Kimberly's Italy Travel · Kimberly Holcombe

166. Rome 2025 Should you stay or should you GO!

·26 min·2 clips

Imagine 35 million visitors descending on Rome during the Jubilee in 2025—can you still enjoy the eternal city?

This episode examines whether travelers should visit Rome during the 2025 Jubilee, which is expected to draw 35 million visitors. Host Kimberly Holcomb is joined by co-host Tommaso Favaloso to analyze the historical event's modern implications. They explore the practical and philosophical considerations for experiencing the city amid unprecedented crowds. The Jubilee tradition began in 1300 under Pope Boniface VIII as a response to widespread suffering from wars and plague. The event was conceived as a year of Catholic reconciliation to end hostility and acknowledge collective hardship. Kimberly and Tommaso frame the 2025 occurrence as a modern parallel, inviting listeners to consider Rome's preparedness. They note the city has undergone significant renovations, with Romans "sprucing her up" for the event. The central question is whether a visitor can still enjoy "the eternal city sparkling in all its glory" during the influx. The hosts do not provide a definitive yes or no answer but dissect the factors involved. They encourage picturing oneself amidst the additional tourists as a thought exercise. A key insight is that one's experience hinges entirely on adopting "the right mindset" before arrival. The episode suggests visitors could become the "lucky recipient" of a revitalized city due to the pre-Jubilee restoration efforts. The historical context implies such events are cyclical responses to global turmoil, with Tommaso joking about needing Boniface to return now. This connection between 14th-century plagues and modern challenges adds a layer of resonance. The discussion positions the tourist not merely as a spectator but as a participant in a continuing historical tradition. The potential overcrowding is presented as a trade-off for witnessing a uniquely prepared and spiritually significant Rome. The tone is conversational and warmly educational, blending historical facts with personal travel philosophy. The style is advisory and reflective, using humor and direct address to engage the listener. This episode is ideal for travelers planning a 2025 Italy trip or anyone interested in Catholic history and crowd navigation strategies. Listeners seeking a purely logistical guide or a firm recommendation to avoid Rome may find the philosophical approach less actionable.

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