Basilica di San GiovanniThe Basilica of St John Lateran was built in the 4th century by
Constantine the Great and was the first church built in Rome. It is
the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, and as such ranks above all
other Roman Catholic churches, even St Peter's Basilica in the
Vatican. It is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, and it
is here that he celebrates Mass on certain religious holidays. The
building has suffered much damage in the past and has been rebuilt
several times, leaving only fragmented parts of the original
church. The present building is characterised by its 18th-century
fa?§ade and contains several important relics, a 13th-century
cloister and an ancient baptistery. Inside are numerous statues,
paintings, the High Altar that can only be used by the Pope, and a
cedar table that is said to be the one used by Christ at the Last
Supper. Across the street is one of the holiest sites in
Christendom that is visited by pilgrims from around the world: the
Palace of the Holy Ste
Address: Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano
Telephone: +39 06 6988 643
Transportation: San Giovanni metro station is on Line A. Buses can be
caught from Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum in downton
Rome.
Opening Time: Open daily from 7am to 6.45pm
Admission: Free entry to the Basilica, but EUR2 to see the
Cloister. Tourist tax: EUR1 |
