South Africa is often celebrated for its wildlife and coastlines, but beyond the safari drives and scenic passes lies another kind of wonder. For centuries, mountains, caves, forests, and valleys have been revered as places of connection between the physical and the spiritual.

These sites are living sanctuaries where stories of the ancestors echo through stone, water, and earth. Exploring them is not just travel; it’s stepping into spaces that hold cultural memory, ritual meaning, and a deep sense of belonging.

Mountains that speak to the ancestors

The Drakensberg (uKhahlamba)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the largest collection of San rock art in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Rock paintings tell stories of visions, hunts, and cosmology, particularly in Didima Gorge.

Other Revered Peaks

• Table Mountain (Hoerikwaggo): The Khoi called it the “Mountain in the Sea.”
• Soutpansberg: A spiritual anchor in Venda culture.

Caves of Connection

Motouleng and Bodimong Caves (Free State/Lesotho border)

• Known as “the place of beating drums” and “place of ancestors.”
• Spaces for rituals, healing, and spiritual communion that blend indigenous traditions with Christianity.

Mautse Caves (Free State)

• Regarded as a “spiritual university” for traditional healers.
• Used for ancestral calling, initiation, and ceremonies.

Peers (Great Mother) and Tunnel (Ascension) Caves (Cape Peninsula)

• Womb-like sanctuaries aligned with solstices and cosmological events.
• Sacred burial and rebirth symbolism, connected to Khoi spirituality.

Cango Caves (Western Cape)

• Prehistoric shelter containing Middle and Later Stone Age artifacts.
• Subterranean chambers are believed to hold ritual significance.

Sudwala Caves (Mpumalanga)

• Among the world’s oldest caves, dating back 240 million years.
• Used as a refuge and woven into local legend.

Stadsaal Caves (Cederberg)

• Rock art depicting humans and elephants.
• Evidence of San cosmology and cultural expression.

Valleys, forests, and sacred waters

Thathe Holy Forest (Limpopo)

• Spiritual sanctuary for the Venda people.
• Believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits.

Other sacred sites of water and forest

• Vhutanda Sacred Forest: Ritual grounds for traditional healers.
• Phiphidi Waterfall: A spiritual place where offerings are made.
• Lake Fundudzi: Sacred lake linked to Venda myths of origin and fertility.

Why these sites matter

South Africa’s sacred landscapes matter because they are spiritual anchors, places where rituals, healing, and ancestral communication continue to thrive. They are also conservation strongholds, with cultural traditions helping to safeguard biodiversity and natural environments. Beyond their ecological and spiritual importance, these are narrative landscapes—every cave, forest, and mountain carries stories of tradition, resilience, and renewal.

Travelling with Respect

Honour Local Custodianship: Travel with local guides and respect indigenous knowledge.

Observe Ritual Protocols: Dress modestly, avoid noise, and ask before photographing.

Support Conservation Efforts: Visit responsibly and contribute to initiatives protecting sacred sites.

Listen to the Land: Let the atmosphere and stories guide your experience.

Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.

TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

ALSO READ: Sleep inside South Africa’s history: Heritage hotels and guesthouses with a story

On May 15, the Supreme Court allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to acquire five acres of land around Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari temple for “corridor development”. The court said this project was necessary to compensate for the “lack of infrastructure” that had resulted in two deaths at the shrine during a stampede in 2022.

It was yet another example of an infrastructure project designed for Hindu pilgrims that offers a blend of traditional spirituality and modernity.

Like the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi on which it is modelled, the Banke Bihari corridor has elicited protests from some Vrindavan residents. They say that it ignores the needs of Vrindavan’s residents.

The Banke Bihari corridor project, proposed in 2017 during Adityanath’s first term as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, reflects a push by the state to create a religio-industrial complex shaped by caste Hindu modernity and aesthetics, erasing and re-writing histories and memories of ancient cities.

The project is situated within the Krishna Circuit that connects Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, and Barsana – sites associated with the Hindu god of compassion.

It is part of the Central government’s Rs 3,295.76-crore PRASHAD scheme or Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive, to “integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience”.

To serve this new genre of state-led religious tourism, the institutions of urban planning and development are being harnessed.

New government entities are being formed, such as the Uttar Pradesh Braj Vikas Teerth Parishad. The organisation will prepare “a plan for preserving, developing and maintaining the aesthetic quality” of the heritage of the Braj region in which these sites associated with Krishna are located.

They are assisted at the central, state and city level by a host of existing governmental bodies.

