Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Ask ThatchGPT
Recommend a local expert to help plan my Italy trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Italy trip
What foods do Italy locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Italy
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Italy
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Italy
What people say
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, also known as the Lateran Basilica, is a papal basilica located in Rome, Italy. It is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, the seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, and the highest-ranking of the four papal basilicas in Rome.
The Lateran Basilica was founded by Emperor Constantine I in the early 4th century. It was the first basilica to be built in Rome and was originally dedicated to the Savior. The basilica was consecrated in 324 by Pope Silvester I.
The Lateran Basilica has been damaged and rebuilt several times throughout its history. It was destroyed by fire in 1308 and again in 1823. The basilica was rebuilt each time and the current structure dates from the 19th century.
The Lateran Basilica is a large and impressive building. It is 132 meters long and 65 meters wide. The basilica has a nave and four aisles. The nave is lined with columns and the aisles are lined with chapels. The apse of the basilica is decorated with mosaics.
The Lateran Basilica is home to a number of important works of art. The most famous work of art in the basilica is the Lateran Cross, which is a 6th-century wooden cross that is said to have been carved by Saint Peter. The basilica also houses a number of other important works of art, including the tomb of Pope Innocent III and the statue of Saint John the Baptist by Donatello."
Read more in:
Joan Watson
"The main center doors of St. John Lateran came from the Senate House in the Forum. That means theyโre almost 2000 years old.
Inside, what we see today was done by the artist-architect Borromini in 1650; most consider it to be โpainfully modernized.โ Borromini encased the ancient columns with the huge pilasters we see today. The nave is lined with large statues of the Apostles, many of whom are holding the instruments of their martyrdom. Above the center altar, behind the gold bars, are busts of Peter and Paul that hold relics of their skulls.
Inside the main altar is the wooden altar St. Peter celebrated Mass on at the house of Pudensโpart of the table has been preserved in Santa Pudenziana.
One of the greatest treasures in the basilica is one that goes unnoticed by most tourists. High on the wall above the tabernacle, on the left hand side of the sanctuary, is a simple piece of wood behind glass. In front of it is a golden bas-relief of Christ and his apostles. This piece of wood is believed to be from the table of the Last Supper. "
Read more in:
Thomas Hill
Available for hire
"The catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, and serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome, the pope. It enjoys an extraterritorial status from Italy, thanks to the Lateran Treaty of 1929. The church is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas as well as one of the seven pilgrim churches of Rome. It is the oldest public church in the city and is the oldest Basilica of the Western world, founded in the 4th century."
Read more in:
Mentioned in these guides
About Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Get the inside scoop on Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Website
Phone
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT