What is the Jubilee and why does it arise
Historical origins of the Jubilee
In the Catholic Church, the Jubilee is the year of remission of sins and plenary indulgence. The term derives from the Hebrew *Yovel* (ram’s horn), referring to the shofar used in sacred ceremonies. The Jubilee year is dedicated to Christ and is commonly known as the “Holy Year” because it is characterized by solemn sacred rites and the promotion of a holy life.
From the Jewish Jubilee to the Christian Jubilee
The Jewish tradition called for a Jubilee year every 50 years, during which the land rested, confiscated properties were returned, and slaves were freed, ensuring greater social equity. The beginning of the Jubilee year was announced with the sound of the *shofar*, the ram’s horn.
The establishment of the Christian Jubilee
The first Christian Jubilee was established in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII with the bull *Antiquorum habet fida relatio*. Initially set every 100 years, the period was later reduced to 50 years by Pope Clement VI, to 33 years by Pope Urban VI (in honor of the lifespan of Jesus), and finally to 25 years by Pope Paul II.
Dante Alighieri, in the *Divine Comedy*, testifies to the extraordinary influx of pilgrims to Rome during the Jubilee of 1300, which necessitated the regulation of pedestrian traffic on the Castel Sant’Angelo bridge:
“As in the year of jubilee the Romans, for the great press of folk, upon the bridge have a care…”
(*Inferno XVIII, 28-33*)
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Ravenna and the Jubilee 2025: An Itinerary of Faith and Accessibility
Why Ravenna was chosen for the “Jubilee for All”
Ravenna, the “city of mosaics”, with its 8 early Christian monuments declared UNESCO Heritage Sites, has been included in the Jubilee itineraries for 2025. The “Jubilee for All” initiative promoted by the CEI aims to make the itineraries accessible to everyone through:
- Tactile and multisensory panels for people with visual and hearing disabilities.
- Accessible videos in Italian and English, with subtitles, LIS (Italian Sign Language) and International Sign.
- Inclusive bikes and glasses for color blind visitors.
The theme of the Jubilee 2025 is Hope, perfectly represented in the mosaics of Ravenna, symbolizing light and transcendence.
Unmissable monuments of the Jubilee 2025 in Ravenna
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Built by the Ostrogoth king Theodoric at the beginning of the 6th century, it houses unique mosaics, including the famous processions of Virgins and Martyrs.
Basilica of San Vitale
One of the most important examples of Byzantine art in the West, with the famous mosaics of Justinian and Theodora.
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
Dedicated to the first bishop of Ravenna, it hosts the extraordinary representation of the Transfiguration of Christ in the apse.
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
Built in the 5th century, its starry ceiling inspired Cole Porter to compose *Night and Day*.
Neoniano Baptistery
One of the oldest Christian monuments in Ravenna, with frescoes and mosaics celebrating the baptism of Christ.
Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel of St. Andrew
Houses the Ivory Cathedra and the beautiful Orante Virgin, extraordinary examples of Byzantine art.
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Jubilee Itineraries in Ravenna with guide Cinzia Tittarelli
Proposals of Jubilee Itineraries between Art and Faith for all.
Itinerary 1: Roman Ravenna (half day)
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours on foot
- Monuments visited: Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Cathedral, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neoniano Baptistery
- Entrance fee: €11.50 per person (reduced €1, free up to 6 years old, €2 for children 6-10 years old)
Itinerary 2: Roman Ravenna (full day)
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours on foot
- Monuments visited: Same as the half-day route, Archiepiscopal Museum, and Cathedral + in-depth visits to the Neoniano Baptistery
Itinerary 3: Roman and Byzantine Ravenna
- Duration: Approximately 6 hours
- Addition: Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (6 km from Ravenna, entrance fee €5, free up to 18 years old)
Dante’s Zone (included in all itineraries)
- Dante Alighieri’s Tomb and Franciscan Cloisters
- Church of San Francesco, with its flooded crypt, symbol of the connection between Ravenna and water
An Accessible Jubilee for All
Ravenna offers a unique experience for the Jubilee 2025, combining spirituality, art, and accessibility. Thanks to “Jubilee for All“, everyone can experience this event inclusively and engagingly.
Discover the Jubilee tours with guide Cinzia Tittarelli and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Ravenna!