Founded in the fourth century, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, officially known as the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, stands as the Cathedral of Rome and holds the esteemed title of the most important of the four major basilicas. Dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, St John Lateran Archbasilica is revered as the mother church of the Roman Catholic faithful worldwide, embodying centuries of religious significance and architectural grandeur.
History of St John Lateran
The history of St John Lateran is deeply intertwined with the early days of Christianity in Rome. In the early fourth century, the Laterani family, an influential Roman family, faced imperial disfavour when one of its members was accused of conspiring against the Emperor. Their land was subsequently confiscated and bestowed upon the Bishop of Rome, marking the inception of the first grand Roman basilica on this very site. This act by Emperor Constantine laid the foundation for what would become the heart of the Catholic Church.
Throughout its long and storied existence, St John Lateran has endured numerous trials, including devastating fires and a significant earthquake in 897. Despite these calamities and subsequent reconstructions across centuries, the basilica has remarkably retained its original form and spiritual essence. Adjacent to the Archbasilica once stood a monastery, of which only the beautiful thirteenth-century cloister remains today, a testament to the site’s enduring monastic traditions. Historically significant, the basilica also houses a baptistery, which served as the singular baptistery in Rome for a considerable period, underscoring its central role in early Christian rituals.
The Basilica of St. John Lateran holds a unique place in papal history. Until 1870, it served as the venue for the enthronement of every Pope, solidifying its status as the seat of papal authority. Even today, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano remains central to papal duties, with the Pope, in his capacity as the Bishop of Rome, celebrating the solemn Holy Thursday Mass within its sacred walls.
Exploring the Interior of St John Lateran
The imposing façade of St John Lateran, featuring a two-story portico, was erected in the eighteenth century. This grand portico serves as the stage where the Pope imparts his blessing to the assembled congregation on Holy Thursday, a tradition that continues to draw pilgrims and faithful from across the globe. Crowning the façade are colossal statues of the Apostles and Jesus Christ, also dating from the eighteenth century, their majestic presence overlooking the city.
Adding to the basilica’s historical richness, the central bronze doors are not original to the basilica itself but were repurposed from the Roman Senate House, the Curia Julia, located within the ancient Roman Forum. These doors, having witnessed the ebb and flow of Roman political life, now grace the entrance to this paramount Christian sanctuary.
Stepping inside St John Lateran is an experience of awe-inspiring magnificence. The interior is lavishly adorned with colossal statues, intricate mosaics, and vibrant frescoes that span from the vaulted ceilings to the marble floors. Impressive columns delineate the naves, creating a sense of grandeur and spiritual elevation.
A particularly significant site within the Lateran complex is the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, located near the basilica. These are venerated steps believed to be those that Jesus Christ ascended during his Passion in Jerusalem. Brought from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 by St Helena, these stairs offer pilgrims a tangible connection to the events of Christ’s final days.
Why St John Lateran is a Must-Visit Basilica in Rome
As the Cathedral of Rome, St John Lateran is not only a significant religious site but also an essential landmark for anyone visiting Rome. Ranking among the most beautiful churches in Rome, a visit to St John Lateran offers a profound encounter with history, art, and faith. For those exploring the religious and historical tapestry of Rome, combining a visit to St John Lateran with other notable basilicas like San Clemente and Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini will provide a richer and more complete Roman experience. St John Lateran stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring legacy of Christianity and the unparalleled artistic and spiritual heritage of Rome.
