Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

This is one of the most beautiful places you can walk through in Rome for free. You can feel the artistic spirit of ancient’s Rome people. It is magnificent, magical and majestic. Tall ceilings and columns makes you feel like a little star in a the sky :)) Try and ask Chatgpt to tell you briefly about the story and history behind this beautiful church and turn the audio on to read it for you. You’ll have a fascinating experience cause it tells you everything you should pay attention to and amazing facts to understand the value of the place you are visiting. Bonus point: there’s a small beautiful lovely garden at the end of this church, you get a ticket to visit it. It’s beautiful and worth the short walk around.

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (Archibasilica Sanctissimi Salvatoris) is more than just a church; it is the cathedral of Rome, the "Mother and Head of all the Churches of the City and the World" (Mater et Caput omnium Ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis), and the oldest of the papal basilicas. It is a place of incredible history and architectural significance. It was the first Christian church built in Rome (4th century), and it remained the primary residence of the Popes for a thousand years before the Popes moved to the Vatican. Knowing you are in Rome's official cathedral and in a church that predates St. Peter's Basilica gives the visit a whole new, deeper dimension. This is the cradle of early Christianity, and it is felt in every detail. The main façade, facing east, designed in the late Baroque/early Classicist style (architect Alessandro Galilei), is considered one of the most beautiful in Rome. Most striking are the gigantic 7-meter-tall statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and other saints that adorn the top of the façade. They are visible from afar and create a stunning impression with their monumentality. The interior is striking in its monumental volume and sumptuous decoration, the result of restoration by the renowned Baroque architect Francesco Borromini in the 17th century. The main nave is incredibly spacious and majestic. In place of the original columns, Borromini created massive pilasters. In the niches of these pilasters are 12 enormous statues of the Apostles (the work of various artists from the 17th and 18th centuries), each a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture. Their size and expressiveness leave no one indifferent. The magnificent gilded coffered ceiling (16th century), designed by Pirro Ligorio, is one of the most opulent creations of the Renaissance. It is adorned with the coats of arms of the popes who contributed to its creation. The original Cosmatesque marble mosaic floor (13th century) is one of the most beautiful surviving in Rome. Above the central papal altar rises the Gothic Ciborium (14th-century tabernacle), decorated with frescoes. Inside, according to legend, the heads of the Apostles Peter and Paul are enshrined in reliquaries in the form of busts. This makes the altar's location incredibly significant. The Apse Mosaic is one of the oldest parts of the basilica. The apse mosaic (13th century, works by Jacopo Torriti and Jacopo da Camerino) depicts Christ surrounded by angels, the Virgin Mary, and saints. It is executed in the Byzantine style and radiates a stunning golden light. Baptistery (San Giovanni in Fonte): Located next to the Basilica, it is considered the oldest baptistery in the Christian world. Its octagonal shape served as a model for all subsequent baptisteries. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is more than just a landmark; it is the heart of Christian Rome. It may be less well-known than St. Peter's Basilica, but its historical and religious significance surpasses all other churches. Tip: Try to visit the Basilica in the morning to avoid the large tourist groups that often make their way to it on pilgrimages.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Rome’s religious and cultural heritage. Its combination of architectural beauty, historical depth, and spiritual significance offers a profound experience that resonates with visitors long after they leave its hallowed halls. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, St. John Lateran promises a memorable journey through time and faith. Easy to book online & Holy Doors 🚪 open every 25 years. Feel so blessed 🥹 it’s free

Rome has many religious buildings that can be enjoyed by the faithful and the not so sure. This basilica is so beautiful and inspiring, with statuary of the Apostles and Saints on a grand scale. Unmissable, and prepare to be inspired by its beauty.

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is absolutely breathtaking — a masterpiece of sacred art and history. As the oldest basilica in Rome and the official church of the Pope, it carries an incredible sense of peace and reverence. The grand interiors, magnificent sculptures, and intricate ceilings leave you speechless. It’s less crowded than St. Peter’s, which makes it even more serene and special. A truly divine experience that touches both heart and soul.

Amazing! No queue to get in. So peaceful. Gorgeous. Lovely basilica but seems to be visited more by pilgrims than all tourists like St Peter's. Cloisters worth a visit. Clean toilets. And there's a vending machine to get cheap drinks and snacks eg. €1 can of drink or chocolate bar

A very magnificent basilica. The inside is also very beautiful. There are big statues of 12 apostles here. There is an adoration room as well. Even though it is very grand and crowded, but we can still pray comfortably.

