the more local areas» will also give tourists a more authentic Roman experience without huge crowds. «Wander the quiet, charming streets of Garbatella, and lose yourself in Monti, home to eclectic boutiques and traditional Roman trattorias,» she said.

The King and Queen have begun a three-day state visit to Italy, where they will celebrate the Catholic jubilee year, an event that only happens every 25 years. The trip will see Charles and Camilla attend a series of public and diplomatic events in the capital, Rome, and the city of Ravenna.

This year, Rome expects to welcome three times its normal number of visitors – between 30 and 32 million, compared to an average of 10 million – as Catholics travel to the city for the jubilee, which marks a time of pilgrimage, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The jubilee, also known as the holy year, officially began on 24 December 2024 and will run until 6 January 2026.

With major events throughout the year, Rome will be particularly busy – so much so that the UK Foreign Office has updated its advice for tourists planning to travel there.

What is a jubilee?

A jubilee year is a time for Catholics to «re-establish a proper relationship with God, one another and with all of creation», according to the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Each jubilee year starts with the Pope opening the Holy Doors at St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve in the Vatican City. This represents the passage from sin to grace and new beginnings. The pontiff then opens a further four Holy Doors which remain open for the entire year.

Pope Francis opening the Holy Door on Christmas Eve. Pic: Reuters

This jubilee year, the Pope opened San Giovanni in Laterano (St John Lateran) on 29 December, Santa Maria Maggiore (St Mary Major) on 1 January and St Paul’s Outside the Walls on 5 January. For the first time, he also opened a Holy Door at a prison. He opened one at Rebibbia new complex prison in Rome on 26 December as a gesture of hope for prisoners. As the pontiff, the Pope has the authority to proclaim any church door as a Holy Door. The goal of pilgrims who travel to Rome during a jubilee year is to pass through at least one of the Holy Doors.

The Pope opening the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison, in Rome. Pic: Reuters

In conclusion, the Catholic jubilee year in Italy is a significant event that attracts millions of visitors to Rome. Tourists are advised to plan their visits carefully to avoid crowds and make the most of their experience in the city. The opening of the Holy Doors by the Pope marks the beginning of the jubilee year, a time for spiritual renewal and reflection for Catholics around the world. Pic: Reuters/Vatican Pic: Reuters

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