Once Rome’s primary papal residence, the St. John Lateran basilica is the oldest basilica in Rome. Its historical and religious status has earned this major basilica the name of “archbasilica” – a title given to very few basilicas by the Catholic church.
But, what is the Lateran basilica?
While Rome is home to four major basilicas, including St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major, the St. John Lateran church in Rome is often considered the “mother of all basilicas.” As the archbasilica, it is also the pope’s church, lending it a unique importance.
The word “laterano” (or “lateranense” in its original latin) in the basilica’s name refers to its location in the city of Rome, as it’s found in the Lateran district. This historically significant zone, now the bustling neighborhood of San Giovanni, is often closely associated with the ancient Roman times and the St. John Lateran basilica, with the “Lateran” name conjuring images of the papacy’s far reaching authority.
Additionally, it’s thought to be an homage to the Laterani family, who owned the land St. John Lateran was built on at the time of its erection.
Not only is St. John in Laterano considered to be the most important basilica in the West, but it’s also believed to be the oldest. Naturally, there’s much to be said about its unique history, architecture, and status.
Basilica of St. John Lateran: History
The St. John Lateran basilica is more than 1600 years old. Needless to say, its history is lengthy and complex, featuring many prominent figures from medieval and renaissance Rome.
Having survived several architectural styles and natural disasters, the St. John Lateran Basilica has undergone a variety of renovations. Its intricate history is best divided into the following eras:
- Paleochristian Basilica (4th century): Around 324 CE, Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of the original St. John Lateran Basilica, which was later consecrated by Pope Sylvester I. Considered to be one of the first major churches in Rome, it became a pillar of Christian society, art, and architecture.
- Medieval Reconstructions (9th-14th centuries): By the medieval period, Constantine’s original basilica had been severely damaged by a catalyst of natural disasters, prompting a major reconstruction. A series of popes supported these renovations, which lasted several centuries.
- Baroque Reconstruction (17th century): Pope Innocent X took upon the responsibility of initiating major restorations, transforming and updating various parts of the interior and exterior of St. John in Lateran. Italian architect Franceso Borromini, and further down the line, Gian Lorenzo Bernini would also leave their mark on the basilica, with Bernini helping to design the church’s iconic facade.
- Artistic Enrichments – Paintings and Statues:
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- Paintings: The Lateran Basilica is home to an impressive collection of paintings and frescoes from a variety of famed artists, including Pietro Cavallini.
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- Statues of the Apostles: Each of Jesus’ 12 apostles has a dedicated statue within the church. The church held a competition to decide which artists would have the opportunity to sculpt these historic sculptures, yet today the sculptors’ names remain unclear. Still, the apostle’s recreations are a stunning addition to the basilica’s interiors.
- Later Renovations (19th century and beyond): While no significant changes were made to the Lateran Basilica in the 19th century, more subtle renovations were made to preserve the aging building and enhance its architecture and art.
Today, the basilica remains in excellent condition, boasting elements from every era dating back to its original 4th-century structure. Its architectural and artistic elements are a unique blend of the paleochristian, medieval, and baroque periods, taking visitors back in time and providing religious and historical context to Rome’s modern day church.
Who is St. John Lateran?
While most basilica’s are named after one saint, “St. John” in this papal basilica’s name is thought to refer to the church’s dedication to two prominent saints: St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. Additionally, St. John Lateran is a shorter version of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Archbasilica of St. John Lateran).
Here, “Lateran” refers not to a person, but the family who once owned the land the basilica was built on.
In Italian, St. John Lateran is called “San Giovanni in Laterano.” Here, “San Giovanni” is “St. John,” while “in” maintains the same meaning in English. Finally, “Lateran” becomes the “Laterano,” in reference to the basilica’s location.
So, a better translation of this basilica’s original Italian name may be “St John in Lateran” or “St. John at the Lateran,” clarifying that Lateran is the basilica’s location, rather than an extension of a saint’s name.
Basilica of St. John Lateran: Relics
Not only does St. John Lateran in Rome house timeless works of art, but it also has a host of iconic religious relics. These relics are historically and spiritually important to the Christian faith and mark essential moments.
- The Wooden Table of the Last Supper (Altar of the Holy Sacrament): Part of a wooden table, largely believed to be the same table Jesus and his disciples sat at for the Last Supper, is held in the Altar of the Holy Sacrament. It marks one of the significant biblical scenes and is a cherished Eucharist symbol.
- The Heads of Saints Peter and Paul: Two reliquaries thought to hold the skulls of St. Peter (the first pope) and St. Paul (the apostle) are held in the basilica. Both figures were hugely influential in early Christianity, lending their skulls great importance.
