San Giovanni in Laterano

The Basilica of St. John Lateran, known as the “Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and Evangelist in Lateran,” is the cathedral of Rome and the ecclesiastical seat of the pope as bishop of the city. Located in the neighborhood of St. John’s, it is one of the four major papal basilicas and the oldest of all the churches in the Western Christian world. The basilica is famous for its imposing facade, designed by Alessandro Galilei, and its magnificent interior, embellished with columns, mosaics, frescoes and statues of saints. Also inside is the famous “Gothic canopy” above the high altar, where relics of the apostles Peter and Paul are said to be kept. On the outside of the basilica is the Holy Staircase, which according to tradition was brought to Rome by St. Helena and walked by Jesus in Jerusalem. St. John Lateran is a place of great religious and historical importance, the site of numerous ecclesiastical events and a pilgrimage destination for the faithful from all over the world. In addition to its function as a cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran has a rich and complex history that closely links it to the development of Christianity and the history of Rome. Here are some historical and artistic details:

Historical Origins: The basilica was built in the fourth century AD at the behest of Emperor Constantine after the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire. It initially stood on land belonging to the Lateran family, hence the name “Lateran.” The area was given to Pope Miltiades and became the first papal residence.

Lateran Baptistery: Next to the basilica is the Lateran Baptistery, built in the 4th century and considered the oldest extant Christian baptistery. The first Roman Christians were baptized here, and it is a place of great historical and spiritual value.

The Interiors and Decorations: The Statues of the Apostles: Along the main nave are impressive statues of the apostles, made by various artists under the pontificate of Clement XI. Gothic ciborium: Above the main altar is the 14th-century Gothic ciborium, a work of great delicacy that holds, according to tradition, the relics of Saints Peter and Paul. Apse Mosaics: The apse is decorated with a 13th-century mosaic depicting Christ and the apostles in a heavenly landscape, with Christian symbols such as the cross and the dove.

The Holy Sta ircase: Adjacent to the basilica is the Holy Staircase, a 28-step marble staircase that, according to tradition, was transported to Rome by St. Helena, mother of Constantine. It is said to be the staircase from Pilate’s praetorium, walked by Jesus during the Passion. The faithful climb it on their knees as an act of penance and devotion.

The Popes and the Basilica: The basilica was the official residence of the Pope for about 1,000 years until the transfer of the papal see to the Vatican. Even today it is the official cathedral of the pope, who celebrates Mass there every year during the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica (Nov. 9).

Restorations and Renovations: Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone numerous restorations and reconstructions due to earthquakes, fires, and looting. The present form dates largely from the 17th century, with the neoclassical facade designed by Alessandro Galilei.

The Cloister: The 13th-century cloister of the basilica is a beautiful example of cosmatesque architecture, with decorated columns and polychrome marble inlays. Here you can admire ancient artifacts, tombstones and decorations that tell the basilica’s thousand-year history.