The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

The Basilica of Saint John in Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) is defined as “the mother of all churches in the world.” It represents the mixture between the Pagan and Christian eras.

You should visit the museum, which collects precious liturgical furnishings, sculptures, and ornaments of an ancient basilica. It was the first Christian basilica built in the city and the Pope’s main place of worship. Moreover, it was repeatedly damaged and restored, so San Giovanni in Laterano was continuously enriched over the centuries.

Tickets to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Visiting the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is free, but to fully experience its rich history and hidden gems, consider purchasing tickets in advance. With various options available, you can gain access to the Catacombs, Cloister, Holy Stairs, Sancta Sanctorum, Baptistery, Treasure Museum, and enjoy multilingual audio guides for a comprehensive experience.

What’s included?

1. Audio guide in multiple languages
2. Access to the Cloister and the Sancta Sanctorum
3. Access to the Baptistery and to the Scala Sancta
4. Access to the Treasure Museum

Things to Know before Visit San Giovanni in Laterano

History

In pre-Christian times, the lands near Caelian Hill belonged to a rich Roman family of Lateran. A mention of how in the 1st century, A.D. Plauzio Laterano was exposed in intrigues against Emperor Nero is left in the “Annals” of Tacitus. However, his plan didn’t work, and all the property of Laterano went to the imperial treasury.

The founder of the basilica is the Roman emperor Flavius Valerio Constantine (Flavio Valerio Costantino). Before the decisive battle with Maxentius, Constantine the Great saw in the sky Christma – a monogram of the name of Christ, which foreshadowed his victory. Thus, at the beginning of the third century, the Emperor recognized the freedom of religion, which led to the creation of the first Christian Church in Rome.

In the 9^th century, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was dedicated to John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista). In contrast, in the 12^th century, it was dedicated to John the Theologian (San Giovanni Evangelista). From the 4th to the 14th century, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was used as the papal temple. Moreover, the throne of the pontiff was established inside the church.

Reconstructions

The richly decorated St. John the Baptist Cathedral was repeatedly looted and later restored. In the second half of the 5th century, Pope Illarion attached a room for baptism to the basilica. Moreover, three chapels were created and named after John the Baptist, John the Divine, and the Holy Cross. In the 9th century, Pope Leo III reconstructed the temple’s ceiling and decorated its apse with stained glass windows. Finally, in the 10th century, a chapel dedicated to St. Thomas was added to the basilica.

During the XIV century, Rome lost its privilege to be considered the center of Christianity because the pontificate moved to French Avignon

In the same century, the cathedral was fired twice. Also, upon the return of the papal authority to Rome, the Vatican was elected the new residence. The old building of the temple was almost destroyed, and Pope Martin V. started its restoration in the 15th century. In the following decade, most Romanesque columns were demolished during the construction work to give way to the early Baroque style. In the 16th century, the dome of the baptistery acquired an octagonal form, which we can see nowadays.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist has undergone many changes during its existence. The exterior of the building shows inclusions of Romanesque style, classicism, and baroque. The basilica was restored repeatedly, most notably by Borromini in the 17^th century and Alessandro Galilei in 1735, when he added a substantial white façade.

Additionally, the engineer and architect Domenico Fontana decorated the church’s facade with sculptures of the apostles. Then, Francesco Borromini rebuilt the nave and passages of the basilica in the baroque style. Moreover, magnificent bronze doors were taken from the Roman Forum, and they still serve as the main entrance to the temple.

The temple went through several restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries to preserve its historical appearance. By the 2000^th anniversary of the basilica, the Holy Doors, created by Floriano Bodini, were opened.

See also a Guide to Borromini’s Masterpieces in Rome.

Interior

The Basilica of Saint John in Lateran fascinates me because of the beauty of its interior. The most valuable mosaics from the times of Emperor Constantine were preserved in the temple’s apse. Moreover, early Christian martyrs with scrolls in their hands and the face of Jesus towering over them are executed in a Byzantine manner. In the 13^th century, the mosaics were restored by Giacomo Torriti. The master added the Order of the Franciscans symbols to the ancient drawings.