Involved with the Krishna Circuit, for instance, are a slew of governmental entities ranging from the Public Works Department, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, the Smart Cities Mission and the departments of tourism, culture, revenue, forest, irrigation.

This demonstrates how policies and offices intended for urban development have been co-opted by state-run religious tourism projects.

The promises made by the Banke Bihari Corridor project are far-reaching. The plan proposes to widen Vrindavan’s historic “kunj galiyan” – the narrow lanes around the Banke Bihari Temple that the faithful believe were once walked by Krishna.

It plans to link the Yamuna riverfront to the temple through new access routes, commercial corridors and expansive parking hubs.

The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 500 crores for the development of the Banke Bihari corridor,

The Supreme Court in May had permitted the fixed deposits of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust to be used to acquire 5 acres of land around the shrine. But early in August, a bench of the court had criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for acting in a “clandestine manner” to secure permission to use temple funds for a corridor project through an application in a civil dispute.

The project is set to displace over 300 buildings, impacting long-standing residents and shopkeepers.

The plan for the region envisages massive networks of highways and apartment complexes such as Raya Heritage City led by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority on fertile farmland.

This is likely to drive up land prices around Vrindavan and attract buyers from larger cities and NRIs seeking a second home closer to the deity – changing the pattern of land ownership in the city.

The Banke Bihari Corridor plan has not been without controversy. In June, hundreds of members of the Goswami community locked their homes and shops to protest plans for the corridor around the temple.

Women of the community wrote letters in blood to Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, angered that the ownership and governance of the temple will be transferred from their hereditary lineage to another trust.

Some of that discontent was evident in 2022, when we visited Vrindavan.

Several shopkeepers were anxious about potentially being dislocated by the Banke Bihari corridor, just like the counterparts had been for the project in Varanasi: the Kashi Vishwanath corridor resulted in the demolition of more than 300 houses.

A significant concern related to the uncertainty around ownership documents.

Some shopkeepers feared for their livelihoods because they rented their spaces. While the owners of the structures would receive compensation, it was not clear what the shopkeepers would receive – if anything at all.

Others pointed out that many of the occupants had been there for generations but lacked formal documents, as is the case in many places in India.

The area is now characterised by narrow pathways, homes, shops and traditional, informal economies driven by vendors, shopkeepers, traders, artisans, widows and beggars.

This will be replaced by wider lanes, broader roads for motorised vehicles, parking facilities, greenfield expressways and riverfront promenades on the floodplains.

This will transform Vrindavan’s ancient, messy cityscape into a sanitised, consumable site.

It will lead to a complete spatial reconfiguration of the region driven by the Smart City mission – the government’s “urban renewal and retrofitting programme” that aims to make cities “citizen-friendly and sustainable”.

However, as critics have noted, this initiative involves top-down decisions, large infrastructure projects and using digital technologies in governance. But the authorities have not considered whether long-time residents need this infrastructure, who will be displaced and who will benefit.

Nishita Banerjee is a qualitative researcher at a media platform based in Noida, with academic training in sociology from Ambedkar University Delhi.

Krishanu is an independent researcher based in Delhi, working on issues of urban governance, mobility and culture.

Pavithra Chandrasekar is an independent researcher and writer based in Bengaluru, focusing on land, climate and energy.

This article is the second in a series on ten years of the Smart Cities Mission, co-curated by the Centre for Financial Accountability and Scroll. Read all the pieces here.

Rome is always special – but once every 25 years, it becomes transcendent. 2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a sacred tradition in the Catholic Church that transforms Rome into a spiritual epicentre. For 12 months, pilgrims and travellers alike are invited to walk through Holy Doors, partake in papal celebrations, and explore sacred art, history, and faith in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

I had the privilege of experiencing the Jubilee over Easter weekend, where I attended Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, and Easter Mass celebrated by Pope Francis himself in St. Peter’s Square. I was even in the basilica on the very morning the city received news of his death – a historic, emotional, unforgettable moment. But while Easter is the most spiritually symbolic time to visit, it’s far from the only ideal one.

That’s why we took our knowledge and experience travelling around Rome during the 2025 Jubilee and wrote it down in this travel guide, giving you everything you need to know to plan your own visit. Learn how to best experience the Eternal City during the Holy Year, including what to see, when to go, how to get around, and where to stay for an indulgent yet soulful retreat – and a once-in- a-lifetime spiritual experience. 

