Rome: The Eternal City as an International Capital, 1950

This chapter examines Rome’s transformation into an international tourism capital after World War II, focusing on the pivotal role of the 1950 Holy Year. Building on the foundations laid in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, when pilgrimages began to assume a more modern and touristic form, the 1950 Holy Year marked the full realization of these efforts. The chapter explores how the city, recovering from wartime devastation, was revitalized through strategic collaboration between Vatican and Italian authorities. Infrastructure improvements, including the modernization of transportation networks and hospitality facilities, positioned Rome as a key destination for religious and cultural tourism. The Jubilee celebrations served as a catalyst for attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world, blending spiritual devotion with mass tourism. The chapter highlights the innovative organizational efforts led by the Holy See and the Italian government to accommodate the influx of visitors. Drawing on archival and published period sources, the study illustrates how the Holy Year not only reaffirmed tourism as a leading dollar earner but also solidified Rome’s status as a global centre of Catholic pilgrimage and international tourism.