Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano description and photos - Italy: Rome (Topic)

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano description and photos - Italy: Rome. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.

Photo and description

The basilica, erected by Constantine, survived the raids and robberies of the vandals of Genmerik, was badly damaged by the 896 earthquake and numerous fires. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt and restored more than once with the participation of such architects as Giovanni di Stefano, Francesco Borromini and Alessandro Galilei, who completely rebuilt the facade in 1735.

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is a powerful architectural structure monumental Corinthian order. A slightly protruding central building is decorated with a balustrade, which enlivens the entire cathedral, giving it a pronounced baroque color. Colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and the Teachers of the Church rise above the balustrade. There are five entrances to the church with loggias above them. The last entrance on the right is known as Porta Santa (Holy Gate) and is used only on church holidays.

The main part of the cathedral dates back to 1589, but some structures have survived from more ancient times, for example, the Rock of Santa (Sacred Staircase) , along which Christ ascended to the judgment of Pilate.

The majestic interior is a Latin cross with five naves. The opulent ceiling was supposedly painted by Pirro Ligorio. Along the walls are statues of Prophets, Saints and Apostles, made according to sketches by Borromini by his students in the 18th century. Where the central nave meets the transept is the heart of the Gothic cathedral, the tabernacle by Giovanni di Stefano. The papal altar contains a precious relic - a rough wooden board that served St. Peter for the rite of worship in the catacombs.

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Topic: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano description and photos - Italy: Rome.