Exclusive access: Explore Vatican's Holy Doors in 2025
3:03 PM EDT, October 7, 2024
The Vatican is among the top European tourist destinations. Now, visitors will have a rare chance to enter temples that are typically closed to the public. This special opportunity occurs once every 25 years.
In anticipation of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, the Pope will open four basilicas to visitors. Those wishing to participate must register in advance.
The Holy Year has been celebrated regularly since 1300. Initially, the celebrations occurred every 100 years but now occur every 25 years.
The celebrations for the Jubilee Year 2025 will commence later this year in Rome. On December 24 at 10:30 AM, the Holy Doors at St. Peter's Basilica will be opened.
On Sunday, December 29, Pope Francis will open the Holy Doors at St. John Lateran Basilica. On January 1, 2025, the doors will be opened at the Basilica of St. Mary Major (also known as Our Lady of the Snows). On January 5, the St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica will also open its doors.
Holy Doors in the Vatican: Registration for tourists
Until January 6, 2026, visitors will be able to pass through these Holy Doors.
Advance registration is required, and electronic registration is already available. You must book the day and time of your visit to each selected basilica on the website. Each mentioned temple requires a separate registration.
