The Road to Redemption: Jubilees, Pilgrimages and Sacred Journeys

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a tradition with deep historical roots dating back to 1300. But what exactly is a Jubilee, and why did it inspire countless pilgrims from all over Europe to set out on arduous journeys to Rome? This lecture explores the rich history of pilgrimage, uncovering the motivations that drove medieval travellers—spiritual devotion, penance, adventure, and even social status. How did they navigate the perils of the road? What awaited them at their destinations? And how did these journeys shape the wider world? From relics and indulgences to the bustling streets of medieval Rome, join us for a fascinating look at the enduring power of pilgrimage and its cultural impact across the centuries.