St. Peter’s Basilica and the Closing of the Holy Doors
With today being the Feast of the Epiphany, St. Peter’s Basilica officially closed the Holy Doors that had been open throughout the Jubilee year. This ceremonial act marks the formal conclusion of the Jubilee in the Vatican, symbolizing mercy, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal.
Experiencing Rome During the Jubilee
We were fortunate to spend many weeks in Italy during the Jubilee year. While some predicted that Rome and other Italian cities would be overcrowded, we found the city’s energy and vibrancy exciting rather than overwhelming.
During the Christmas through Epiphany holidays, Rome was lively but manageable. Streets like Via del Corso and Via Condotti were filled with locals and tourists shopping and enjoying a passeggiata. Italian cities feel distinctly different from U.S. cities, with bustling foot traffic and a sense of everyday life intertwined with celebration.
Italian Family Culture
One of the most remarkable aspects of traveling in Italy is how families go out together. Children, parents, grandparents, and extended family stroll side by side, creating a sense of warmth and community throughout the city.
Piazza Life and Markets
Rome’s baroque piazzas, such as Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, were full of life. We shopped daily for fresh bread, meats, fruits, and vegetables, and spent afternoons exploring the Piazza Navona Christmas market. Even amidst Jubilee crowds, the city retained its charm and liveliness.
Passing Through the Holy Doors: A Personal Reflection
Passing through history! ItalianTourism.us team & Lorena Basualdo enter the Holy Door (Porta Santa) at St. Peter’s Basilica for the Jubilee.
One of the most lasting impressions of our Jubilee travels was experiencing the Holy Doors firsthand. Last Christmas, we had the extraordinary opportunity to pass through the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica during the opening of the Jubilee year. Walking through that sacred portal felt deeply symbolic—a personal connection to a year dedicated to mercy, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Later in the fall, we passed through another Holy Door at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a site made even more poignant by recent events. Pope Francis had passed away during the Jubilee season, and his tomb was laid to rest at Mary Maggiore.
Experiencing multiple Holy Doors in a single year, alongside the mourning of a pope, created a profound sense of continuity and reverence.
For travelers, this underscores that Rome’s basilicas remain destinations of spiritual and historical significance long after the Jubilee ends.
Santa Maria Maggiore, in particular, will continue to draw visitors inspired by both the Holy Door tradition and the resting place of a modern pope, offering a meaningful layer to any itinerary.
Rome’s Improvements for Visitors
The Jubilee year brought several lasting improvements to Rome’s infrastructure that benefit visitors in 2026 and beyond:
Cleaner Monuments and Streets
Many iconic sites, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona, received deep cleaning and restoration. The result is more photogenic, well-maintained landmarks that make sightseeing more enjoyable.
Upgraded Subway Stations
Rome’s subway system has seen improvements, including renovated stations, better lighting, updated signage, and clearer connections to major tourist sites. While the subway is still busy, it is more efficient and user-friendly than in past years.
Clean, Paid Public Bathrooms
Rome has increased the number of clean public restrooms, particularly in high-traffic areas:
- Termini Station has well-maintained, paid bathrooms that are safe and hygienic.
- Other clean options are available at major museums, airports, and shopping centers.
Carrying small change for access ensures convenience while exploring the city.
Overall Visitor-Friendly Enhancements
- Better signage at major landmarks and streets
- Improved pedestrian access and safety in busy squares
- Enhanced lighting in historic areas, making evening walks safer and more enjoyable
These improvements make navigating Rome more comfortable and stress-free for tourists, even during busy seasons.
Looking Ahead: Italy in 2026
2026 promises another exciting year in Italy. While the Jubilee closed on January 6, the country will soon host the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, beginning February 6, 2026.
Events will be held across northern Italy, drawing global attention and visitors to cities and mountain regions beyond Rome.
For travelers planning an Italy trip in 2026, the Jubilee year shows that Italy remains vibrant but manageable. With clean monuments, upgraded subway stations, and improved public amenities, tourists can enjoy both convenience and authenticity.
Practical Travel Tips for 2026
- Book major sites early to avoid crowds
- Explore neighborhoods by foot to capture local culture
- Enjoy piazzas and markets—they remain the heart of Italian life
Rome and Italy continue to balance lively tourism with cultural preservation, making 2026 an excellent time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Rome After the Jubilee
Yes. Rome remains an excellent destination after the Jubilee, with cleaner monuments, improved public transportation, and upgraded visitor facilities. For travelers booking Rome vacation packages in 2026, the city offers the same iconic sights with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Crowds are expected to return to normal seasonal levels in 2026. While popular areas like the Vatican, Piazza Navona, and the Colosseum will always be busy, Rome in 2026 should feel manageable and enjoyable, especially for travelers on guided Italy tour packages.
Yes. All major Rome sightseeing attractions—including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and Santa Maria Maggiore—remain fully open. While the Holy Doors are closed, these historic sites continue to be highlights of most Italy vacation itineraries.
Rome has implemented several lasting upgrades, including:
— Cleaner and restored monuments
— Improved subway stations with better lighting and signage
— More clean, paid public bathrooms, including at Roma Termini
These changes make Rome more comfortable and visitor-friendly for travelers booking Italy tours.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will primarily impact northern Italy. Rome and central Italy remain ideal destinations and can be easily combined with northern regions in customized Italy tour packages.
Luxury Travel Advisor & Co-Founder of ItalianTourism.us
Lorena Basualdo is a luxury travel advisor and co-founder of ItalianTourism.us, specializing exclusively in Italy vacations. With years of hands-on experience designing escorted tours and custom itineraries, she helps travelers navigate Italy’s complex logistics, seasonal crowds, and cultural nuances with confidence.
Her travel insights have been featured in Express.co.uk and The Independent, where she shares expert perspectives on planning meaningful, well-paced trips to Italy. Lorena travels to Italy regularly, experiencing destinations across different regions and seasons to ensure her advice reflects real-world conditions — not theory.
ItalianTourism.us is a proud member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and is licensed and bonded in Florida (DBPR ST41458), providing travelers with added peace of mind and professional accountability.
Lorena also writes about art, culture, and travel experiences on Substack, offering a more personal perspective on Italy beyond the itinerary.
Lorena personally oversees itinerary design and traveler support, ensuring clients work directly with an experienced advisor — not a call center.
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