WHO IS ST JOHN LATERAN

St. John Lateran, also known as St. John Lateran Basilica or Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, is not
named after a person named John Lateran. Instead, it is dedicated to two saints: Saint John the Baptist
and Saint John the Evangelist.

Saint John the Baptist: He is a significant figure in Christianity and is known for baptizing Jesus in the
Jordan River. John the Baptist is considered a precursor to Jesus, and his feast day is celebrated on June
24th in the Catholic Church.

Saint John the Evangelist: He is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of John, the Book of
Revelation, and three Epistles in the New Testament. Saint John the Evangelist is also known as John the
Apostle and was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran, one of the four major basilicas in Rome, was originally constructed in
the early 4th century AD and is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It holds great
religious significance in Catholicism and is often referred to as the “Mother and Head of All Churches”
due to its role as the Pope’s ecclesiastical seat and the highest-ranking church in the Catholic Church’s
hierarchy. The dedication to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist reflects their importance in
Christian tradition.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is located in Rome, Italy. It’s located on the Caelian Hill, one of the
seven hills of Rome. The basilica is located about 1.5 miles southeast of the Colosseum, and about 2
miles from the Vatican. It’s surrounded by a large square, called the Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano,
which is lined with trees and fountains. The basilica is just outside the Aurelian Walls, a set of defensive
walls built around the city of Rome in the 3rd century. The walls were later incorporated into the city’s
fortifications, and they now form the boundary of the historic center of Rome.
HISTORY/ BACKGROUND

The history of the Basilica of St. John Lateran goes back to the 4th century. Emperor Constantine built
the first basilica on this site in the 4 th century AD, and it was dedicated to St. John the Baptist. But in the
7th century, Pope John IV changed the name of the basilica to St. John Lateran, after the city of
Lateranum where it was located. The basilica has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout
history. The Basilica of St. John Lateran has been destroyed and rebuilt at least three times in its history.
The first basilica was destroyed by a fire in the 9 th century. Then in the 10th century, the basilica was
damaged by a Muslim invasion. And finally, in the 16th century, the basilica was damaged by an
earthquake. Each time, the basilica was rebuilt, and it has retained its status as the mother church of all
Catholic churches.

The building project for the current Basilica of St. John Lateran began in 1555, and it was completed in
1589 but the façade of the current basilica was rebuilt in the 18th century, in the year 1735.

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is a fine example of the Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles of
architecture. It has a basilica floor plan, with a central nave flanked by two side aisles. The nave is
supported by massive Corinthian columns, and it’s topped by a barrel vaulted ceiling. The apse, where
the altar is located, is semicircular and features intricate mosaics. The façade is very ornate, with
sculptures and carvings depicting biblical scenes. The roof is covered in lead, and there are bronze doors
that lead into the basilica.
NAPES AND AISLES

APSE
 THE ALTAR

THE ARCHITECTS

Commissioned by Emperor Constantine. The first architect of the current Basilica of St. John Lateran
was Domenico Fontana, who was a prominent architect in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. He
began the project in 1585, but he died before it was completed. He was succeeded by his son, Carlo
Fontana, who completed the project in 1589. Carlo Fontana also designed the Scala Regia, the
monumental staircase that leads to the basilica. The sculptures that adorn the façade were designed by
the renowned Italian sculptor and architect Giacomo della Porta.

THE DATE/YEAR
The first Basilica of St. John Lateran was built in the years 324-333, and it was destroyed in 897. The
second basilica was built between 1585-1589, and it has survived to the present day. So the Basilica of
St. John Lateran has had two distinct periods of construction, separated by almost 500 years.

In 897, it was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake: ab altari usque ad portas cecidit (“it collapsed
from the altar to the doors”). The damage was so extensive that it was difficult to trace the lines of the
old building, but these were mostly respected and the new building was of the same dimensions as the
old. This second basilica stood for 400 years before it burned in 1308. It was rebuilt by Pope Clement V
and Pope John XXII. It burned once more in 1360, and was rebuilt by Pope Urban V.

MATERIALS USED

The first basilica was made of stone and brick, and it had a wooden roof. The second basilica, built in
the 16th century, is made of brick and travertine stone. It has a roof made of lead, and the façade is
covered in marble. The materials used to build the church have evolved over time, but they all reflect
the wealth and power of the Catholic Church.