Visiting the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the cathedral of Rome, was a truly profound experience. As the mother and head of all churches, its grand architecture and deep sense of holiness immediately invite silence and awe. Walking through its vast interior, I felt a strong connection to the early Church and the long history of faith that has been passed down through the centuries. A memorable and grace-filled stop for any pilgrim in Rome.

Such a beautiful Basilica! This one rivals some of the grand, ornate Basilicas we visited in Spain and Marseille. Getting in was simple and quick, they do have metal detectors and security to walk through before getting to the main entrance, but that was quick. Once inside, the ceilings were notably impressive. The colors and paintings were so detailed! Architecture was also extraordinary! Definitely highly recommended to visit!

Briefly stopped by on our last day of Rome. Grand looking church and beautiful architecture. Grabbed some great pictures in the front.

"Mother and head of all the churches of the city and of the earth" is emblazoned in Latin on the base of the portico of the Lateran Basilica. St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Pope and the highest ranking and oldest basilica, outranking even St. Peter's Basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Paolo Fuori le Mura. (I think you get the picture.) This is THE church. It was founded by Constantine in the 4th century and has been remodeled many times; much of its baroque interior dates to a 17th-century makeover by Francesco Borromini, and the huge white façade, complete with its 15 giant statues, was added in 1735. Worth seeing at the entrance are the bronze doors at the main entrance, which originate from the Roman Forum and the Porta Santa at the far right. We have visited this church many times. We came today to walk through the Holy Door. This was our first Holy Door in Rome to walk through and it was a very spiritual and moving experience. After entering, you will be amazed by the interior with its gilded wooden ceiling, 13th-century mosaic floor, and a series of huge marble apostles. A towering Gothic baldachin, said to contain the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, stands over the main altar, while behind, sparkling mosaics adorn the vast apse. Also worth seeing, is the bronze tomb of Pope Martin V in front of the Confessio, which was built by Donatello. Do not miss the tranquil 13th-century cloisters - accessible to the left of the altar. There is a relic there not to be missed. It is framed high above the tabernacle and is behind a gold relief of the Last Supper. You can make out what looks like a gray colored square behind the head of Christ and the Apostles, that's actually wood from the table of the Last Supper. In the apse of Saint John Lateran, you can see a medieval papal cathedra. The word cathedral comes from the word "cathedra", meaning chair. This refers to the special chair on which the bishop, or in this case the pope, presides over services. The 14th-century Gothic ciborium (canopy) contains a relic of the original wooden altar used by Saint Peter. There is a lot to see here. This basilica is stunning inside and out.

While the outside of this basilica is grand with it's massive columns, it is also simple in contrast to the many ornate churches and buildings in Rome. Once you step inside, it's a feast for your eyes! The inside is enormous with more massive columns; painted, domed ceilings; inlaid marble floors; stunning sculptures; mosaic and frescoes from floor to ceiling; and the gilded, ornate, gothic style high alter. The colors inside are soft and pastel, very calming and soothing. The art is so rich it feels like a museum! Founded in 324 AD, the Basilica di San Giovanni is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas. It's also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, holding the unique title of "archbasilica". It is the oldest public church in Rome and the oldest basilica of the Western world. Until 1870 all popes were enthroned here. Today it still holds significant importance and the current Pope, as Bishop of Rome, blesses the congregation on Holy Thursday. Do stop to check out the massive central doors that are made of bronze and were previously used at the Senate House within the Roman Forum. They are incredibly tall, thick and ornate. To the right of the central doors is the Holy Door, a door that is sealed and opened only during jubilee years which are every 25 years. The Holy Door at St. John's Basilica is bronze door with the body of Christ on the crucifix. The foot of Jesus is worn out and golden in color from so many pilgrims rubbing it for luck. Don't miss the larger than life statues of all 12 apostles in arched niches that line the north and south walls. Amazing! Those in power in those days had the wealth and the power to commission the creation of this basilica (and others) and commission the best artists to adorn them. So no matter your religious beliefs, if you love art and history, this basilica reads like a museum. We wandered around for well over an hour and could have spent even more time here and I had been here twice before! As I do in all churches, I lit prayer candles for all of my loved ones who passed and for my family and friends still with us, to pray for their good health and happiness.

If you don't want to wait an hour in line for St Peter's this is a comparable second choice in terms of sculpture and art. Breathtaking artwork and lavish decor in every corner. No lines to get in and a restroom is available.

