Rome Revamps Streets, Fountains, and Piazzas for Jubilee Year 2025

Vatican City, January 4, 2025: A new pedestrian square and walkway linking Rome's historic center to the Vatican, along with extensive renovations to the Trevi Fountain, are part of the city's upgrades in anticipation of the expected 32 million visitors during the Jubilee Year 2025.

The new pedestrian area and walkway, located at the end of the famous Via della Conciliazione, was unveiled on December 23, 2024. The mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, described it as “the most significant construction project undertaken for the Jubilee of Hope.” 

The major redevelopment of Piazza Pia, located in front of the Vatican, has transformed one of the city's busiest roads into an underpass. This change allows pilgrims and tourists to walk freely from Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica. The newly designed Piazza Pia, which can accommodate up to 150,000 people, now features benches, trees, and two large circular fountains. It has become the largest pedestrian-only area in Rome.

While most of the 600 projects planned for the Jubilee are expected to be completed in 2025, many will continue into 2026, such as the ongoing renovations around Rome’s Termini Train Station. Of the 600 projects, 204 were deemed "essential," with many nearing completion at the start of 2025.

A few of the projects deemed "essential" include several of Rome’s renowned fountains, which have also been restored to their original splendor just in time for the Jubilee. These include the famous Trevi Fountain, Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Neptune Fountain, and the Fontana del Moro in Piazza Navona, which were recently revealed in their new shining glory.

On December 29, Cardinal Baldassare Reina opened one of the Jubilee's five Holy Doors at the papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Just one day before, the substantial square in front of the archbasilica was reopened after its own renovation. However, work on the space and adjoining areas is not expected to be completed until February. 

Another revitalized area near Vatican City, completed just in time, was Ottaviano Street and Risorgimento Square. Both sites underwent much-needed renovations. Located to the north of the walls of the Vatican, between St. Peter’s Square and the entrance to the Vatican Museums, these spaces are among the first sights visitors encounter when they exit the subway station closest to the Vatican.

As part of the project, the flow of Rome’s heavy traffic was adjusted, expanding the car-free zone by 23%. This larger car-free area now features a new pavement, public bathrooms, information kiosks, and areas to refill water bottles and charge phones.

Improvements are also being made to the pedestrian and biking paths along the Tiber River, which are expected to reopen in early 2025. Other smaller upgrades include the repaving of streets, updated street lighting, and new buses and trams. St. Peter’s Station has also been renovated, and work is going on to improve a pedestrian bridge and path linking the station to the Vatican Basilica, just half a mile away.

By Catholic Connect Reporter