- The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of Rome and considered to be the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Church. It is located next to the Lateran Palace.
- It ranks above all other Catholic Churches in the world, including St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.
Getting There
- Location: Piazza di S. Giovanni en Laterano, 4, Caelian Hill, Rome.
- Nearest Metro Station: San Giovanni, Line A.
- Nearest Tram Station: P.za Di Porta Maggiore: Tram 5, 14.
- Admission: See website.
History
- The cathedral is dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour, St. John the Baptist, and to his disciple, St. John the Evangelist.
- It was built by Constantine I on the site of the Castra Nova, previously occupied by the Imperial Horse Guard, and dedicated in c.324 CE.
- Although it is located outside the Vatican City, since 1929 it has been included as a property of the Vatican See, and is not under the jurisdiction of the city of Rome.
- Until 1870 all the new Popes were appointed in this Basilica. It holds the Cathedra or throne of the Bishop of Rome.
The Bronze Doors
- The central bronze doors which are over 2,000 years old are from the Roman Senate House, the Curia Julia.
The Holy Stairs
- The Holy Stairs, that Jesus is believed to have walked on, were relocated next to the Basilica from Jerusalem by St. Helena in 326 CE.
Photo and map: Basilica of St. John Lateran