Basilica di San Giovanni was the very first church we visited in Rome. This is were we had to come and pick up our city passes that my husband bought online, I highly recommend you do this while in Rome. You get entrance to the main attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Roman forum, the Vatican Museum etc. and unlimited public transportation for 72 hours for about $100 I am not sure whether it was in dollars or euros, but it's still a good deal. In any case I am so very glad we had to come to pick up our passes, otherwise we may not have had the opportunity to see this magnificent church. I just admire the art and architecture. I don't concern myself with the religious aspect, this place is a work of art in and of itself. You can, as in every church we visited,light a candle. I am not sure what this is done for, but I saw Quite a few people doing it. Amazing to see.

On our last Sunday in Rome we decided to just walk around and take the train to random little spots around the city, especially since we managed to see all the places we had intended to visit by that point. Near the end of the day, after seeing several breathtaking Basilicas, we took the train to the San Giovanni station. Just about a 5-10 minute walk around the corner from the station, you will see this breathtaking church! As with most basilicas in Rome, there is no charge to enter. Just keep the noise level very low and be respectful to others. The statues of the 12 Apostles lining one of the aisle ways is absolutely stunning! These statues have to be something like 8-10 feet tall each, I'm guessing. They also have a number of papal tombs in this basilica as well. The high archways, the exceedingly detailed coffered ceilings, the immensley detailed sculptures, and the endless amount of beauty and detail in everything about this church will leave you breathless! I can't believe we almost bypassed this place because we were feeling tired and almost headed back to the room to rest! I'm so glad we didn't miss this beauty! 5 stars.

There are many, many cathedrals in Rome! They tend to be beautiful but after a while, you feel like you're seeing the same thing over and over. But we pressed on, trying to see at least the exterior of every single church in central Rome. And then we walked into San Giovanni in Laterano! Although our tour guide didn't suggest this point of interest, nor did the hotel, we were so lucky to have stumbled upon it. With the famous St. Peter's Basilica lying within the Vatican and technically not in Rome, San Giovanni Laterano is SURELY the most beautiful church in the city! If I had to suggest just one, this would be it. The artwork on the ceiling is spectacular and the church is lined with enormous sculptures. Nearby stands the tallest obelisk in the entire world, unceremoniously without signs or fanfare as thousands of people pass by without realizing its significance. Carved in 357 AD and once standing at the Circus Maximus before being lost, it was rediscovered and moved to the cathedral where it has stood since 1588. The church is easy to access from the aptly-named San Giovanni Metro stop and totally worth the visit!!!

This was actually quite a nice church, even though it wasn't as laden with artwork as some of the others that I have visit. However, it did have a really nice and aesthetic feel about it, and further it was nowhere near as crowded with tourists as some of the other churches that you tend to find yourself visiting. In a way it is a rather pleasant and peaceful place.

Beautiful church near the San Giovanni metro stop. There is a lot of beautiful art work in the church & the ceilings are just a masterpiece. Imagine all the work that went into this church. The upkeep must be a lot too. They had two people from the army guarding the church. So glad we came here.

Commonly known as St. John Lateran Archbasilica. The cathedral church of Rome and the official episcopal seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Roman Pontiff. It is the oldest and ranks first among the five Papal Basilicas of the world and the four Major Basilicas of Rome, being the oldest church in the West and having the Cathedra of the Bishop of Rome. It has the title of ecumenical mother church among Roman Catholics. The large inscription on the façade reads in Latin: Clemens XII Pont Max Anno V Christo Salvatori In Hon SS Ioan Bapt et Evang; which is translated as "Pope Clement XII, in the fifth year of his reign, dedicated this building to Christ the Savior, in honor of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist". The Archbasilica was originally dedicated to Christ the Savior, with the co-dedications to the two St. Johns being made centuries later. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, it ranks above all other churches in the Catholic Church, including St. Peter's Basilica. For that reason, unlike all other Catholic basilicas, it is titled Archbasilica.

Despite popular belief that St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican holds that title, Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (or The Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist) is actually the Cathedral of Rome. It is also the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world. A stunning building of immense size, visiting is recommended regardless of race or beliefs.

The BEST church in Rome!! From outside, you would think just another church with fancy ceiling art work. WRONG! The moment I walked in..... only one word to describe ... "WOW"!!! Inside is just like a museum! Many different rooms for services. There is a self-guided tour outside courtyard with small fee. There are different statues inside the church. The detail of all the decorations are fascinating. There is gifts shop inside the church. I know... it is so commercial. That is why I said it is more like a museum than church. If you only have time to see one church, THIS GOT TO BE IT!! You will not regret, after seeing this church, all other churches won't impress you anymore.