- The Relics of St. John the Baptist: As the basilica is co-dedicated to St. John the Baptist, several relics (e.g. bone fragments) are being housed there. These relics are a treasure trove of Early Christian history.
Not only are these objects frequently visited by tourists, but many people of faith also come to pray among them and show their respect to early Christianity’s founding fathers.
While contemporary scholars argue the authenticity of these artifacts, many Catholics hold the strong belief that these relics are a tangible link to their faith’s beginnings. As the mother of churches, it only makes sense that St. John Lateran should house these major holy reliquaries.
Basilica of St. John Lateran: Architecture
A keen observer can see that St. John Lateran’s architecture is closely related to that of the Vatican. Of course, this papal basilica has been drastically reconstructed over the years, lending its architecture a unique charm that spans centuries.
- St. John Lateran floor plan: The papal basilica’s floor plan is paleochristian and dates back to the original 4th-century design. Keeping with Roman architectural tradition, it is perfectly symmetrical.
- St. John Lateran doors: Guarding the St. John Lateran basilica are two monolithic bronze doors, green with age. Once affixed to the ancient Roman senate house, they’re nearly 2000 years old, but were only brought to the basilica in the 17th century.
- St. John Lateran baptistery: Founded in the 5th century by Pope Sixtus III, its interiors were inspired by Bernini’s designs and made a reality in the 17th century. Around the same time, the church introduced a series of frescoes depicting Emperor Constantine’s life painted by Andrea Sacchi.
- St. John Lateran steps: The Holy Stairs (or Scala Sancta) are a series of 28 marble steps surrounded by religious frescoes painted by various artists. Tradition dictates visitors should climb the steps on their hands and knees as an ode to the Passion of Jesus Christ.
Accompanying these historical architectural elements are also the basilica’s aisles, lined with statues of the 12 apostles and papal tombs. These aisles will direct you to the Lateran chapels, which are still active today.
Outside of St. John Lateran lies an ancient Egyptian obelisk, which holds the record as the tallest obelisk of its kind in the world and dates back to the 15th century.
Dedication of St. John Lateran
The Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (also known as the Lateran Basilica Feast) is held every November 9th by the Catholic Church in honor of the basilica’s original consecration to Christ the Savior. Now, this liturgical holiday is also used to celebrate the church’s current dedication to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
This holy day can best be broken into the following categories:
- Significance: The Lateran Basilica Feast commemorates the consecration of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. As one of the oldest and biggest churches in Rome and the cathedral of the bishop of Rome (a.k.a. the pope), it’s considered the “mother of all basilicas” and is held near and dear by many Catholics.
- Historical Background: Originally erected in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and, the St. John Lateran Basilica was consecrated by Pope Sylvester I on November 9th, 324 C.E. That said, much of the basilica’s interiors and exteriors have been built in the last few centuries due to renovations and natural disasters.
- Liturgical Observance: This holiday holds a special place in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar as Catholics gather to offer special prayers and liturgical rights to the cathedral. On this day, the St. John Lateran Basilica is respected for its role as the mother of basilicas and heart of the Catholic Church.
- Symbolic Meaning: While the St. John Lateran building is stun-worthy, what it symbolizes within the Catholic sphere is even more powerful. The Catholic church takes this opportunity to demonstrate the church’s reach while using the Lateran Basilica as the center of ecclesiastical authority. This lends the church an omnipresent charm as it invites all its followers through its iconic bronze doors.
- Connection to Papal Authority: Finally, the Lateran Basilica Feast celebrates the connection between the basilica and the papacy, especially given the fact that the basilica is the pope’s church. In the same breath, this feast serves as a reminder that the basilica is the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, lending it a unique importance.
In essence, the Lateran Basilica Feast is an important holiday among Catholics that celebrates the special bond between St. John Lateran and the Church, and the basilica’s unique role in the Catholic community.
St. John Lateran: Visit
St. John Lateran is historic, spiritual, and artistic – so why not give it a visit the next time you’re in Rome?
See as it still functions as an active basilica today, visiting this church is completely free. The St. John Lateran opening hours and Mass times go as follows:
- Basilica: Everyday from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Archbasilica museum: Everyday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Sacristy: Everyday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Cloister: Everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Naturally, this guide only skims the surface of St. John Lateran’s deep history and artistic significance. While you’re free to roam the basilica on your own, what better way to immerse yourself into the mother of all basilica’s rich history by taking a guided tour?
Our Christian Rome and Basilica Tour takes you to three out of the four major basilicas in addition to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Our expert, English-speaking guide will walk you through all elements of these timeless churches, from their architectural styles to their mythologies.
