Lateran Palace

Welcome to the Lateran Palace, a site that was the heart of the Christian world for over a thousand years. Long before the Vatican became the residence of the popes, the Lateran was their official seat, from the time of Emperor…

We begin in the Hall of the Pontiffs, perhaps the most historically significant room in the modern palace. Also known as the 'Hall of Conciliation,' this was the site of a pivotal moment in modern history. …

As we enter the Throne Room, we are surrounded by the traditional splendor of the papal court. This was the official space where the Bishop of Rome would meet with ambassadors, governors, and heads of state. …

In stark contrast to the ceremonial halls, the private apartments of the Bishop of Rome offer a glimpse into the personal life of the pontiff. These four rooms—a dining room, bedroom, library, and private chapel—were intended for…

The final room of the private apartments is the Chapel, an exquisite space designed for the Pope's personal prayer. The altar is flanked by two golden shrines and surmounted by ancient tapestries, creating a focused, reverent…

Our tour concludes by descending the Monumental Staircase, a grand architectural feature designed by Domenico Fontana. This wide, sloping staircase was built to allow the Pope and his entourage to move directly from the private…

Just outside the northern entrance of the palace stands the Lateran Obelisk, the tallest and oldest Egyptian obelisk in Rome. It is a monolith of red granite, standing over 32 meters high (45 meters with its pedestal) and…

As we stand in the shadow of the Lateran Palace, we are standing at the very roots of Western Christianity. We have journeyed through the halls where popes governed for a thousand years, where the modern Vatican state was born,…