Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

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Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano: History
Built by Constantine the Great in the IV century A.D., the basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano stands on a site that in ancient times was occupied by the palace of the family of the Laterani. The cathedral was dedicated to the Savior and embellished with beautiful decorations donated by Constantine, including seven silver altars with images of the prophets. Many donations were made by popes and other benefactors, and the splendour of the basilica was such that it became known as the "Basilica Aurea", or Golden Basilica. Twice restored, the basilica was damaged by a series of fires. Later pope Sixtus V replaced most of the remaining structure with works by his favorite architect Domenico Fontana, and a further renovation of the interior was directed by Francesco Borromini (XVII century) who rearranged the basilica giving it the definitive present shape. The design of the facade was completed by Alessandro Galilei ordered by Pope Clement XII (1730 - 1740).

San Giovanni in Laterano: Description 
Today only fragmented parts of the original baptistery remain. The two-storied portico of the facade dates from the XVIII century and hosts large statues of Christ and Christian saints. On the left of the portico there is a Roman statue of Constantine the Great, found in the ruins of the Diocletian Baths while the central bronze doors are Roman originals from the Imperial Forum. Inside, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano still keeps its original plan: a nave bordered by two aisles and ending in a semi-circular apse to the west. Parts of the IV century nave colonnade remains and supports a triumphal arch with two red granite columns flanking the Altar of the Holy Sacrament and the statues of the apostles in the nave. In this basilica you can admire the Cosmatesque pavement, paid for by the Colonna family, which dates back to the XV century and represents a late example of this particular technique. The statues in the nave represent the Apostles and Evangelists. Closed doors painted on the wall behind the statues represent the gateways to Heavenly Jerusalem. At the top of the baldacchino there is a reliquary which is said to contain the heads of Saints Peter and Paul. The Altar of the Holy Sacrament contains a cedar table pointed out as the one used by Christ at the Last Supper. The marble and bronze columns have been taken from the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. The attached cloisters are what remain of the Benedictine monastery, their design is attributed to Vassellectus and the Cosmati brothers and is an intermediate style between Romanesque and Gothic.

San Giovanni in Laterano: How to Arrive
San Giovanni in Laterano can be easily reached by the Rome Metro Line A San Giovanni stop.

San Giovanni in Laterano: What to Visit
San Giovanni in Laterano is also close to other Rome Churches like the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusaleme, as well as the fantastic Porta Maggiore, the largest gate to the ancient city of Rome.

More and different things to come on Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome.

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