The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is Rome's cathedral, the seat of Christiandom in Rome. The Basilica was Rome's first church, and the adjoining Lateran palace the home to the Popes until they left for Avignon in 1305.
The Basilica of St John Lateran was burned, sacked, ravaged by earthquakes and rebuilt several times over the years.
There are six papal tombs inside. The papal altar is said to contain many relics, including the heads of Saints Peter and Paul and part of St Peter's wooden altar.
Enjoy our pictures of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Click each picture to see it full size.
Images 1-9 of 9
- Picture of the Baroque façade of the Basilica of St. John Lateranbaroque facade, basilica of st john lateran, picture
- Picture of the Loggia delle BenedizioniLoggia delle Benedizioni picture, lateran palace picture
- Baroque Interior of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Romebaroque interior picture, Basilica of St. John Lateran picture
- Magnificently carved ceiling by Flaminio Boulanger and Vico di RaffaeleBasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano picture, ceiling detail picture
- Picture of the interior of the Basilica of St John LateranBasilica of St John Lateran interior picture
- Picture of Mosaic detail, apse, Basilica of St. John Lateran in RomeBasilica di San Giovanni, apse picture, mosaics
- Picture of the Papal Cathedra (or Throne)Basilica of St John Lateran Picture, Papal cathedra picture
- Picture of the nave of San Giovanni in Lateranosan giovanni in laterano picture, nave picture
- Holy Oil - Oleum Sanctum - picture from inside the baptistry of St John LateranLateran baptistry, holy oil, oleum sanctum
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