Cathedrals in Rome | Rome Cathedral - Rome Cathedral of Saint John in Laterano

	Rome information- Rome Basilica of Saint John in Laterano - information about Official Cathedral of Rome - Italy
Rome, Rome information, Basilica of Saint John in Laterano, information about the Basilicas, Basilicas in Rome, Rome guided tours, walking tours of Rome, Italy, official cathedral of Rome Rome information about the Basilica of Saint John in Laterano - information about the most important Basilicas in Rome and guided walking tours of Rome of the Official Cathedral of Rome Rome SAN GIOVANNI IN LATERANO official TOUR COMPANY OF ROME AND Vatican city www.tourinrome.com www.vaticanguidedtour.com info@romeinformation.info It is one of the four patriarchal churches of Rome and the cathedral’s city. You can not miss it. San Giovanni was one of the first basilicas in Rome, and is still the city's official cathedral. It was first built by Constantine, probably around 313, but little remains of the original basilica, as it has burnt down twice and been much restored and rebuilt over the years. Its impressive facade, surmounted by 15 huge statues, was designed by Alessandro GALLEI, while the interior was last Transformed in 1646 by Borromini, who encased the original columns in pillars and stucco. The enormous bronze doors in the main entrance came originally from the Curia in the Forum. A thirteenth century mosaic in the apse survived the modernization, as did a fragment of fresco attributed to Giotto behind the first column on the right; it shows Pope Boniface VIII announcing the first Holy year in 1300. More attractive are the thirteenth-century cloisters: their twisted columns, studded with multicolored mosaics, were the work of the Vassalletto family. The north facade was added in 1586 by Domenico Fontana and to the right of this is the octagonal baptistery, founded by Constantine and rebuilt in 432 and 1637. Still being restored after a bomb exploded nearby in summer 1993, it holds some fine fifth- and seventh-century mosaics, On the eastern side of Piazza San Giovanni are the remaining sections of the fanner papal residence, the Lateran Palace, the Sancta Sanctorum, the Pope's private chapel, and the Scala Santa, or Holy Staircase. These 28 steps (protected by wooden boards) are believed to be the ones Christ climbed on his way to trial at Pontius Pilate's house in Jerusalem. They were supposedly brought to Rome by Constantine's mother, Saint Helena (see below Relics). Devout pilgrims ascend the steps on their knees, particularly on Good Friday. In 1510, Martin Luther gave this a go, but half-way up the steps decided that relics were a theological irrelevance, and walked back down again. Back to Churches in Rome To book Museums Tickets and tours: official TOUR COMPANY OF ROME AND Vatican city www.tourinrome.com www.vaticanguidedtour.com info@romeinformation.info Suggested accommodations in Rome with special offers B&B near the Coliseum www.domuscaracalla.com Special offers 2010 ! Special apartment in the city centre of Rome - in the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere www.specialromeapartment.com www.residenzasantamaria.com