What Is The Jubilee Year?
The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a Roman Catholic tradition dating back to 1300. It is a year of forgiveness, indulgence, and spiritual renewal. Pilgrims are invited to pass through the Holy Doors of Rome’s four major basilicas – St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major – symbolising a passage through Christ and a fresh start for the soul.

Every 25 years, the Pope officially declares a Jubilee Year. 2025’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” – a fitting concept following years of global turbulence and uncertainty. According to Vatican officials, over 32 million pilgrims are expected to visit throughout the year.

What Makes The 2025 Jubilee Special?

• It’s the 27th official Jubilee in Church history
• It’s the first full Holy Year since 2000 (the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2015 was more limited)
• The Vatican has planned hundreds of events, exhibitions, religious processions, and cultural festivals
• A massive public works project was launched to improve Rome’s streets, transit, and public spaces in preparation for the crowds

The Best Time To Visit Rome For The Jubilee
The Jubilee Year spans the entirety of 2025, offering countless opportunities to experience Rome through a spiritual, cultural, and historic lens. No matter what time of year you visit, the city will be alive with sacred events, papal ceremonies, exhibitions, and once-in a-lifetime pilgrim experiences. Here’s how to make the most of every season during this remarkable year. 

• January to March – A Graceful Beginning: The year began with a quieter, contemplative energy. January offered a reflective atmosphere following the Holy Door’s opening and New Year’s Eve festivities at the Vatican. February’s cooler weather made it a great time for a peaceful pilgrimage, with fewer crowds at major basilicas and museums. March brought the first hints of spring and an uptick in visitors leading into Easter.
• April to May – Easter and Spiritual Rebirth: Easter is the spiritual centrepiece of the Jubilee Year. Palm Sunday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square are unmatched in magnitude and meaning. May continued the momentum with warmer weather, blooming gardens, and vibrant Jubilee-themed exhibitions around the city.
• June to August – Summer Jubilee: Attend the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, or plan for Rome’s lively street festivals, outdoor concerts, and religious celebrations. Book early, dress light, and aim for early mornings to avoid the midday heat.
• August 15 – Assumption of Mary: This national holiday is filled with local customs, Masses, and processions. Churches across Rome hold special services, and the city takes on a reverent, celebratory energy.
• September to October – Autumn Pilgrimage Season: Cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make this a top recommendation. Time your visit with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4) or Feast of St. Teresa of Avila (October 15) to experience additional spiritual and cultural depth.
• November to December – A Sacred Closing: As the Jubilee year winds down, the mood becomes more intimate and reverent. November offers a moment of quiet reflection and fewer tourists. December is dazzling – Rome lights up with holiday decor, nativity scenes, and preparations for Midnight Mass at the Vatican.
• December – Christmas in Rome: St. Peter’s Square becomes a holiday wonderland. Attend Midnight Mass, see the Vatican nativity, and end the year in one of the most magical and spiritual places on Earth.
• December 28 – Closing of the Holy Door: Witness history as the Jubilee concludes. The Holy Doors of the major Papal Basilicas, excluding St. Peter’s, will be sealed on December 28, with the subsequent closure of St. Peter’s Holy Door on January 6, 2026. The ceremonial closing of the Holy Door is a rare and symbolic event that will not happen again until 2050.

The Passing Of Pope Francis And The Election Of Pope Leo XIV
On Easter Monday, as I stood inside St. Peter’s Basilica basking in the beauty of the moment, the city fell quiet as the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis – a leader whose humility and compassion defined over a decade of papal service. His death marked the end of an era, casting a contemplative shadow over the Jubilee.

In the days that followed, cardinals from across the globe convened in the Sistine Chapel. After several days of prayerful deliberation, white smoke rose from the chimney, signalling to the world that a new spiritual leader had been chosen – Pope Leo XIV. A former cardinal from the United States, Pope Leo is widely viewed as a bridge between tradition and progress, with a focus on global inclusion and social justice. His election is a momentous shift, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Church – and a powerful metaphor for the Jubilee’s theme of hope.

Where To Stay: Our Luxury Hotel Picks
Hotel Eden (Dorchester Collection)
Where classic Roman elegance meets modern- day luxury
Hotel Eden, part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, is a refined sanctuary that embodies the soul of classic Rome. First opened in 1889 and recently reimagined in a 2017 renovation led by acclaimed designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, the hotel offers the feel of a private palazzo, elegantly modernised with nods to old-world opulence. From the moment you walk into the bright, marble-lined lobby, you’re greeted not just by exquisite surroundings, but by a staff that exudes warmth and discretion.

