{"id":20888,"date":"2023-12-27T16:32:39","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T16:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=20888"},"modified":"2026-06-12T18:55:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T17:55:25","slug":"san-giovanni-in-laterano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano","title":{"rendered":"Visiting San Giovanni in Laterano: the Archbasilica of St John Lateran"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">San Giovanni in Laterano, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, is one of the most overlooked major churches in Rome. That\u2019s mostly because of geography and location: southeast of the historical center and landmarks like <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the Colosseum and the Forum<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, most visitors to Rome don\u2019t just stumble upon this gargantuan church. You have to seek it out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And you should do just that. When you point yourself at San Giovanni, here is a guide that will help you appreciate the basilica all the more.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20881\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20881\" class=\"wp-image-20881 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_Rome_-_Interior_02.jpg\" alt=\"San Giovanni in Laterano\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_Rome_-_Interior_02.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_Rome_-_Interior_02-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20881\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Giovanni in Laterano is also known as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Photo credit: Antoine Taveneaux<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#A_brief_background_on_St_John_Lateran\" >A brief background on St. John Lateran<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_One_church_many_faces\" >San Giovanni in Laterano: One church, many faces<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#What_to_see_at_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano\" >What to see at San Giovanni in Laterano<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#The_Architecture_of_the_Archbasilica\" >The Architecture of the Archbasilica<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Paintings_and_Mosaics\" >Paintings and Mosaics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Sculptures_and_Monumental_Design\" >Sculptures and Monumental Design<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Relics_and_the_High_Altar\" >Relics and the High Altar<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Additional_sights_in_this_religious_complex\" >Additional sights in this religious complex<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Romanesque_cloisters\" >Romanesque cloisters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#The_Lateran_Obelisk\" >The Lateran Obelisk<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#The_%E2%80%9CScala_Sancta%E2%80%9D_or_Holy_Stairs\" >The &#8220;Scala Sancta&#8221;, or Holy Stairs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#The_%E2%80%9CSancta_Sanctorum%E2%80%9D_or_Holy_of_Holies\" >The &#8220;Sancta Sanctorum&#8221;, or Holy of Holies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#FAQS_%E2%80%93_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano\" >FAQS &#8211; San Giovanni in Laterano<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#What_are_the_opening_hours\" >What are the opening hours?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Is_there_an_entrance_fee\" >Is there an entrance fee?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#How_do_you_get_to_there\" >How do you get to there?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/san-giovanni-in-laterano\/#Which_guided_tours_link_best_to_a_visit_to_the_Archbasilica\" >Which guided tours link best to a visit to the Archbasilica?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_brief_background_on_St_John_Lateran\"><\/span>A brief background on St. John Lateran<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">First, though, a few historical facts about San Giovanni, or St. John Lateran. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s the official seat of the Bishop of Rome and that bishop also happens to be known as\u00a0 \u201cthe Vicar of Christ,\u201d \u201cPrince of the Apostles,\u201d \u201cServant of the Servants of God.\u201d He\u2019s also known simply as the Pope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s right. It would be understandable if you thought, St. Peter\u2019s Basilica was the Pope\u2019s main domain. He might sleep and eat in Vatican City but San Giovanni in Laterano, two and a half miles away, is his official church.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">San Giovanni is the highest ranking basilica of the four major papal basilicas in Rome: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basilicasangiovanni.va\/en.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Giovanni<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/st-paul-outside-the-walls\">St. Paul\u2019s Outside the Walls<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/santa-maria-maggiore\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Santa Maria Maggiore<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/visiting-st-peters-basilica\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And because of this it holds the anomalous title of Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In fact, until 1870, the Unification of Italy, all popes had been crowned in this major basilica. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip<\/strong>: If you find religious history fascinating, why not learn more about the various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/art-culture\/catholic-church-real-estate\">properties owned by the Catholic Church.<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_20882\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20882\" class=\"wp-image-20882 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1200px-Attic_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07_n2.jpg\" alt=\"statues on top of a church\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1200px-Attic_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07_n2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1200px-Attic_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07_n2-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20882\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The church was originally commissioned by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Photo credit: Jastrow<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_One_church_many_faces\"><\/span>San Giovanni in Laterano: One church, many faces<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The name Laterano comes from the fourth-century Laterani family who owned the property where the church now sits. After Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 312 CE, he stripped the family of the land and had this church built, making it the oldest basilica on the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Twelve years after Constantine\u2019s conversation, this shrine became the headquarters of the Church and the papal residence from the early 4<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century until the pope moved across the Tiber to the Vatican in the 14<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As Rome fell into disrepair during the Middle Ages and its population shrunk down to just 30,000 people, the papacy could no longer seize the power they had of the past and fled to Viterbo, 50 miles north of the Eternal City, as well as Avignon in France. