Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Major basilica in Laterano district, Rome, Italy
Description
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is a large church in the Laterano district of Rome with a four-story neoclassical facade and 15 colossal statues. The interior shows massive columns with mosaics and bronze doors that originally came from the Roman Senate House.
History
Pope Sylvester I consecrated the church in the year 324 on land that had previously belonged to the Laterani family, who served Roman emperors. Over the centuries it was rebuilt several times after fires and earthquakes, with the current facade dating from the 18th century.
Culture
The basilica carries the title Mother and Head of All Churches of the World, written in golden letters above the entrance. Believers from across the globe come here to see the papal altar, where only the Pope may celebrate Mass.
Practical
The church opens daily from 7 AM to 6:30 PM and allows visitors to see the main nave as well as the adjacent medieval cloister. A visit in the early morning helps avoid larger groups and lets you examine the architecture calmly.
Did you know?
Beneath the altar lie the heads of the apostles Peter and Paul in silver reliquaries, visible only through a grille from below. The adjacent 13th-century cloister shows twisted columns with inlaid mosaic patterns, created by artists from the Roman marble-working Cosmati family.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Rome).
Rome contains over 900 churches that demonstrate two thousand years of sacred architecture, from Roman antiquity to the Baroque period. These buildings reveal the evolution of construction techniques and artistic expressions over the centuries. St. Peter's Basilica covers 20,000 square meters and...
Rome joins history with modern photography. The city spreads across several hills and holds buildings from different centuries, from ancient ruins to baroque churches and fountains. Photographers find subjects on every street corner, from large public squares to narrow alleys in old neighborhoods....
Rome has places made for couples. This collection shows spots where you can take your time, see the city from a different angle, and enjoy quiet moments away from many tourists. You can find the Trevi Fountain at night, the high gardens like the Orange Grove or the Pincian Terrace, the shady banks...
Scala Sancta
160 m
Lateran Palace
112 m
Lateran
28 m
Lateran Obelisk
154 m
Sancta Sanctorum
160 m
Lateran Baptistery
156 m
Porta Asinaria
211 m
Vatican Historical Museum
86 m
Villa Giustiniani Massimo
295 m
Triclinium Leoninum
152 m
Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo
305 m
San Giovanni in Laterano - Pipe organs
9 m
Ospedale delle Donne
257 m
San Silvestro in Palatio
140 m
Santissimo Sacramento al Laterano
140 m
Brunnen des Lateranischen Obelisken
156 m
Ex casa della Telefonica Tirrena
238 m
Santa Maria delle Grazie nel Cimitero di San Giovanni in Laterano
312 m
Real Bodies
250 m
Scientopolis
249 mFountain
205 mFountain
209 mFountain
173 mFountain
201 mFountain
219 mLo spazio
141 mTeatro Basilica
170 mROM_39
250 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes