Overview:

is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome, located in the south-western corner of the city near the Colosseum. It was the first papal basilica established by Constantine I at the start of the 4th century. It is the cathedral of Rome and the official seat of the Pope, and also houses the relics of St. John the Baptist and reliquaries related to many other saints. The basilica includes important works of art, such as Michelangelo’s statue of St. John and early Christian monuments. It is a rich and vibrant part of the cultural history of Rome. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Italy
Prominent Features:

• This is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major basilicas in Rome. • It is dedicated to John the Baptist and is the seat of the Bishop of Rome. • This basilica was the first Christian basilica to be built in Rome and dates back to 4th century AD. • The Romanesque-style façade that you see today was constructed in the 14th century by Pope Sixtus V. • As the home of the papacy for centuries, the basilica is lavishly decorated with exquisite fourteenth-century frescos and Baroque mosaics. • It also holds many ancient works of sculpture and art from previous popes. • Particular highlights include the solemn staircase that leads from the entrance to the great bronze basilica doors, the baldacchino on the main altar, and the colossal statues of Sts. Peter and Paul. • Every year on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the miraculous image of the Madonna of Loreto is brought here from a nearby church in a procession. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Italy.

History:

The history of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, Italy dates back to the 4th century AD. The site has been an important one for Roman Catholic history since it was consecrated by Pope Sylvester I in 324 AD. It has been said to be the "mother and head of all the churches of Rome and the world". An archbasilica, the Basilica di San Giovanni is unique among the four major Papal basilicas, as it is the only one situated outside the city walls, and is part of a larger complex including the Lateran Palace. The earliest part of the current structure dates back to the 5th century, when the emperor Constantine the Great took part in its construction and provided a great deal of funding for its development. This included the original building of the basilica which was dedicated on the 9th of November 324. From its inception, the church was meant to be the spiritual leader of Rome, and was designed to be larger and grander than any other churches in the city. In the 6th century, Pope St. Gregory I (590-604) gave the basilica several renovations, adding decorations and artwork to the ornate interior walls. During this time, the papacy was at its height and the time was incredibly prosperous, so there was a great deal of wealth that went into the restoration of the building, as well as the updating of the furnishings. Throughout the centuries, the basilica was subjected to a number of fires, the most notable of which was in 1308 when Pope Clement V declared the structure to be an archbasilica. This restoration included adding more chapels, refining the existing decorations, and restoring the nave to a large and impressive space. In the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V authorized a complete renovation of the entire complex. The work included the addition of a portico, an organ in the church, as well as a new façade. The basilica continued to be a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors alike and the major interior renovations of the 19th century, led by Pope Pius IX, made popular by tourists. The renovations were finished just in time for the Jubilee in 1900. Since then, the basilica has been a popular destination for travelers to Rome and is fiercely guarded by the Swiss Guards each day. Today, the Basilica di San Giovanni still stands as a symbol of the rich history of Rome and the Catholic faith. It attracts visitors from all over the world to come pay homage to the original basilica, and to see some of the treasures and works of art held inside. The beautiful building is a reminder of the power of the Church throughout the centuries and how it has been maintained, despite a few fires and other natural disasters. Visit one of the famous monuments of Italy with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, as well as the official seat of the Bishop, making it the oldest and most important church in the city. 2. It was designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1586, and its five porticoes are the largest in the world. 3. The porticoes are lined with 178 ancient spectacled granite columns, many of which were taken from the ancient Baths of Caracalla. 4. The Basilica was damaged during the sack of Rome in 1527, and was completely reconstructed and restored between 1646 and 1650. 5. The atrium of the Basilica is adorned with a stunning bronze statue of Emperor Constantine, christening the church as the first Christian basilica in the city in 312 AD. 6. The façade of the Basilica is decorated with five bas relief sculptures symbolizing the four major Latin Fathers of the Church: St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome and St. Gregory. 7. The 13th century papal palace attached to the Basilica is the official residence of the Bishop of Rome and home to a number of important religious and cultural works of art, including a mosaic of Christ Pantocrator and the iconic bronze doors. One of the historical monuments of Italy, it tells the story of a bygone era