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a result, San Giovanni, like the city around it, became dilapidated. It didn\u2019t help that there were two fires and an earthquake that further damaged the building throughout the medieval period.\u00a0It would later go on to see ample amounts of renovation with different historical art and architecture styles overlaying the old ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the mid-17th century, for example, Pope Innocent X hired famed architect Borromini to renovate the place in honor of the 165o Jubilee. He went to work, putting his stamp on the interior in a big way by giving it the Baroque treatment, like most existing churches in Rome at the time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A century later, architect Alessandro Galilei gave the structure a new facade, making the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran appear more like a palace than a place of worship. The facade of stacked porticoes is highlighted by the line of larger-than-life apostles and saints with Christ triumphantly standing among them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20880\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20880\" class=\"wp-image-20880 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/492467222_56d0abc3bc_hres-1.jpg\" alt=\"San Giovanni in Laterano\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/492467222_56d0abc3bc_hres-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/492467222_56d0abc3bc_hres-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20880\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Giovanni in Laterano can be overlooked by visitors, but is worth seeking out! Photo credit: Edwin Lee<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_see_at_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano\"><\/span>What to see at San Giovanni in Laterano<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Stepping inside the <strong>Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran<\/strong> is an experience in itself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">As the oldest and highest-ranking church in the Catholic world, its immense scale immediately sets it apart from any other basilica in Rome. The nave stretches for more than 230 feet (70 metres), while beneath your feet, the magnificent Cosmatesque floor dazzles with intricate geometric patterns created from coloured marble and stone.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Architecture_of_the_Archbasilica\"><\/span>The Architecture of the Archbasilica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The building you see today is the result of nearly 1,700 years of additions, restorations, and artistic ambition. In the 17th century, Pope Innocent X commissioned Francesco Borromini to redesign the interior for the Jubilee of 1650, transforming the medieval basilica into a Baroque masterpiece while preserving its ancient foundations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A century later, architect Alessandro Galilei completed the imposing travertine fa\u00e7ade that greets visitors today. Crowned by colossal statues of Christ, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, and other saints, the fa\u00e7ade resembles a grand palace as much as a place of worship.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Don&#8217;t forget to look up inside the basilica too, the richly gilded wooden ceiling largely predates Borromini&#8217;s renovations and remains one of the church&#8217;s most striking features.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20884\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20884\" class=\"wp-image-20884 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196568029_ac8e73eb48_kres.jpg\" alt=\"A round interior space with ornate decorations on the walls.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196568029_ac8e73eb48_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196568029_ac8e73eb48_kres-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20884\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The interior of the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. Photo credit: Jason Pier<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paintings_and_Mosaics\"><\/span>Paintings and Mosaics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Although the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is better known for its architecture than its paintings, there are still remarkable works to discover.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">On the first inner column to the right are the surviving fragments of frescoes by the revolutionary early Renaissance artist Giotto, whose naturalistic style changed the course of European painting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For centuries these murals were hidden beneath later renovations and thought to be lost forever until they were rediscovered in 1952. What remains today is only a small portion of the original, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Italy&#8217;s greatest artistic masters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">At the far end of the church, the magnificent apse commands attention with its glittering mosaics, combining medieval craftsmanship with later restorations to create one of the most beautiful sacred spaces in Rome.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20887\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20887\" class=\"wp-image-20887 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5197157828_f149262607_kres.jpg\" alt=\"intricate details inside the San Giovanni in Laterano\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5197157828_f149262607_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5197157828_f149262607_kres-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20887\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The facade is made of travertine stone. The interior features marble, mosaics, and other ornate materials. Photo credit: Jason Pier<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sculptures_and_Monumental_Design\"><\/span>Sculptures and Monumental Design<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">One of the defining features of the Archbasilica is its series of enormous niches lining the nave, each containing a larger-than-life statue of one of the Twelve Apostles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Created by some of the finest sculptors of the late Baroque period, these dramatic marble figures appear almost alive, their flowing robes and expressive gestures drawing the eye along the length of the church.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Together with the soaring columns and vast interior, the sculptures reinforce the basilica&#8217;s role as the ceremonial cathedral of the Pope and the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relics_and_the_High_Altar\"><\/span>Relics and the High Altar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The basilica houses some of Christianity&#8217;s most treasured relics.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Above the papal altar stands an elaborate 14th-century Gothic baldacchino, one of the oldest of its kind in Rome. Hidden within its upper reliquaries are what tradition identifies as the skulls of <strong>Saint Peter and Saint Paul<\/strong>, making the altar one of the most sacred locations in the city.