Sites in Rome under construction for the Jubilee

While there are a few areas with scaffolding up for the Jubilee restoration – some of them extremely most famous and photogenic – anyone who says “Rome is under construction” likely doesn’t understand just how huge Rome is and how much incredible stuff there is here to see that isn’t currently being refurbished. Provided here are:

1. Works that have now been finished.
2. Key sites currently affected and their expected completion date for the work.
3. Transport disruption.
4. Where to go to enjoy Rome despite the construction work.

1. Works that have now been finished.

1. Fontana del Pantheon The fountain in front of the Pantheon. Great news! Hoardings were removed on November 30th, 2024. Read about the works here.
2. Michelangelo’s Pietà. Work was undertaken to replace the protective glass in front of the statue, and the new anti-glare glass promises a better view than ever. The work completed on December 3rd, 2024. 

2. Key sites in Rome currently affected by Jubilee restoration work, and their expected completion date for the work

These are the areas currently affected, with live webcams linked where possible, so you can see what it actually looks like.

1. Trevi Fountain Currently emptied of water with a walkway extending over the basin to allow a closer look, and a trough for people’s coins while the fountain is empty. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
2. The Fountains in Piazza Navona The Fountain of the Four Rivers and the two fountains at either end of the piazza are undergoing major renovation. The piazza itself is open. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
3. The Arch of Constantine Triumphal arch next to the Colosseum, currently being repaired on the south side only after a lightning strike. (Note there are two other large triumphal arches just metres away in the Forum.)
4. Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano Some of the piazza in front of the San Giovanni cathedral is being refurbished. This doesn’t affect viewing or entering the cathedral, just the ground in front of it. Estimated completion: Q4 2024. Read about the works here.
5. Fountain of the Four Lions
   The central fountain in Piazza del Popolo has low hoardings around it. Estimated completion: Q2 2025. Read about the works here.
6. Ponte Sant’Angelo The famous bridge is having its angels cleaned. Estimated completion: Q1 2025. Read about the works here.
7. Fontana delle Tartarughe (Fountain of the Turtles) The turtle fountain is also being cleaned. Estimated completion: not posted. Read about the works here.
8. There are some works in Piazza Pia near Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Risorgimento, but they are unlikely to affect sightseers.

2. Transport disruption caused by Jubilee works in Rome

1. Trams Lines 2, 3, and 8 returned into service on December 2nd, 2024. All other lines are still significantly disrupted and subject to replacement buses (navette).
2. Metro From Monday to Thursday, Line A closes at 9 pm, with a replacement bus after then until 11.30. On Friday and Saturday nights the last metro each way is at 1.30 am.
3. Piazza Venezia The piazza in front of the Altare della Patria (Vittorio Monument) is subject to workds on Line C of the metro and the construction of a vast metro station under the piazza. Estimated completion: 2030. Read about the works here.
4. Via dei Fori Imperiali These are works for Line C of the metro and not related to the Jubilee. This area has been blighted by hoardings and heavy equipment for years but work is estimated to be completed by next year. Estimated completion: 2025. Read about the works here.

3. How to enjoy Rome despite the Jubilee works

The Rome that most tourists see is a couple square miles in the very center of the city. In fact Rome is enormous and other areas have a huge number of incredible monuments, churches, art, and archaeology. So despite a few of the ‘headline’ sites being affected – see above- the vast majority of the city is actually unaffected. First let’s talk about the famous sites that aren’t affected by works: The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

1. 1. • The Colosseum
      • The Roman Forum
      • The Palatine Hill
      • The Capitoline Hill and Campidoglio
      • Castel Sant’Angelo
      • Circus Maximus
      • The Baths of Caracalla
      • Via Appia
      • The Catacombs
      • The Vatican Museums
      • St Peter’s Square
      • …and many more

Secondly, here are recommendations for lesser-known but no less amazing places to visit in Rome:

1. 1. • Rome’s Hidden Gems
      • Fascinating places to visit with very few crowds or lines

So while the selfie you planned in front of the Trevi Fountain might not be achievable, you now have the opportunity to take selfies in front of some of the far less common and lesser known sights in the Eternal City.