The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is Rome’s cathedral and the oldest western basilica. Here the Pope exercises his role as Rome church’s bishop, which turns the basilica into an archbasilica, with a superior status if compared to the city other basilicas. Erected by emperor Constantine in the 4th century, it was built upon a territory owned by the Laterans, a noble family of the time.

After several sacks and destructions and as many reconstructions the basilica is nowadays 130 metre long with 5 latin cross naves and aisles. The tabernacle at the end of the nave contains the relics of apostles Peter and Paul. The church façade is decorated with saints’ and doctors of the church’s statues, with Christ statue right at the centre. Together with the basilica you can visit the Chiostro cosmatesco (the cloister), the Battistero (the Baptistery) and the Scala Santa (upon reservation), the Museo Sacro and the underground excavations.