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">While these relics are not visible to visitors, their presence has made the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran an important pilgrimage destination for centuries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Rather than rushing through looking for individual masterpieces, take time to absorb the atmosphere. Few places in the world have served continuously as a centre of Christian worship for so long, and the sheer scale of the basilica is every bit as impressive as its artistic treasures.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20886\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20886\" class=\"wp-image-20886 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196562309_afd6a6612d_kres.jpg\" alt=\"decorated ceiling of San Giovanni in Laterano\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196562309_afd6a6612d_kres.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196562309_afd6a6612d_kres-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5196562309_afd6a6612d_kres-1022x1536.jpg 1022w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20886\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It&#8217;s all in the details! Photo credit: Jason Pier<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_sights_in_this_religious_complex\"><\/span>Additional sights in this religious complex<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is much more than a single church &#8211; it&#8217;s an entire religious complex packed with fascinating sights.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Romanesque_cloisters\"><\/span>Romanesque cloisters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Just beside the basilica are the peaceful Romanesque cloisters, a hidden oasis filled with elegant twisted columns, medieval carvings, and quiet gardens that offer a welcome escape from the crowds.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Lateran_Obelisk\"><\/span>The Lateran Obelisk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Outside, the piazza is dominated by the Lateran Obelisk, the tallest ancient Egyptian obelisk in the world at over 140 feet (42 metres). Transported from Egypt during the Roman Empire, it stands as one of the city&#8217;s most impressive monuments.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%9CScala_Sancta%E2%80%9D_or_Holy_Stairs\"><\/span>The &#8220;Scala Sancta&#8221;, or Holy Stairs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Across the street lies the Lateran Palace and one of Rome&#8217;s most remarkable pilgrimage sites: the Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs. Tradition holds that these 28 marble steps were brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, and that they once formed part of Pontius Pilate&#8217;s palace, making them the final staircase Christ climbed before his trial.<\/p>\n<p>Many pilgrims still ascend the steps on their knees in prayer, while visitors who prefer not to can use the adjacent staircases and continue to the Sancta Sanctorum chapel at the top, one of the oldest and most sacred chapels in Rome.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8633\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8633\" class=\"wp-image-8633 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/WofI_150526_0951-copy.jpg\" alt=\"people kneeling on sacred steps - the scala sancta - in rome\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/WofI_150526_0951-copy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/WofI_150526_0951-copy-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8633\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">People come from far and wide to kneel at the Scala Sancta<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%9CSancta_Sanctorum%E2%80%9D_or_Holy_of_Holies\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The &#8220;Sancta Sanctorum&#8221;, or Holy of Holies<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Scala Santa is flanked by two other non-holy steps. At the top, is a small chapel called the Sancta Sanctorum, or \u201cHoly of Holies.\u201d That\u2019s because it has housed some of the most precious holy relics in all of Christendom: The heads of some of the apostles, a chunk of wood from the table used during the Last Supper, the Virgin\u2019s veil, and even the foreskin of Jesus*!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At one time no one but the pope could step foot in this chapel. Now with just a few euros, anyone<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can enter this diminutive sacred space to ogle the various wall murals. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 13<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century mosaics and the mosaic floor are candy for the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Fun fact:<\/strong> During 1527 Sack of Rome, in which German and Spanish soldiers pillaged the Eternal City, one German mercenary busted into the Sancta Sanctorum. He hit the jackpot and swiped a bejeweled golden cross reliquary from the altar. As he headed north toward his homeland,\u00a0 about 30 miles north of Rome, he was captured and thrown in a cave like cell in <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Calcata<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a medieval hilltown that still exists. When the reliquary was opened, the relic inside was none other than the Santissimo Prepuzio &#8211; the Holy Foreskin! <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The relic remained in Calcata until 1983 when it disappeared under mysterious circumstances, never to be seen again!<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_20883\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20883\" class=\"wp-image-20883 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1200px-Facade_of_the_Basilica_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_44510053080.jpg\" alt=\"Facade of San Giovanni in Laterano\" width=\"1200\" height=\"898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1200px-Facade_of_the_Basilica_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_44510053080.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1200px-Facade_of_the_Basilica_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_44510053080-768x575.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20883\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Over the centuries, the basilica underwent various renovations and reconstructions, but the current structure largely dates back to the 17th century. Photo credit: Sonse<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQS_%E2%80%93_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano\"><\/span>FAQS &#8211; San Giovanni in Laterano<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"19kc3g9\" data-start=\"500\" data-end=\"579\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_opening_hours\"><\/span>What are the opening hours?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"1031\">The Archbasilica is generally open <strong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"653\">daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.<\/strong>, while the cloisters and museum areas typically operate from <strong data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"741\">9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.