We went there late afternoon on Saturday and there was a service happening. We can hear a choir and people were seated apart. This is one of the major church in Rome and we will go back to take a closer look.

If you go just a little out of your way, it's a really beautiful walk, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is a huge, gorgeous church you really need to take the time to visit. While it is nearly devoid of tourists, it is actually the most important basilica in Rome. It ranks above all other churches in the Roman Catholic church, including St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and is the official seat of the pope. The moment I walked through the doors it just took my breath away. Inside you will find many beautiful statues and artwork and an alter piece which is especially stunning. We didn't really realize that this was one of the sights on our list to see and just sort of stumbled across it. I'm glad we did because we might have missed it. That really would have been a shame because it was one of my top favorite sights.

The Archbasilica of St. John in the Lateran is tops among the four Major Basilicas, which is the reason why it is the only one to carry the prefix "arch-" in its name. It outranks St. Peter's Basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of St. Mary Major. It is the official seat of the Pope and the oldest among the four. We arrived here by taking the Rome Metro Line A (orange line) and getting off at the San Giovanni station. After walking past the Porta San Giovanni section of the Aurelian Walls, we turned left at the piazza and walked the path leading to the Archbasilica. Atop the façade are the statues of Christ and the saints while beneath them is written an abbreviated Latin inscription signifying the dedication of the structure to Christ the Savior in honor of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. I thought the exterior did not have the same captivating appeal as St. Peter's, but the interior was in a class of its own. On each side of the nave were the huge statues of the 12 Apostles whose niches were actually vacant for a long time until they were eventually filled in the early 18th century. The larger-than-life sculptures were exceptional, but they're not the main highlights. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page wrote about "a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold." I wonder if that lady made it here. A lot of the artifacts were simply shiny and beautiful. And it wasn't just the gold; even the silver and the bronze had their own radiance. Over at the altar stood the impressive bright baldachin (canopy). Looking up, the magnificent coffered ceilings were very much aglow. Speaking of ceilings, the Sistine Chapel has the frescoes and the Vatican Museums have the Gallery of Maps. The Archbasilica will not take a back seat. It was absolutely grand and majestic. It was a Sunday when we came here so we made it a point to attend one of the morning masses. It wasn't the first time for me to have it on a foreign language. I did it every week when I got lucky to get a work assignment in Southern France. We even attended a Portuguese mass in Tracy, CA and a Spanish mass in Stockton, CA because I did not pay close attention to the schedules. As a Catholic, I have my reasons for going although I didn't understand what the priest was saying. But if you happen to be in Rome and you are a person of different faith, consider including a visit to the Archbasilica and St. Peter's. From a historical and architectural perspective, there are many things that can be learned...

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John in Lateran) is by far my favorite church anywhere! It's not as grand as St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican or as famous as Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral, but St. John Lateran is nonetheless one of the most beautiful churches of all. After all, St John in Lateran is the holiest church of Roman Catholicism - even more so than the more famous St. Peter's Basilica! Although St John in Lateran was one of the first Catholic churches, the archbasilica had a massive Baroque makeover. Behind the grand Baroque facade topped with Christ and his followers welcoming the pilgrims, the interior of the church is a fine example of late Baroque architecture. Walk through the nave lined with beautiful lively sculptures of the twelve apostles. Bask in the glory under the main altar canopy that housed the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul. Admire the beautiful medieval and Renaissance art that surrounds the Cathedra of the Bishop of Rome - AKA the Pope! For me, I enjoyed visiting this church much more than every other because it's much more peaceful and less like a Disneyland than St. Peter's Basilica. The crowd is significantly less and much more respectful because only people who knew of its significance would go out of their way to visit. Nonetheless, St. John in Lateran is right by the S. Giovanni metro station that connects directly to the Vatican stops, so it's really easy to reach! I highly recommend making a visit to St. John in Lateran not only because of its status as one of the most important churches in Christendom but also of its unparalleled Baroque beauty. --- tl;dr version: 1) Roman Catholicism's most important church - even more than St. Peter's Basilica! 2) Grand beautiful Baroque-style church with masterpieces and relics 3) Easy to reach via subway from S. Giovanni station - Highly recommend a visit!

