Expecting millions for Jubilee in 2025, Rome undergoes overhaul

All roads might lead to Rome, but when they arrive in the city, they are likely to be dug up, shut off or under renovation as the Italian capital undergoes a monumental facelift ahead of the 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year.

The Vatican expects that up to 32 million tourists will descend on the city for the Jubilee, putting Rome’s antiquated infrastructure under enormous strain.

But taking advantage of the event – a special celebration traditionally held every quarter of a century – Rome has pooled billions of euros of state and European funds to overhaul tourist sites, transport hubs, parks, streets and even its rubbish bins.

The frenzy of work has snarled traffic, to the fury of residents, and left some visitors this summer feeling short-changed as they weave their way through myriad building sites, but Mayor Roberto Gualtieri promises it will all be worth it.

“This is an unmissable opportunity to make structural changes... and transform Rome,” Mr Gualtieri told Reuters this week. “We are going to get a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative city that enhances its extraordinary heritage.”

A record 3,200 public construction works are under way, he said, including 322 projects that are deemed essential for the Jubilee, such as the creation of what Mr Gualtieri promises will be “one of the most beautiful squares in the world” by the Vatican.