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Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

4 Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, Roma, Lazio

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)

Meta review

Oddly, the mother of all churches is comparatively little known and visited, but those that include it in their itinerary aren't disappointed at all. Besides a crowd-free environment, they enjoy the incredible statues, mosaics, and frescoes in this exceptionally large church. The long history and special status lend a special mantle to the experience. The nearby obelisk also gets positive comments.

Environmental & Social

The ongoing environmental footprint is low. Helps maintain 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 denomination restriction but visitors should dress conservatively since it is a church. Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

April 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The museum opens at 10h and closes at 17h30

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

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

Pricing
Free

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