St. John Lateran’s Basilica

The Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (Arcibasilica Papale di San Giovanni in Laterano), usually known as St. John Lateran’s Archbasilica, St. John Lateran’s Basilica or simply The Lateran Basilica, is the church of the Diocese of Rome as well as the ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. Regarded as the Mother of All Churches by the Catholic Church, the Lateran Basilica was erected in the 4th century.
The cathedral is open every day of the week from 7:00 a.m. until about 6:00 p.m. Admission to the cathedral is free, but note that there is a charge to visit its cloisters. Don’t forget that this is an active church and access can be denied or limited during specific events or services.
When visiting the Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran , climb the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta). The Holy Stairs are the stairs that Jesus Christ climbed during his trial in Jerusalem. It is alleged that the 28 marble steps, now protected and covered with by wood for preservation, were at Pontius Pilate’s house in Jerusalem and that Christ ascended them the day he was brought before Pontius Pilate. According to tradition, Roman Emperor Constantine I’s mother St. Helen brought these steps from Jerusalem to Rome, and they have been in this location since year 1589. The steps can only be climbed on the knees, a popular practice to many pilgrims from all over the world. Be advised that pilgrims climbing the Scala Sancta on their knees may create long lines, especially during Lent and on Fridays. The steps are bordered by other staircases, which are open to the public. This is regarded as one of the holiest religious sites in Christendom. The Holy Stairs is open to the public on a daily basis from 6:15 a.m. to noon and from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Then, explore the Lateran Baptistery, founded the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. Situated outside the northeast façade of the church, the Lateran Baptistery, with its octagonal structure topped by a dome, is connected to San Giovanni in Laterano by a covered walkway. The Baptistery owes its octagonal shape to eight columns topped by Corinthian capitals. And then tour the cloisters, surrounded by twisted columns made from inlaid marble.

Tags: religious sites in Rome, sacred sites in Rome