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- Destinations
- Europe
- Italy
- Rome
- Basilica di San Giovanni
Basilica di San Giovanni
The Basilica of St John Lateran was built in the 4th century by
Constantine the Great and was the first church built in Rome. It is
the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, and as such ranks above all
other Roman Catholic churches, even St Peter's Basilica in the
Vatican. It is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, and it
is here that he celebrates Mass on certain religious holidays. The
building has suffered much damage in the past and has been rebuilt
several times, leaving only fragmented parts of the original
church. The present building is characterised by its 18th-century
façade and contains several important relics, a 13th-century
cloister and an ancient baptistery. Inside are numerous statues,
paintings, the High Altar that can only be used by the Pope, and a
cedar table that is said to be the one used by Christ at the Last
Supper. Across the street is one of the holiest sites in
Christendom that is visited by pilgrims from around the world: the
Palace of the Holy Steps, believed to be the 28 marble steps
originally at Pontius Pilate's villa in Jerusalem that Christ
climbed the day he was brought before Pilate. They have been in
Rome since 1589.
Information & Facts
Address
Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano
Admission
Free entry to the Basilica, but EUR2 to see the
Cloister. Tourist tax: EUR1
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is
understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of
the country.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain
Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are
widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the
large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are
accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities.
Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than
casas de cambios.
Opening Times
Open daily from 7am to 6.45pm