Guía de Roma

Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano also know as the Laterano Basilica is the most important Catholic cathedral as it is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. The primacy claimed by the basilica is clear from the words incised in the wall between the main entrance doors: “Most Holy Lateran Church, of all the churches in the city and the world, the mother and head”. The grounds of the basilica belong to Vatican, although it is located outside the Vatican territory within the city of Rome.

An ancient basilica built during the rule of Constantine became the foundations for the Laterano Basilica. 15 seven-meter sculptures of saints and a statue of Jesus Christ in front stand at the entry to the basilica.