With just 98 rooms and suites – down from 121 to create a more spacious, boutique ambience – Hotel Eden offers a highly personalised guest experience. Rooms are adorned with brushed silver and gold detailing, soft neutral fabrics, and tall windows that frame the rooftops of Rome like a painting. Each marble bathroom is outfitted with soaking tubs (my favourite way to end the long days walking around Rome, relaxing in opulence), rainfall showers, and luxury amenities from Valmont, while the suites add  extra indulgences like walk-in closets and panoramic terraces.

Location and Views
Strategically situated on Via Ludovisi, Hotel Eden sits in the golden triangle between the Spanish Steps, Piazza Barberini, and Villa Borghese. While central and walkable to major Jubilee venues like the Vatican and Rome’s four Holy Doors, the hotel still offers peace and privacy above the city’s bustle. From my suite’s wide-set windows, I could see the curve of the Tiber, tiled domes gleaming in the sun, and the layers of Roman history rolling out before me. The rooftop views are among the most coveted in all of Rome – especially during golden hour, when the Eternal City glows like molten amber.

Gastronomy At Its Finest: Il Giardino and La Terrazza
Dining at Hotel Eden is a highlight in its own right. Il Giardino Ristorante is perched on the rooftop and serves reimagined Roman classics curated by Executive Chef Salvatore Bianco, who brings a Michelin-starred sensibility to local ingredients. The culinary program is inspired by Italian traditions of conviviality and sharing. During my stay, I dined at Il Giardino Ristorante for a three-course meal, ordering the Roman artichokes, herb-roasted lamb, and a delicious cacio e pepe – elevated yet utterly faithful to Roman tradition.

Il Giardino Bar next door is equally impressive, offering cicchetti (Italian tapas), hand-crafted cocktails, and a world-class wine list, all served against a backdrop of panoramic splendour. While La Terrazza, the  hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an elevated dining experience where inventive Mediterranean cuisine meets breathtaking views. With floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create a seamless, open-air ambience, a seasonal menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients is paired with an exceptional wine list for a reimagined dining experience.

A Legacy of Legendary Guests
Hotel Eden has long been a magnet for the world’s most iconic and influential guests, from crowned heads to cinematic legends. Over its 130+ years of history, it has long captivated both international travellers and Roman locals alike, serving as a storied gathering place for icons like Ingrid Bergman and Sigmund Freud – and continuing today as one of the city’s most beloved destinations where timeless glamour meets modern allure.

In more recent decades, Hotel Eden’s lure has captivated modern celebrities such as Nelson Mandela, Federico Fellini, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, and the beloved cast of Emily in Paris. Its ability to remain both discreet and dazzling has made it a sanctuary for those seeking elegance, privacy, and a sense of place in the heart of Rome. This illustrious lineage is celebrated in one of the hotel’s most charming features: A wall of black-and-white portraits lining the back staircase that leads to the rooftop dining. Each photograph is signed with a personal note by the guest, forming a curated visual archive of elegance, creativity, and legacy. Walking past these faces is like walking through a living timeline of who’s who in global culture and diplomacy.

Hospitality with Heart
Guests looking to unwind can retreat to The Eden Spa, a vaulted hideaway offering treatments using both Valmont’s cutting edge Swiss skincare and Mei’s essential-oil rich Mediterranean line. A blow-dry bar by celebrity stylist Roberto D’Antonio offers a perfect reset before a dinner reservation or Jubilee Mass. What truly sets Hotel Eden apart, however, is the hospitality. Francesco, my breakfast server, remembered my name and preferences each morning, crafting cappuccinos with my name dusted in cocoa and offering thoughtful insights into the surrounding rooftops. The concierge provided restaurant tips, hidden gem recommendations, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of Rome.

The overall ambience? One of reverence – for the guest, for tradition, and for the Eternal City itself. Hotel Eden is not just a place to sleep; it’s a place to truly arrive.

Sina Bernini Bristol (Autograph Collection)
A Baroque jewel with a five-star soul and a 150 year legacy
With a legacy dating back to 1874, the Sina Bernini Bristol is a cornerstone of Rome’s luxury hotel scene. Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, the hotel has undergone a comprehensive renovation that honours its Baroque origins while introducing crisp contemporary flair. Now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, it represents the best of two worlds: Timeless Italian elegance and international prestige. Situated on the lively Piazza Barberini and directly facing Bernini’s  Triton Fountain, the hotel is steeped in artistic history. General manager Lorenzo Vivalda shared his perspective: “Staying at the Sina Bernini Bristol offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and history, making it an ideal base for visitors during the Jubilee. The hotel is centrally located, just a short walk from the Spanish Steps and other iconic landmarks, providing easy access to the Vatican and major Jubilee events.”

