Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

The term Lateranus is whence the name Laterano originates. On the grounds of the former palace of the aristocratic Plautius Lateranus family, the church was constructed. This enormous cathedral served as Christendom's most significant church for a millennium. The first Christian basilica to be built in Rome, it was dedicated in AD 324 and served as the pope's primary site of prayer until the late 14th century. 

The pope still resides there as the bishop of Rome and it is still the city's official cathedral. The basilica has undergone numerous renovations, most notably in the 17th century by Borromini and in 1735 by Alessandro Galilei, who erected the massive white facade.

This impressive building is a striking example of late-baroque classicism and is topped by 15 7-meter-tall statues of Christ, John the Evangelist, St. John the Baptist, and the Twelve Apostles. The Holy Door is only opened during the Jubilee years, whereas the central bronze doors on the porch were relocated from the Curia in the Roman Forum.

The vast interior's current appearance is mostly attributable to Francesco Borromini, who renovated it for the 1650 Jubilee. With a mosaic floor from the 15th century, a golden gilt ceiling, and an expansive central nave lined with powerful 4.6m-high statues of the apostles, it is a spectacular sight.

The relics of Saints Peter and Paul's heads are allegedly housed in the Gothic baldachin over the papal altar at the head of the nave. A double staircase in front descends to the confessio, where you can see a wooden statue of Pope Martin V and St. John the Baptist Renaissance tomb.

Sparkling mosaics adorn the huge apse, which is located behind the altar. Although most of these were added in the 1800s, some of them date back to the fourth century. The Museo del Tesoro, accessible through a small gift shop to the right of the apse, exhibits a modest assortment of religious objects and accouterments.

An unfinished Giotto fresco can be found at the other end of the basilica on the first stone in the right aisle. While enjoying this, turn your attention to the following column, where a statue of Pope Sylvester II is claimed to tremble and sweat when a pope is about to pass away. The stunning 13th-century cloister is a charming, tranquil space outside the church with graceful twisted columns arranged around a central garden. It is accessible to the left of the altar.