Precious porphyry columns and bright Byzantine mosaics serve as solemn decorations for the preaching of the pontiffs. The central altar of the temple contains ancient Christian relics – the heads of the apostles’ Peter and Paul.

The nave of the temple impresses with its rich decoration. Mosaic floors are dotted with contrasting circles and squares, characteristic of the Cosmatheco style. Columns of the nave are lined with Numidian marble. Also, white plates are decorated with decorative carvings and emblems of the pontiffs. In the nave of San Giovanni in Laterano, you can see a partially preserved fresco depicting Pope Boniface III. The author of this skillful work is Giotto di Bondone.

Capella di S. Maria Assunta appeared in the 18th century to accommodate the tomb of Cardinal Giulio Aquavia, who died in the 16th century. Another chapel is dedicated to the martyr San Giovanni Nepomuceno and was created in the 19th century.

The architect Giacomo della Porta designed the Massimo Chapel in the 16th century. The main relic of the chapel is the painting “The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.” In addition, there is a chapel consecrated in honor of John the Theologian. Moreover, there is the tomb of the Portuguese Cardinal Antonio Martinez de Chavez, who died in the 15th century.

Interesting Facts about the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Discover 10 delightful facts about the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. Cherish these captivating tidbits and astound your friends with your expertise during your next visit to this awe-inspiring Roman gem:

1. The inscription above the entrance, “the mother of all churches in Rome and the world,” signifies the importance and status of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano as the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, who is also the Pope. This basilica is considered the oldest and most important of the four major basilicas in Rome, and it holds a unique position as the Pope’s official ecclesiastical seat.
2. The annual celebration of the consecration of the Lateran Basilica on November 9th, known as the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, commemorates the church’s dedication by Pope Sylvester I in 324 AD. This feast is a reminder of the importance of the church as a symbol of unity for all Christians and the special role it plays in the life of the Catholic Church.
3. The six Roman popes buried within the walls of the Basilica of Saint John in Lateran are significant figures in the history of the Catholic Church. For example, Innocent III (1198-1216) played a crucial role in shaping the medieval papacy, and Leo XIII (1878-1903) is known for his social reforms and the encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed the rights of workers.
4. The ancient Egyptian obelisk near the cathedral is not only a remarkable piece of art, but it also serves as a testament to the historical connections between Rome and Egypt. The obelisk, originally from the temple of Pharaoh Thutmose III in Karnak, was brought to Rome during the reign of Emperor Constantius II in the 4th century A.D. and placed in the Circus Maximus. It was later moved to its current location in the 16th century.
5. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is home to the Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, which are believed to be the stairs Jesus Christ ascended during his trial before Pontius Pilate. The stairs were brought to Rome by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, and pilgrims from all over the world came to ascend the stairs on their knees as an act of devotion.
6. The basilica features a stunning display of architectural styles due to various periods of construction and restoration, including Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. The current façade, designed by Alessandro Galilei, dates back to the 18th century.
7. The papal throne, known as the Cathedra Romana, is located within the basilica. This ornate, gilded wooden chair symbolizes the Pope’s authority as the Bishop of Rome and is only used on special occasions.
8. The baptistery of the basilica, believed to be the oldest in the Christian West, dates back to the 4th century. It is octagonal in shape, symbolizing the number eight, which represents resurrection and new life in the Christian tradition.
9. The basilica’s nave is adorned with 12 colossal statues of the Apostles, created by various prominent sculptors in the early 18th century. These larger-than-life statues add to the grandeur and solemnity of the space.
10. St. John Lateran, to whom the basilica is dedicated, refers to two saints: St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. The dual dedication reflects the basilica’s significance in the beginning of Christianity (through St. John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus) and the continuation of the faith (through St. John the Evangelist, who authored the Book of Revelation).

Museum

There is a museum in the temple where you can see the sacred relics of the 11th-19th centuries. The most valuable exhibits of the museum are the casket with the cloak of John the Theologian, the precious cross of the 13th century, the relics of the Great Martyr Catherine, and many other masterpieces. Pope John Paul II created the museum in 1984. The door to the exhibition is behind the statue of Innocent III.

Author: Artur Jakucewicz

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.

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