Wednesday, March 19, 2025
As the weather warms and nature begins to bloom, Rome offers an enticing springtime destination for travelers. With vibrant gardens, historic celebrations, and world-class art exhibitions, the Eternal City comes alive in a special way during this season. Visitors are drawn to the city’s cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty, especially as spring brings new opportunities to explore. The season also marks a particularly exciting time for the city as it prepares for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee.
The 2025 Jubilee: A Historic Spiritual Journey
The 2025 Jubilee has significant importance for Roman Catholics, having roots in Hebrew traditions. Historically, a Jubilee year was a time of rest, land restitution, and freeing slaves. In the Catholic Church, this special year takes place every 25 years and is dedicated to the remission of sins, reconciliation, conversion, and penitence.
The event begins with a grand ceremony, including the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on December 24, 2024. This sacred rite is performed by the Pope and symbolizes the start of a spiritual pilgrimage for many followers. The opening marks the beginning of a year-long series of spiritual and penitential events, which culminates in January 2026 with the closing of the Holy Door.
- The Jubilee runs from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026
- Key events include the opening of the Holy Door and pilgrimages to sacred sites.
The event is expected to attract pilgrims from around the world and has a profound spiritual and cultural impact, marking Rome as an essential destination for religious tourism in 2025.
Natale di Roma: Celebrating Rome’s Ancient Origins
On April 21, Rome commemorates its legendary founding in 753 BC by Romulus. Natale di Roma celebrates the city’s birth with grand events, including parades, gladiator reenactments, and other spectacular celebrations. The highlight is the parade at Circus Maximus, where over 1,500 participants don traditional Roman attire to reenact ancient rituals.
In addition to this historical festival, visitors can also explore the city’s beautiful gardens, such as the Roseto Comunale, a spectacular rose garden that opens its gates every year from April 21 to June 16. The garden is home to roses from around the world and is especially renowned for hosting the Premio Roma rose competition in May.
- Events include historical reenactments and a grand parade
- The Roseto Comunale offers an extraordinary display of global rose varieties.
Art Exhibitions to Look Forward to in Spring 2025
Spring 2025 will see an array of remarkable art exhibitions showcasing diverse periods and styles. Caravaggio 2025, running from March 7 to July 6, 2025, at the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini, will offer a rare and comprehensive collection of works by the famed Baroque artist. This exhibition is expected to provide deep insights into Caravaggio’s revolutionary influence on art.
Additionally, Munch: The Inner Scream, open from February 11 to June 2, 2025, at Palazzo Bonaparte, focuses on the works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. Munch’s exploration of human emotion will draw both art aficionados and newcomers alike. Another fascinating exhibition at the Capitoline Museums is The Farnese in 16th-Century Rome, running until May 18, 2025, which highlights the famed Farnese Collection of Renaissance-era masterpieces.
For those who love flowers and art, Flowers: From the Renaissance to Artificial Intelligence at the Chiostro del Bramante, running from February 14 to September 14, 2025, blends natural beauty with cutting-edge technology. The exhibition uses art, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to explore the theme of flowers across five centuries.
- Caravaggio 2025: A rare collection showcasing works by the Baroque master.
- Munch: The Inner Scream: An exploration of Edvard Munch’s emotive artworks.
- The Farnese in 16th-Century Rome: A prestigious collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
Culinary Delights to Pair with Art and Culture
No visit to Rome is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. After exploring art exhibitions, visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Roman dishes, from the Emilia region’s specialties at Colline Emiliane to Green T, which offers authentic Chinese cuisine. For a more refined dining experience, Idylio by Apreda, a Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Pantheon Iconic Hotel, is a must-try for food lovers.
- Da Armando al Pantheon: Enjoy classic Roman dishes.
- Idylio by Apreda: Experience Michelin-starred cuisine in a historical setting.
Preparing for the Crowds
As Rome prepares for major events in 2025, including the Jubilee and Natale di Roma, travelers are advised to plan their trips well in advance. Spring is already a popular time to visit, and with the influx of religious pilgrims, art enthusiasts, and cultural tourists, booking accommodations and tickets early will help ensure a smooth visit.
Rome in spring 2025 offers a unique blend of history, culture, art, and spirituality. Whether visiting for the Jubilee, exploring Natale di Roma, or admiring world-class art exhibitions, Rome will be a top destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the Eternal City’s beauty and legacy. This season promises to be a significant one for tourism, as the city not only celebrates its past but also embraces a vibrant future in art and culture. With its lively events, cultural richness, and world-class dining, Rome will undoubtedly continue to be a must-visit destination for travelers in 2025.
