Many tourists and pilgrims choose hotels or Airbnbs for their stay in Rome. But there's another option. Houses that are hostel-like accommodations managed by religious sisters. Throughout the Roman province, there are about 400.
FABIO ROCCHI
President, Italian Religious Hospitality Association
Almost all religious orders and congregations have a home in Rome. Many became vacant due to the shortage of vocations. So they were then filled by pilgrims and tourists coming to the capital.
But these houses are not just a place to sleep and have breakfast. They also offer the possibility of living in community, as is the case of the house, San Giuseppe della Montagna.
MOTHER ISABEL CAÑADA
Vacation Home, San Giuseppe della Montagna
We always say: this is not a hotel; it is a vacation house run by sisters. And we give pilgrims the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist with us or to come with us to the chapel. People look for you as a nun to tell you their stories, and that is a small detail that sets us apart from the others.
Another feature that makes these homes special is their price. It is much cheaper than a hotel because, as it is managed by non-profit organizations, the money covers the costs and what is left over is used for internal projects or charitable activities.
FABIO ROCCHI
President, Italian Religious Hospitality Association
An average hotel in Rome costs about $130 for a double room. And the average cost for these religious houses is around $80. This makes a difference and allows pilgrims who have limited financial means to still come to Rome for the Jubilee.
2025 is almost completely booked. Their phones have been ringing constantly and the most common responses is this:
Sorry, but there is no room.
Thousands of people are choosing this option for the Jubilee. While it is a good thing, it has raised two main concerns for the sisters. The first is security.
FABIO ROCCHI
President, Italian Religious Hospitality Association
We have to ensure that everyone is safe and that nothing happens.
The other concern is healthcare. These houses are also home to elderly members of the congregations, so healthcare has become an important issue.
FABIO ROCCHI
President, Italian Religious Hospitality Association
People will come from all over the world, even from very remote, very poor areas. This could also create health problems.
GISELA SOTILLO
Vacation Home, San Juan de Ribera
We have been informed that Rome has a specialized health department that will be taking care of receiving so many people. If there is any kind of problem, we will have a direction to go in.
The religious sisters are renovating these houses to prep for the Holy Year as there will be record numbers of tourists and pilgrims coming to Rome in 2025.
CA
TR: KG
