Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The cathedral of Rome and “mother of all churches,” with a grand facade crowned by fifteen giant statues. Across the street is the Holy Stairs, a famous pilgrimage site.
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. As the pope's official cathedral as Bishop of Rome, it is ranked above St. Peter's, earning it the title “mother of all churches of Rome and the world.” It was founded in the 4th century under Constantine. Its 18th-century Baroque facade is topped by fifteen colossal statues of Christ and the apostles, and inside, the nave remodelled by Borromini is lined with twelve giant statues of the apostles. Entry to the church is free, though there is a small fee for the cloister. Across the road, the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) are said to be the 28 steps Jesus walked during his trial. Pilgrims climb them on their knees. It is about a 5-minute walk from San Giovanni station on Metro Line A.
Opening hours
07:00–18:30 (free)
Nearby sights
- Basilica of San Clemente
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
- Baths of Caracalla
- Colosseum
- San Pietro in Vincoli
- Circus Maximus
- Roman Forum / Palatine Hill
- Trajan's Market & Imperial Fora