On our visit to Rome, my friend and I took a pilgrimage to all four of the major Catholic Basilicas. We started with San Giovanni in Laterno (St. John) because it was within walking distance of our hotel. There were armed guards outside of the basilica searching visitors upon entrance, but we didn't mind the heightened security. It only took a few minutes to get through. Entrance was free as all churches in Rome are. The exterior of the basilica isn't eye-catching, but once we entered the church, I was blown away by its magnificence. I should mention I'm an atheist and could see how non-believers would view it as too much opulence and a waste of resources, but I was traveling with a Catholic friend and looked forward to the pilgrimage for the educational and historical value. Built atop the barracks of Constantine's pagan enemies and consecrated in 318 after his victory over Maxentius, San Giovanni is the oldest church in the west. The Papal Cathedra (teaching seat) was placed in its interior making it the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. As such, it ranks above all other churches including St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and is sometimes referred to as the "mother of all churches". Attractions to San Giovanni include the original bronze doors of the Curia (Roman Senate House) moved here from the Roman Forum in the seventh century. The Pope visited San Giovanni just 3 days after we were there to open The Holy Door for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. For the coming Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has requested a Holy Door be designated available to people for sacred pilgrimage, so visit while you can. Another attraction is the High Altar, which is the only altar made of wood instead of stone and encloses no relics, but is believed to be the actual wooden altar upon which St. Peter celebrated Mass during his residence in Rome. Carefully preserved through the years of persecution, it was brought by Constantine to San Giovanni where it would become the principle altar of the cathedral church of Rome. Above the High Altar is the baldacchino, a Gothic structure resting on four marble columns, and said to house the preserved heads of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Another draw to San Giovanni is the 1000 pound gilded silver bas-relief of the Last Supper enshrined in cedar, said to have been part of the table used at the Last Supper. Finally, the obelisk outside of the basilica is the largest standing Egyptian Obelisk in the world. It was originally designated for Constantinople, but after Constantine died, was brought to Rome where it stands today. Most of Italy's churches include small tour guide listening stations that for 2 euro will give 2 listeners 10-15 minutes of commentary on the history and salient points of a particular site. They're worth the time and small cost to know the significance of what you're looking at. We sought them out everywhere. We visited the small gift shop in the basilica and purchased better quality crosses and rosaries than I saw displayed at any of the souvenir shops or vendor booths outside. You can pick up cheap stuff outside, but for the special people in my life, I purchased rosaries from one of the major basilicas because they were more authentic. San Giovanni in Laterno is a must-see if churches are on your agenda for Rome.

This an awesome church to visit. It is very large with a lot of history. Walking up to it and after you enter, this church is impressive. It is worth an hour to two just to wonder around & look the fabulous statutes.

An incredible church, this is the Pope's "home base" in Rome and the first legal Christian church in Rome. It was founded by Constantine way back in the day, so there has been a church on this site for something like 1700+ years. The architecture here is truly incredible, with a massive nave, a beautifully coffered ceiling and frescoes everywhere. The side chapels are filled with beautiful works of art and offer a quiet place to sit and rest. Cool fact: the massive center bronze doors are the original Roman Senate house doors. Think about all the people that passed through them...many popes, kings, Julius Caesar, Cicero, and you...if they are open. Next door is the Lateran palace - home to the popes until they moved to the Vatican, and now a museum with limited hours. Visiting this basilica is taking a trip back to the earliest history of the Church and to me, sometimes feels more accessible than St. Peter's.

Location: 20-minute walk from the Colosseum. You can visit both San Clemente and San Giovanni in the same day - they're about 10-minutes apart from each other on foot. The place: Because the Pope is also the Bishop of Rome, this church is Rome's 'official' cathedral (this is because this church is the seat of the Bishop's residence). San Giovanni very much resembles St. Peter's basilica. Now, what did I think? WOW! What a beautiful (and HUGE) church! Architecturally and visually stunning - those are the best words I can use to describe it. If you love art, history and architecture, or you are simply devout, then this is a must-see church. I spent about two hours taking photos here, and I probably could have stayed longer because it is that impressive. For the first few minutes after I entered the church, I stood there with my mouth hanging open because I was in awe of the magnificence that was before me. I mean seriously, it's an architectural feat. Price point: Free entry. One of the things that I enjoyed about visiting this church was its size - you can walk freely and at your leisure without anyone invading your space, so it's a nice break from the madness of Centro Storico.

