BASILICA SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO

San Giovanni in Laterano

Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano - History
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is the oldest among the Papal or patriarchal basilicas in Rome. The basilica was built in the fourth century on a land owned by the emperor Costantino who wanted to donate it to Pope Miltiades as a sign of gratitude to Christ who let him win the battle of Ponte Milvio. The church, over the centuries, has been dedicated first to the Redeemer and then to two different San Giovanni: in fact, the church is dedicated to both saints with the same name and to Jesus Christ. The exact name of the basilica is “Santissimo Salvatore e Santi Giovanni Battista ed Evangelista in Laterano”. The church was destroyed two times: the first by the barbarian invasions, the second by a long period of abandon. The current appearance is due to the internal relocation work of Borromini occurred under the papacy of Innocent X and to the renovation of the facade by Alessandro Galilei commissioned by Pope Clement XII.

San Giovanni in Laterano - Description
In the middle of the square of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, there is the largest Egyptian obelisk existing, thirty meters high, in red granite. On the facade of the church there are many statues of Saints and Doctors of the Church and a central statue of Christ. The entablature is supported by a system of “Paraste” (“parasta” is an architectural structural feature that is portant and not purely decorative, consisting of a square pillar embedded in a wall from which protrudes only slightly) and half Corinthian columns. In the porch you can see the statue of Constantine, the great bronze door and the holy door, opened only during the jubilee. This feature is characteristic only of the four major basilicas of Rome. Inside, the basilica is divided into five naves, with a sumptuous Golden ceiling and a large papal altar. In the great tabernacle there are the relics of the heads of Saints Peter and Paul.

San Giovanni in Laterano- How to arrive
Public transport: by subway, the stop called Anagnina (line A)
By car: the area of San Giovanni can be reached by car, but remember that the parking has a charge. If you come from a far point of the city it is better to drive the Tangenziale est.

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