Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
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Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano - by MrPanyGoff (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Archbasilica of Saint John in Lateran) is the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. It is located outside of Vatican City but belongs to the Holy See following the Lateran Treaty of 1929. It is one of four Major Papal Basilica and, in fact, it is the oldest and highest ranking among them (incl. St Peter's) which earned it the unique title "archbasilica" and established its place as the "ecumenical mother church of the Roman Catholic faithful". It was founded in 324AD but was damaged by fired and reconstructed in the 16th century (the nave and aisles were completely redesigned by Borromini). The neo-classical facade was designed by Alessandro Galilei in the 1730's. Highlights include the large nave with Statues of the 12 Apostle, the papal cathedra, the high altar and the papal tombs. Trivia: the full English name of the church is Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran
Access & Transport
Address: Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano Location is southeast of the Colosseum and 2km south of the Termini train station Metro "San Giovanni" (MEA, MEC) and tram stop Porta S. Giovanni/Carlo Felice (8) are next to the church. There are also several bus services going/from there.
Instructions & Recommendations
Visitors should dress appropriately (cover shoulders and wear pants ideally) and avoid Sundays unless you with to attend a service. Other nearby attractions include St Clement Basilica and Via Appia Antica (2km south)
Environmental & Social
The ongoing environmental footprint is low. Part of the city's cultural and architectural heritage
Conclusion
The elegant but comparatively sobre facade of San Giovanni in Laterano belies the sheer scale of the basilica (140m long) with plenty to see across its various naves. Not as Grand as St Peter but a must see for those with a keen interest in religious history and catholic churches.
Key positive
Some beautiful art inside and a pleasant facade
Technically, the most important Catholic church
Next to metro and tram stations
Key negative
None
Suitability
No religious denominations restriction but visitors should dress conservatively since it is a church. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday07:00 - 18:30
Tuesday07:00 - 18:30
Wednesday07:00 - 18:30
Thursday07:00 - 18:30
Friday07:00 - 18:30
Saturday07:00 - 18:30
Sunday07:00 - 18:30