Its name pays tribute to the legendary sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose masterworks are woven into the fabric of the hotel, both physically and thematically. The pièce de résistance? A 50-square-meter fresco painted in the 1940s by Adalberto Migliorati, located inside the hotel, restored to vibrant life and now accompanied by a custom audio guide that tells the story of Bernini’s contributions to Rome.

Heritage and Artistic Legacy
The restoration of the Sina Bernini Bristol was supervised by Matilde and Bernabò Bocca, heirs to Count Ernesto Bocca, the founder of Sina Hotels. Every detail – from the hand carved mouldings to the modern bronze light fixtures – is a tribute to classical Italian design, expertly reinterpreted. The renovation included an expansion into an adjacent 19th-century palazzo, adding even more room options and event spaces for visitors and dignitaries alike. The hotel’s narrative-rich design also includes tributes to its past guests, including royalty, artists, and heads of state. Public spaces feature archival photos, plush seating, and curated artworks, making the hotel feel like a living museum and a glamorous social salon rolled into one.

Rooftop Dining at Il Vizio
Dining reaches new heights – literally – at Il Vizio, the highest rooftop restaurant in Rome’s historic centre. Originally born in Perugia and Milan, Il Vizio brings together two culinary cultures: The delicate artistry of Japanese sushi and the rustic boldness of Italian cuisine. Chefs Marco Gargaglia and Nagano Tetsuo preside over the menu, creating surprising yet seamless fusion dishes. The restaurant’s panoramic terrace offers a front-row seat to the skyline – perfect for aperitivo, romantic dinners, or post mass toasts. The wine list, curated by local sommeliers, champions small-batch Italian vintners and global labels alike. Whether you’re celebrating a Jubilee milestone or simply savouring the view, Il Vizio offers a feast for all the senses.

Elevated Comfort and Local Touches
Guest rooms at Sina Bernini Bristol are outfitted with deep soaking tubs, velvet armchairs, and smart technology – all softened by Baroque curves and rich materials. My suite featured a spacious balcony with outdoor furniture overlooking the Eternal City and an in-room entertainment system discreetly housed in the bedroom cabinetry. The mini bar was stocked with artisanal Roman snacks and locally sourced spirits.

On Easter morning, a traditional Colomba cake and a handwritten card were waiting in my suite – a thoughtful gesture that underscored the hotel’s commitment to making guests feel genuinely seen and celebrated. From housekeeping to bellhop to management, every staff member exuded authentic Italian hospitality.
With its unique blend of history, innovation, and hospitality, the Sina Bernini Bristol offers not just a stay, but a story you’ll carry with you long after you leave. 

Final Reflections
Visiting Rome during a Jubilee year is not just about ticking off sites – it’s about encountering something deeper: A sense of stillness amid the grandeur, a connection to the past and future, a rediscovery of wonder. Whether you come with religious intention, historical curiosity, or a desire for meaning, the Jubilee offers the opportunity to experience Rome with fresh eyes.
Walk through the Holy Door. Stand in awe beneath the dome of St. Peter’s. Light a candle in an ancient church. Walk slowly, look up often. And let the Eternal City speak to your soul and transform you – from the inside out.
This is Rome at its most powerful. This is the Jubilee.

HOW TO NAVIGATE ROME DURING JUBILEE
Rome is always a busy city, but the 2025 Jubilee crowds require a bit of strategic planning to get the most from your trip. Vivalda shares the following advice: “Rome is a city that thrives on its history, culture, and spirituality, and the Jubilee is a special time to experience this on a deeper level. The key to enjoying Rome during such an event is balancing the iconic landmarks with lesser-known treasures. Embrace the crowds, but also take time to explore the quieter, more intimate sides of the city.”

1. Timing Is Everything

• Arrive early for papal events, which fill up hours before they begin.
• Avoid weekends at major sites if possible.

2. Use Public Transport, But Walk Often

• Rome’s buses, metro, and trams are efficient, but historic traffic can cause delays. 
• Many Jubilee events take place near the Vatican, which is walkable from most central hotels.

3. Visit Hidden Gems

• The Protestant Cemetery
• Villa Doria Pamphili