Overview

The 3-hour tour begins as your guide shows you the stunning interior of St. John Lateran. Admire the sculptures and the central nave, with its ornate 16th-century ceiling by Borromini, commissioned by Pope Innocent X for the Jubilee in 1650. From inside the Basilica, you’ll enter the Lateran Chiostro, and see the lovely marble columns lining the 36-meter corridor dating to the 13th century. Cross the street to enter the small yet unique Lateran Baptistery, more properly called San Giovanni in Fonte. It was built in the 4th century by Constantine, along with the basilica of Saint John Lateran, on top of a 2nd-century villa. You’ll see that the interior follows an octagonal plan. In the middle, there are 8 porphyry columns supporting an octagonal lintel over which there is another order of smaller white marble columns. Admire modern copies of Andrea Sacchi’s works depicting the life of Giovanni Battista, and frescoes of Constantine’s life painted by Camassei, Gimignani, and Maratta. Marvel at the sacred Holy Stairs and the Chapel of Sancta Sanctorum, one of the most important sanctuaries of the Roman Catholic Church. Located near the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Sanctuary is recognized as the first private papal chapel. Its name derives from the 28 marble steps of the Holy Stairs. At the end of the tour you can stay on to further explore St. John Lateran if you wish.