Jubilee 2025: discovering the masterpieces of sacred art in Rome

Jubilee 2025 is bringing millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to Rome. The Eternal City has already become a crossroads of spirituality, culture, and art, where every day thousands of people cross the Holy Doors and follow the jubilee routes. Beyond its deep religious significance, the Jubilee offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore Rome’s sacred art, a priceless heritage that has blended faith and beauty for centuries.

Jubilee 2025: a celebration of faith and culture already underway

The Jubilee, or Holy Year, is a time dedicated to forgiveness, reconciliation, and mercy. Rome, at the heart of Catholicism, is welcoming the faithful and visitors eager to experience the Jubilee while admiring the city’s artistic and architectural treasures.
For many, the pilgrimage is also a journey into Rome’s sacred art: a rich and remarkable heritage of basilicas, extraordinary museums, and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

The four Papal Basilicas: the heart of the Jubilee 2025

The four papal basilicas are at the heart of Jubilee 2025, essential stops along the spiritual and artistic journey.

St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican)

The iconic symbol of Christianity, welcoming pilgrims beneath its majestic dome designed by Michelangelo. Visitors can admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s grand Baldachin, making it one of the greatest examples of sacred art in Rome.

Basilica of St. John Lateran

The Cathedral of Rome and the Pope’s official seat, home to monumental statues of the Apostles, magnificent mosaics, and Borromini’s architectural refinements.

Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

One of Rome’s oldest basilicas, it preserves perfectly maintained 5th-century Christian mosaics. The side chapels, including the Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the Vatican’s) and the Pauline Chapel, enrich the visit.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This basilica houses the tomb of the Apostle Paul and features famous mosaics and a magnificent medieval cloister, a true architectural gem of sacred art.

Vatican Museums: a journey through universal sacred art

It’s impossible to talk about sacred art in Rome without mentioning the Vatican Museums, one of the most visited museum complexes in the world. Inside, visitors can admire timeless masterpieces such as:

• The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.
• Raphael’s Rooms, illustrating theology, philosophy, and law.
• The Vatican Pinacoteca, displaying works by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.
• The Gallery of Maps and the Tapestry Gallery, unique testimonies of scientific and artistic knowledge.

The Catacombs: underground sacred art and faith

A journey into Rome’s sacred art wouldn’t be complete without visiting its evocative catacombs, underground museums of early Christian faith. The Catacombs of San Callisto, San Sebastiano, and Domitilla preserve frescoes and sculptures that tell the stories of the first Christians’ lives and martyrdoms — among the oldest forms of sacred art in Rome.

Other sacred art gems in Rome

Rome is filled with churches and monuments that, even beyond the official Jubilee routes, are absolute must-sees:

• San Clemente al Laterano, with its three overlapping archaeological layers.
• Santa Prassede and Santa Pudenziana, known for their precious Byzantine mosaics.
• St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, featuring Pozzo’s stunning illusionistic ceiling fresco.

An organized Jubilee: Forexchange services to fully enjoy Rome

During this special year, planning your visit to Rome is essential to avoid long queues and unforeseen problems.
In this context, Forexchange becomes a valuable partner. In addition to its convenient online currency exchange service with no commission, Forexchange offers a wide range of dedicated Experiences in Rome, designed to help visitors fully enjoy the Jubilee and Rome’s sacred art.
Services include:

• Advance reservations for skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Guided tours of Rome’s basilicas and catacombs
• Special Experiences for families, perfect for visitors of all ages, including young children.

Thanks to early booking, every visitor can organize their trip smoothly, saving valuable time and fully experiencing the Jubilee.

For those who want to explore Rome independently

Forexchange also offers a Rome audioguide, which can be downloaded before departure or on site. The audioguide allows travelers to explore the city independently, following detailed itineraries while listening to fascinating stories, historical anecdotes, and insights into the main art and faith landmarks. A practical and convenient way to experience Rome without missing any of its wonders.

By planning your stay with expert partners like Forexchange, your trip becomes a truly complete experience — allowing you to fully enjoy everything Rome has to offer: faith, art, history, and the eternal charm of the Eternal City.

Photo Credits:
Andrea Pozzo, Wikimedia