Rome’s Jubilee Year: Top Locations for Stunning Photos Free from Restoration Work

Planning a visit to Rome during the Jubilee is a truly unique experience, giving travelers a chance to witness history in a city already rich with ancient wonders. The Jubilee, celebrated once every 25 years, is a sacred event for the Catholic Church, focusing on themes of forgiveness, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal. This special year will begin on December 8, 2024, and continue until November 2025, with a vast influx of visitors expected to flock to Rome for the occasion.

To prepare, Rome has launched a series of restorations across major sites. From October to December, scaffolding will cover parts of some monuments as they’re touched up and preserved for the future. However, despite this temporary maintenance, Rome still offers countless scenic spots without scaffolding, where visitors can capture memories of this historic time in the city. With a professional photographer’s expertise, you’ll discover the hidden corners, perfect lighting, and unique views that ensure your Jubilee photos will remain timeless.

Sites Undergoing Restoration and the Importance of Preservation
To prepare for the upcoming celebration, some of Rome’s most iconic sites are undergoing maintenance to guarantee their beauty and structural integrity. Here are a few key sites currently under restoration, and what you can expect when visiting:

Trevi Fountain: Since October, Trevi Fountain has been enclosed by transparent panels to allow visitors to admire its beauty even as maintenance is underway. By November, a unique, horseshoe-shaped walkway will be added inside the basin, offering an immersive perspective. This walkway will provide visitors with an up-close view, and the restoration is expected to wrap up just in time for the Jubilee’s start.

Piazza Navona: Known for its stunning fountains and baroque charm, Piazza Navona is also undergoing touch-ups to ensure its timeless beauty. The work is scheduled to finish in the coming months, leaving this popular spot ready to host Jubilee visitors.

Sant’Angelo Castle: As part of the preparations, structural work on Sant’Angelo Castle will preserve its historical architecture while enhancing visitor safety, all to be completed before the Jubilee.

Pantheon Fountain: Though currently surrounded by scaffolding, the rest of the Pantheon remains accessible, making it a fantastic location for photos. The iconic columns and detailed architecture create a sense of grandeur that will shine in any Jubilee photo.

These temporary changes to some of Rome’s landmarks highlight the city’s dedication to protecting its history, even while preparing to host millions of visitors. In the meantime, there are plenty of photo-ready locations untouched by renovation.

Top Unobstructed Photo Locations in Rome for the Jubilee
Fortunately, Rome has no shortage of iconic and unobstructed locations, ready to provide breathtaking photography opportunities. Here’s where to capture the best views during the Jubilee:

1. Aventine Hill and Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) Aventine Hill is a peaceful spot offering sweeping views of Rome’s skyline, including St. Peter’s dome. The Giardino degli Aranci, or Orange Garden, is a hidden gem with a tranquil atmosphere and picturesque gardens that are perfect for capturing serene photos of the city from above. This location is ideal for romantic, scenic shots, away from the crowds.

2. The Colosseum and Surrounding Areas A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Colosseum, and this iconic site remains open and unobstructed during the Jubilee preparations. The best times for photos are early morning and late afternoon when the light softens, creating ideal conditions to highlight the grandeur of this ancient amphitheater. Nearby, the Arch of Constantine and Palatine Hill also offer numerous angles for stunning photos, making it easy to get a variety of shots.

3. Trastevere: A Stroll Through Rome’s Most Charming Neighborhood The historic district of Trastevere is famous for its narrow, cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and authentic Roman atmosphere. Unaffected by renovations, Trastevere remains one of the best places for candid, atmospheric photos. This neighborhood’s character-filled streets and hidden courtyards provide countless photo opportunities, reflecting the charm of Roman daily life.

4. Villa Borghese Gardens and Pincian Hill Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s most beloved parks, offers an array of scenic spots for memorable photography. The gardens are vast, with elegant sculptures, fountains, and lush greenery that provide a beautiful setting away from any scaffolding. From the Pincio Terrace on Pincian Hill, you’ll find panoramic views over Piazza del Popolo, especially beautiful at sunset. This location is perfect for those who want a combination of nature and classic Roman beauty.

5. Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna The Spanish Steps are a must-see spot that remains open and free from any restoration work. This iconic location, with its wide staircase and beautiful surroundings, provides a unique backdrop for photos that capture the essence of Rome. Whether you’re looking for grand portraits or simply to enjoy the lively ambiance of the piazza, the Spanish Steps are ideal.

6. Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill The Roman Forum and nearby Capitoline Hill offer some of the best ancient ruins in the city, with sweeping views and plenty of photo opportunities. These sites remain unobstructed and are perfect for those looking to capture the historical heart of Rome, with ruins and architecture that transport you back to ancient times. The hill also offers a stunning perspective over the city and is particularly beautiful as the sun sets.

Conclusion
Visiting Rome during the Jubilee is a one-of-a-kind experience, and despite the temporary scaffolding on a few landmarks, the city offers endless beauty for photography. With the guidance of a professional photographer, you’ll be able to navigate Rome’s best views and capture this unforgettable journey amidst all the historical preparations. Don’t let renovations or crowds hinder your experience—book a photoshoot that allows you to focus on the essence of Rome during this extraordinary time.

Ready to capture Rome’s Jubilee magic? Contact us today to schedule your session and make your memories last a lifetime with timeless photos of the Eternal City.