Basilica di San Giovanni aka St. John Basilca Lateran. This was another le must visit on the two pilgrimages I went to in 2007. The Franciscan group had the honor of having a daily mass in one of the chapels/knaves which is generally closed off to the public. Of course, we were seeking any images of St. Francis. (The Salesian group had the general tour, no mass said; the Catacombs is where their daily mass would be said.) This place has some really great Baroque art. This used to be the home base of the Pope and the city church of Rome. Lots of history. I remembered when I first walked into Baisilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, I was taken in by the twelve statues of the apostles. I could hear Handel's Messiah and Hallelujah when the word "Wedgewood" popped into my head. The white marble of the statues and the blue background evoked visions of the famous Wedgewood blue and white china. I took my time meditating and viewing the twelve giant statues of the apostles. The apostle statue of St. Andrew with his "X" shaped cross was my absolute favourite. At the moment, I do not remember under which overhead tomb of one of the popes on either side surrounding the altar, there is a souvenir shop. Walk below under the tomb. It was somewhat awkward to realize that this is how much of the revenue is generated. Awkward. And there is another souvenir shop on another side of the knave. Weird. When I came back with the Salesians, I begged the principal tour manager and the priest to let me go by myself to the Basilica, I did not feel like going next door to attempt the stairs; I did not feel safe there. Not to mention, there had been a history of pickpocketing gypsies over there. (When I went with the Franciscans to the church next door, I ran out the door the moment we walked in the door by pestering gypsies.) I wanted to see my favourite "Wedgewood" statues of the apostles for a real long visit and meditation without the time component of the tour and the annoying rude tour guide presiding over the group giving the tour of the Vatican and the Basilica. This is another one of the places I do declare in Roma, "I shall return." Fresh Review #5 of 100 Yelps! for 2013.

Let me start off by saying that I'm biased towards this amazing cathedral, because this is where I took First Communion and where I was Confirmed. I remember it well as a kid, because of how massive everything was, and in my adulthood, I wondered whether it could have been a child's memory lensing. Having gone back recently, I came away more awed than before. The structure itself is massive, dating back to the early 300's AD, having been given to the Bishop of Rome by Emperor Constantine I (Constantine the Great). This is the "Archbasilica" of the Roman Catholic world, ranking above all other churches and cathedrals and is the "Mother and Head of all churches in Rome and in the World". The architecture inside is stunning in its detail, and the history surrounding the existence of this cathedral is worth reading into before setting foot inside. I can only put this on a "must visit" list for anyone traveling to Rome, of any faith. The history, splendor, beauty, and peace found here will contrast mightily with life outside the walls, and in our fast-paced world will provide a soothing respite and period of reflection, even if only for an afternoon.

Everyone erroneously thinks that St. Peter's Basilica is the Pope's Church. It is, however, the Basilica of John Lateran that is the Cathedral Church (holds the cathedra, or bishop's chair) for the Bishop of Rome - the Pope. As one of the four major Basilica's in Rome it is definitely worth seeing. Inside you'll find incredible statues of the Apostles. It's an impressive site with impressive artwork. Don't miss the Holy Stairs, which are located across the street. They are the stairs that Jesus climbed to meet Pontius Pilate. They were brought from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine. You can see a statue of Constantine just inside the entry to the Lateran Basilica.

Amazing architecture and a huge courtyard. I was fortunate to visit and sit in on one of Benedictus' XVI mass'. It was scorching hot and 2 hours, but sit it out and you can have any religious relics blessed by him at the end. He even speaks in 7 different languages (Latin, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Italian). Amongst all of the celebrities I've ever seen, I mean EVER, the pope was by far the coolest (And I'm not even Catholic), but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. If you get a chance, visit their website and see when he's having mass, and if you're in Rome at that time, take advantage of it and see him.

the basilica of san giovanni in laterano is rome's cathedral and the seat of the bishop of rome its official name translates as 'basilica of the Most Holy Saviour, St. John Baptist & St. John the Evangelist - the original buildings on the site were erected by emperor constantine early 4c and this was the focal point of christian life in rome ... however there have been various reincarnations over the years due to destruction by fire and earthquake - most of the present structure was built between the 17/18c - the basilica contains frescos by giotto / bronze doors from the senate at the imperial forum / the altar of the holy sacrament contains what is said to be the cedar table used at the last supper the crypt is the final resting place of 6 previous popes (bishops of rome) open daily 07.00 - 18.00 - metro station nearby

Gorgeous must-see when you're in Rome. Absolutely stunning art inside and breath-taking in its size and opulence. It's well worth the trek over. Also it's a great place to buy souvenirs for very cheap prices.