Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome

The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (St John Lateran’s Basilica) is the oldest and principal among the five Papal Basilicas in the world, making it the ‘Cathedral of Rome and of the World’.

The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (St John Lateran’s Basilica) is the oldest and principal among the five Papal Basilicas in the world, making it the ‘Cathedral of Rome and of the World’. Primarily dedicated to Christ our Savior, it also honors Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, from whom it gets its name.

The first church in Rome, it was built in the 4^th century as the ‘Mother of All Churches’. The first building and subsequent reconstructions were destroyed in an earthquake and series of fires, and the Basilica with a neo-classical façade that stands today majorly belongs to renovations in the 17^th to 18^th century. The colossal statues of Christ and the apostles over the façade of the basilica make it stand out distinctly in the surroundings. The Basilica is west–oriented, with the nave leading to the two altars and Cosmatesque apse which holds the Papal cathedra. The niches in the nave have fine statues of the Apostles and Evangelists, and the altar has a cedar table top that is believed to be from the table where Christ had his Last Supper. See elements from different eras, such as the central bronze doors from the ancient Roman Forum Curia, the 12^th century frescoes, and the 14^th century Gothic baldachin above the altar. Be sure to check out the 4^th century baptistery (in Piazza di San Giovanni, stone’s throw from the main basilica) which is still operational today, and the medieval cloister (brilliant Cosmati columns).

St John Lateran’s Basilica is one of the best attractions in Rome and definitely worth visiting. Keep aside a few hours for exploring this historical church.