<\/strong> (last admission around 4:30 p.m.). Opening times may vary during religious celebrations and major Catholic holidays, so it&#8217;s always worth checking the official schedule before your visit. Arriving early in the morning is the best way to enjoy the basilica before larger tour groups arrive.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1oi4m02\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"77\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_an_entrance_fee\"><\/span>Is there an entrance fee?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"79\" data-end=\"498\">Entry to the <strong data-start=\"92\" data-end=\"130\">Archbasilica<\/strong>\u00a0is free, making it one of the best-value historic sites in Rome. If you&#8217;d like to visit the adjacent Romanesque cloisters or the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies) chapel and Scala Santa complex, a separate ticket is required. Guided tours are also available for visitors who want to explore the basilica&#8217;s history, architecture, and sacred treasures in greater depth.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"bcyh11\" data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_get_to_there\"><\/span>How do you get to there?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1517\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni) is located about a 20-minute walk from the Colosseum in southeastern Rome. The easiest way to reach it is by <strong data-start=\"1249\" data-end=\"1265\">Metro Line A<\/strong>, getting off at <strong data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1298\">San Giovanni<\/strong> station, which is just a few minutes&#8217; walk from the entrance.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1517\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Several city buses also stop nearby, making it easy to combine your visit with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or the nearby Scala Santa and Lateran Palace.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"ow1ljd\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"103\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_guided_tours_link_best_to_a_visit_to_the_Archbasilica\"><\/span>Which guided tours link best to a visit to the Archbasilica?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"305\">While most Rome itineraries focus on the Vatican or the Colosseum, it&#8217;s easy to add the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran to your day with the right guided tour. Here are three excellent options:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"1360\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\n<li data-section-id=\"r06qpa\" data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"679\"><strong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"389\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/roman-colosseum-tours\/\">Premium Colosseum Guided Tour with Roman Forum &amp; Palatine Hill<\/a>: <\/strong>This tour finishes in the Colosseum area, just a <strong data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"462\">20\u201325 minute walk<\/strong> from the Archbasilica. The scenic route through the Celio district also passes the Basilica of San Clemente and Santi Quattro Coronati, making it a fantastic way to explore several historic churches in one afternoon.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1lfm85q\" data-start=\"681\" data-end=\"986\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/vip-ancient-rome-tour-caesar-s-palace\/\"><strong data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"752\">Colosseum Tour with VIP Caesar\u2019s Palace &amp; Roman Forum Super Sites<\/strong><\/a><strong data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"752\">:<\/strong> Ideal for history enthusiasts, this experience takes you through the heart of Ancient Rome before allowing you to continue on foot to San Giovanni in Laterano, combining the city&#8217;s imperial and religious heritage in a single visit.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1jzs2dt\" data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1360\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/rome-in-a-day-tour\/\"><strong data-start=\"990\" data-end=\"1060\">Rome in a Day Tour: Including Vatican, Colosseum &amp; Historic Center<\/strong><\/a>:\u00a0If you&#8217;re short on time, this comprehensive full-day tour covers Rome&#8217;s most iconic landmarks. Although it doesn&#8217;t stop at the Archbasilica, it&#8217;s just a quick taxi ride or a few stops on <strong data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1266\">Metro Line A<\/strong> from the Colosseum, making it easy to visit afterwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_15022\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15022\" class=\"wp-image-15022 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Roman-Forum.jpg\" alt=\"Roman Forum\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15022\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There are so many things to see and do in Rome, including the Roman Forum<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1407\">Want to explore more of Rome&#8217;s remarkable churches and ancient landmarks?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is one of Rome&#8217;s greatest hidden treasures, but it&#8217;s only one piece of the city&#8217;s extraordinary history.<\/p>\n<p>Pair a visit to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran with one of the expert-led <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tours of Rome<\/a> from Walks of Italy<\/span>. Their Colosseum experiences end just a short walk from the Archbasilica, making it easy to continue your journey through Rome&#8217;s history\u2014from the heart of the Roman Empire to the oldest and highest-ranking church in the Catholic world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>San Giovanni in Laterano, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, is one of the most overlooked major churches in Rome. That\u2019s mostly because of geography and location: southeast of the historical center and landmarks like the Colosseum and the Forum, most visitors to Rome don\u2019t just stumble upon this gargantuan church. You have to seek [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":20884,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[18],"ppma_author":[181],"class_list":["post-20888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-rome"],"authors":[{"term_id":181,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"david-farley","display_name":"David Farley","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Farley","first_name":"David","job_title":"","description":"David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food &amp; Wine, among other publications. He\u2019s the author of three books, including \u201cAn Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church\u2019s Strangest Relic in Italy\u2019s Oddest Town,\u201d which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley\u2019s online homes at https:\/\/dfarley.com\/index.html and https:\/\/www.tripout.online\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20888"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20888"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20888\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25667,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20888\/revisions\/25667"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20888"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=20888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}