Archbasilica of St. John Lateran

Welcome to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, a site of unparalleled importance in the Christian world. While many believe Saint Peter’s in the Vatican is the primary church of Rome, that title actually belongs here. …

As we stand under the grand portico, look toward the central entrance. You are looking at a true piece of living history: the massive green bronze doors. …

Step inside and allow your eyes to adjust to the magnificent central nave. The interior you see today is largely the work of the great Baroque architect Francesco Borromini, who remodeled it in the mid-17th century for the…

Look up to see the breathtaking contrast to Borromini’s white Baroque walls: the gilded wooden ceiling. This masterpiece was influenced by Michelangelo and crafted by Giacomo della Porta in the late 16th century. …

At the heart of the transept stands the high altar, crowned by an elaborate Gothic baldacchino from 1367. This structure is a rare survivor from the medieval period, having survived the fires that destroyed much of the earlier…

Behind the high altar, in the center of the apse, stands the Bishop’s Chair, known as the 'Cathedra.' This is the most important object in the entire building. It is the physical seat from which the Pope officially presides as…

In the north transept, you will find the Altar of the Holy Sacrament, one of the most opulent parts of the basilica. It is flanked by four massive gilded bronze columns. …

As you exit the basilica, perhaps through the doors under the magnificent 16th-century organ, take a moment to look at the surrounding complex. We have seen the 'Mother of all Churches,' a building that has stood as the anchor of…