The construction of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, also known as the Basilica di San Giovanni in
Laterano in Rome, is a historic and significant architectural marvel. It was commissioned by Emperor
Constantine the Great in the early 4th century AD and has undergone several renovations and rebuilds
over the centuries. The materials used in its construction have evolved with time, reflecting different
architectural styles and periods. Here’s a brief overview:

Early Construction (4th Century AD):

The original basilica was constructed in the early 4 th century AD. It was primarily built using Roman
bricks and concrete, a common construction material of that era.

The façade might have featured marbles and decorations typical of Roman architecture.

Medieval Renovations (12th-14th Centuries):

During the medieval period, the basilica underwent several renovations and additions. Marble columns
and decorative elements were introduced.

Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles influenced the use of various types of stone and marble
for columns, arches, and decorative motifs.

Baroque Remodeling (17th Century):

In the 17th century, the basilica underwent significant Baroque renovations under Pope Innocent X. This
included the construction of the current façade.

The façade Is adorned with various sculptures and decorative elements made of travertine, a type of
limestone commonly used in Roman Baroque architecture.

Modern Restoration (19th Century):

New materials like Carrara marble were used for statues and decorative elements during this
restoration.

Ongoing Maintenance:

The basilica continues to undergo regular maintenance and restoration work to preserve its historical
and architectural significance.

Restorers typically use modern construction and restoration techniques, along with materials that
match the historical integrity of the building.

Overall, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is a testament to the evolution of architectural styles and
materials over centuries. Its construction and renovations have incorporated a variety of materials,
including Roman bricks, concrete, various types of stone, marble, travertine, and Carrara marble,
reflecting the architectural tastes and techniques of different eras.

CEILING
THE DOORS
 SIGNIFICANCE

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it’s the official cathedral of the
Bishop of Rome, otherwise known as the Pope. Secondly, it’s the oldest and highest ranking of the four
major basilicas in Rome. Thirdly, it houses the Scala Sancta, or the Holy Stairs, which are believed to be
the stairs that Jesus climbed to meet Pontius Pilate. Lastly, it’s the site of the Holy Door, which is only
opened during Jubilee years. All these factors contribute to the basilica’s historical and religious
significance.
 DIMENSIONS

Length – 140 meters (460fts)

Width – 73 meters (240fts)

Nave width – 65meters (213fts)

The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome holds immense religious significance in Catholic Christianity. It is
often referred to as the “Mother and Head of All Churches” because it is the cathedral of the Bishop of
Rome, who is the Pope. Here’s some background on its religious significance:

Papal Cathedral: St. John Lateran is the official cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, who is also the Pope.
This makes it the highest-ranking church in the Catholic Church’s hierarchy and the Pope’s ecclesiastical
seat.

Spiritual Importance: The basilica is considered the most ancient and prestigious of the four major
basilicas in Rome, the others being St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria
Maggiore. It holds a special spiritual significance for Catholics.

Symbol of Unity: The basilica symbolizes the unity of the Catholic Church under the Pope’s leadership. It
serves as a reminder of the Pope’s role as the spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide.

Consecration Site: St. John Lateran is traditionally regarded as the site where Emperor Constantine the
Great donated the Lateran Palace to the Church in the 4th century, making it the first official Christian
basilica in Rome. This event is significant as it marked the end of persecution against Christians and the
beginning of Christianity’s acceptance within the Roman Empire.

Holy Door: Just like St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran has a Holy Door, which is opened during Jubilee
years. Pilgrims pass through this door as a sign of repentance and renewal of their faith.

Spiritual Center: The basilica serves as a spiritual center for various liturgical events, including the annual
celebration of the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica on November 9th.

In summary, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is not only an architectural and historical marvel but also a
symbol of the Pope’s spiritual authority and the unity of the Catholic Church. It holds a central place in
Catholic religious tradition and continues to play a significant role in the life of the Church.

CONCLUSION
To conclude, the Basilica of St. John Lateran has a long and complicated history, but it remains an
important site of religious and historical significance. The basilica has been built and rebuilt over the
centuries, and the different architects have left their mark on the structure. However, the main
significance of the basilica is its connection to the Catholic Church and its role as the Pope’s cathedral.
In short, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is a testament to the power and resilience of the Catholic faith.