The Church is called the "mother of the churches of Rome and of all the churches in the world" to indicate how much history and faith are enclosed inside the imposing building and the area around.
The area belonged to the old noble family of the Lateran. Because of the confiscation by the country it came under the imperial treasury, and then became repeatedly barracks and military custody. In 313 the Emperor Constantine erected this magnificent church in Rome, in order to offer to the emerging Church a place for a spiritual exercise.
The Basilica was consecrated in 324 by Pope Sylvester I. The Basilica was the first seat of pope until 1377. The pope moved to Vatican because Lateran had been damaged by fire. Over the centuries, the Basilica of Saint John has been repeatedly plundered, ruined, renovated and changed, also enhanced thanks to the great artists.
The Basilica has always maintained a five naves and a magnificent cloister. Also today the Basilica of St. John offers a museum with important liturgical artefacts and things which belonged to the noble families that once inhabited the area. On the occasion of the Jubilee of 2000 was inaugurated the new Holy Door made by the architect Floriano Bodini.
Do you have 8 minutes? Let's have a quick visit in this important and beautiful place!
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