About Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
What to See at Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Lateran Cloister of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is a masterpiece of Vassalletto, and is one of the most stunning features of the church. Surrounded by stunning marble sculptures, arches and columns, the cloister was built in the 13th century and is a great example of Gothic architecture. The space is used as a place of contemplation and prayer by the monks who live in the monastery attached to the basilica.
The Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, are located in a little church located opposite to the basilica. These holy steps are said to have been brought to Rome by Saint Helena sometime in the 4th century AD. Additionally, it is also believed that these are the very stairs that Jesus climbed to meet Pontius Pilate during his trial. The stairs are covered in a protective casing and are only accessible by climbing them on your knees.
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is also home to the Tombs of 6 Popes. These are the popes that had found the basilica, and are now resting in the very place. The tombs include that of Pope Leo XIII. His tomb is located in the Chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. The second tomb in the basilica is that of Pope Pius XI. He was buried in the Chapel of the Crucifixion, which is located in the north transept of the basilica. The third tomb in the basilica is that of Pope Pius XII. He was buried in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, which is located in the south transept of the basilica.
The fourth tomb in the basilica is that of Pope John XXIII, and he is buried in the Chapel of the Pietà, which is located in the south aisle of the basilica. The fifth tomb in the basilica is that of Pope Paul VI, who was buried in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which is located in the north aisle of the basilica. The sixth and final tomb in the basilica is that of Pope John Paul II. He was buried in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, which is located in the north transept of the basilica.
The basilica has been created in a way such that there are deliberate gaps left in its structure. These gaps house the sculptures of the 12 Apostles. These statues were commissioned in the 18th century, and are magnificent works of art, complete with intricate details and features. Each of the statues is life-sized and realistically carved. They are arranged in two rows of six, with Saint Peter in the center of the upper row and Saint Paul in the center of the lower row. The other apostles are arranged symmetrically on either side.
History of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is a church in Rome, Italy. The church is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, which is why it is sometimes called the "Papal Basilica of St. John in Lateran". It is the oldest of the four major basilicas of Rome, and is considered to be the mother church of the Roman Catholic Church.
The church was originally built in the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine, on the site of a previous basilica that had been destroyed by fire. It was the first church in Rome to be consecrated by a pope, and has been the papal seat of Rome ever since. The church has undergone many changes and renovations over the centuries, most notably in the 17th century when its façade was rebuilt by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
When it was first built, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano was the largest church in the world. It is still the largest basilica in Rome, and can accommodate thousands of people at a time. The church is home to many important works of art, including a 13th-century fresco cycle by Pietro Cavallini, and a 16th-century marble sculpture of the "Resurrection" by Michelangelo.
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is also the home of the Holy staircase. The staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century. It is believed to be the staircase that Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate.
Architecture of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the oldest and ranks first among the four papal basilicas of Rome. It is the cathedral church of the diocese of Rome and the seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. The Lateran Palace is attached to the basilica by the Scala Sancta, a staircase reputedly climbed by Jesus during his Passion. The basilica is the largest in Rome. The interior of the basilica is a nave and two aisles, divided by four rows of gigantic Corinthian columns, 24 on each side. The transept consists of three aisles. At the far end of the transept is the apse with the high altar and the cathedra, the Pope's chair. In front of the apse is the ambulatory, ringed by more columns.
The basilica has a nave and two aisles, which are divided by four rows of twenty-eight columns. The transept has three aisles, with a total of fourteen columns. The apse has the high altar and the cathedra, which is the Pope's chair. In front of the apse is the ambulatory, which is ringed by more columns.
The basilica is decorated with a wealth of art, including several important works by Michelangelo. The ceiling of the nave, the open-air apse as well as the walls are all painted with mosaics, and depict images of Christ and his followers.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours:The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano remains open between 07:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m. on all days of the week.
Location:The location of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is: P.za di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
By Metro: You can avail a metro ride to get to Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. You can take the Line A or Line C metro to get off at San Giovanni, which is located just a few minutes from the basilica.
By Tram: You can also enjoy a tram ride, on Tram FL5 or Tram R to get to the basilica.
By Bus: Bus numbers 16, 81, 85, 87, 650, 714, 792 and 810 operate from different parts of the city to the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano on a daily basis.
The best time of the day to visit the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is in the morning, before the crowds start to arrive. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the basilica and take in the beautiful architecture and artwork.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit the basilica is in the late afternoon or evening. This is when most tourists have left for the day and you can enjoy the basilica in all its glory.
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You are likely to walk a lot to cover the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in its entirety, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes when you are coming here.
Since it is a place of worship, it is advisable to maintain the dress code and wear an attire that covers your knees and shoulders when coming to the basilica.
You can indulge in photography inside the church, as long as you do not use the camera flash.
The basilica is also fully accessible to visitors on wheelchairs or with strollers, since there are ramps inside as well as outside the church.
FAQ's
When is the best time to visit Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano?
The best time to visit the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is in the morning, when the sun has risen and is shining brightly. This is when the light shines through the stained glass windows and casts a beautiful glow on the altar. The church is relatively empty at this time, so you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of the basilica in peace.
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When was the Laterano Basilica built?
The Laterano Basilica dates back to the 4th century, and was commissioned to be built by Emperor Constantine sometime around the year 324.
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What is the Basilica of St John Lateran dress code?
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is an important place of worship in Rome. The dress code here suggests that visitors should be dressed in a modest fashion. Outfits that do not cover the knees, shoulders, and midriffs, along with flip-flops, are not allowed here.
Who is buried at Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano?
There are 6 Popes buried at Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. This includes the tombs of Pope Sergius IV (1009-1012), Pope Alexander III (1159-1181), Pope Innocent III (1198-1216), Pope Martinus V (1417-1431), Pope Clement XII (1730-1740) and Pope Leo XII (1878 -1903).
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What are the visiting hours of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano?
The visiting hours of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano are from 07:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
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