Church of San Giovanni in Laterano

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Founded in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, the basilica is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. It is considered the “mother of all churches” and an important center of worship and devotion for Catholics around the world. The facade of the basilica, designed by Alessandro Galilei and completed in the 18th century, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with its Corinthian columns and statues of saints. The interior of the basilica is equally impressive, with a wide and bright central nave, flanked by richly decorated side chapels. Of particular interest is the baldachin, located above the main altar, which houses the relics of St. Peter and St. Paul. This baldachin, created in the 14th century, is an extraordinary example of Gothic art and a symbol of the continuity of the Christian faith. An interesting anecdote concerns the Lateran Obelisk, an Egyptian obelisk located in front of the basilica. This obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Constantius II in the 4th century, is the tallest and oldest Egyptian obelisk in Rome.