The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome

Perched atop the Lateran Hill, the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome.

Nearly 1,700 years old, it is the oldest Christian church in the Western world. This is highlighted by the inscription on its façade: Omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput (Mother and head of all the churches of the city and the world).

Follow the guide!

Good to Know: Access to the cloister of the Basilica of St. John Lateran and an audio guide (available in French) are included in the Omnia Card.This card also offers skip-the-line access to numerous monuments in the city (including the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum) as well as unlimited access to public transport.
It’s a great way to avoid long lines and make the most of your visit!

A Brief History of the Basilica of St. John Lateran

The Foundation of the Basilica

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, establishing the Peace of the Church, a period of tolerance toward Christians following centuries of persecution.

Eleven years later, the Basilica of St. John Lateran was the first church to be officially consecrated in Rome by Pope Sylvester I.^.

The Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome

From the 4^th to the 14^th century, the Lateran Palace, adjacent to the basilica, served as the official residence of the popes in Rome.

During this period, the Basilica of St. John Lateran endured several earthquakes, pillages, and fires, leading to multiple reconstructions and restorations. The Romanesque cloister was built between the 12^th and 13^th centuries.

From 1309 to 1377, the popes resided in Avignon. Upon their return to Italy, they left behind the dilapidated Lateran Palace and the basilica, opting instead to settle near St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Despite this move, St. John Lateran remains the cathedral of Rome, with the pope serving as its bishop. The pope still celebrates the Holy Thursday service at the basilica each year.

Major Renovations of the 17^th and 18^th Centuries

The Basilica of St. John Lateran, as we see it today, is largely the result of work led by Italian architect Francesco Borromini under the patronage of Pope Innocent X. Borromini is responsible for much of the interior design of the basilica.

The travertine exterior façade was designed by architect Alessandro Galilei in the early 18^th century. Around this time, the doors from the Curia (the former Roman Senate) were transferred from the Roman Forum to St. John Lateran.

Visiting St. John Lateran

The Exterior of St. John Lateran Basilica

The first stop is the exterior of the basilica. Completed in the 18^th century, the travertine Baroque façade is the work of architect Alessandro Galilei. It is adorned with 15 monumental statues (each 7 meters tall), representing Jesus, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, and twelve Doctors of the Church (recognized theologians, both men and women, within the Church).

The façade also features five doors, including the bronze doors of the Curia from the Roman Forum, and the Holy Door, which is only opened every 25 years to mark the beginning of a Holy Year.

The Renaissance-style façade on Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano (facing the north transept) is also worth admiring, with its loggia and 13^th-century bell towers.^.

The Interior of St. John Lateran Basilica

The interior of the basilica, designed in Baroque style, is the result of extensive renovations led by Francesco Borromini under Pope Innocent X for the Holy Year of 1650.

The Nave: Topped with a 16^th-century coffered ceiling, the central nave features 12 niches containing statues of the apostles. The cosmatesque marble floor, with its geometric patterns, dates back to the medieval period.

The Transept: Designed by architect Giacomo della Porta in the late 16^th century, the transept is decorated with mannerist frescoes depicting the life of Emperor Constantine and the basilica’s foundation. The organ on the right side of the transept is the oldest in Rome, and the magnificent gothic baldachin dates to the 14^th century, housing relics of St. Paul and St. Peter.

The Apse and Choir: The apse is adorned with a beautiful mosaic dating back to the 4^th century, though largely renovated in the 13^th and 19^th centuries. This is where the pontifical throne is located.

The Cloister

Built in the 13^th century, the cosmatesque cloister (with paid access) has withstood disasters like fires and earthquakes, as well as the passage of time. Its small garden and beautiful spiral columns are well worth a visit.

The Baptistery

The octagonal baptistery, located outside the basilica, is one of the oldest known Christian baptisteries.

Built in the 3^rd century and restored in the 5^th century, its interior is adorned with red porphyry columns and ancient mosaics.

The Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)

Before leaving, be sure to check out the Scala Santa, located directly across from the basilica on Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. According to Christian tradition, these are the stairs from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem, believed to be the ones Jesus ascended before being judged.

The Lateran Obelisk

Also located in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano is the Lateran Obelisk, a towering 36-meter-high (118 ft) Egyptian obelisk. It was brought to Rome by Constantine in the 4^th century and originally erected at the Circus Maximus. In the late 16^th century, under the orders of Pope Sixtus V, it was moved to its current location.

Practical Information

Access to the Basilica of St. John Lateran

The basilica is located in the Esquiline district, south of Termini Station. The nearest metro station is San Giovanni on Line A. Several buses also stop nearby, including lines 16, 81, 85, 87, 186, 650, 810, and 850.

Opening Hours of St. John Lateran

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Admission Fees

Entry to the basilica is free,

but there is a €5 fee to access the cloister.

The Omnia Card includes access to the cloister and an audio guide, as well as skip-the-line entry to many of Rome’s most famous sites, including the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Borghese Gallery.

Avoid the lines: Book your tickets and tours in Rome in advance!

Credits
Lawrence OP | Wikimedia Commons