St. John Lateran Complex
The St. John Lateran Complex is a must-visit site in Rome, housing the stunning Lateran Palace, Holy Stairs, and Basilica – the oldest and highest-ranking church in the world.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
- Wander through Rome’s oldest basilica, “Mother of all Churches”, at your own pace, with an audio guide learning about its sacred relics and deep Christian heritage.
- Admire the Cloister, where stunning inlaid marble columns by the legendary Vassalletto family each have a story to tell.
- Walk up the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus, and enter the Sancta Sanctorum, a private papal sanctuary.
- Upgrade your visit to explore the Lateran Palace, once a grand papal residence, where centuries of history echo through its ornate halls.
More details
- Wander through Rome’s oldest basilica, “Mother of all Churches”, at your own pace, with an audio guide learning about its sacred relics and deep Christian heritage.
- Admire the Cloister, where stunning inlaid marble columns by the legendary Vassalletto family each have a story to tell.
- Walk up the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus, and enter the Sancta Sanctorum, a private papal sanctuary.
- Upgrade your visit to explore the Lateran Palace, once a grand papal residence, where centuries of history echo through its ornate halls.
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Why settle for one pass when you can bundle two? Access 10+ attractions, snag-free entry tickets, and enjoy free public transport - your wallet will thank you.
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Save a whopping 55% with the Omnia pass instead of buying separate tickets to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.
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With Roma Pass, pick 2 free attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, access seamless ATAC transport, and score 20% off at over famous spots.
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Skip those notorious queues at Rome's hottest attractions. Just remember to collect your cards from Central Rome before your adventure begins.
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Valid for a full 72 hours from first use with no planning required – explore the Eternal City at your own delightful pace.
More details
-
Why settle for one pass when you can bundle two? Access 10+ attractions, snag-free entry tickets, and enjoy free public transport - your wallet will thank you.
-
Save a whopping 55% with the Omnia pass instead of buying separate tickets to Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill.
-
With Roma Pass, pick 2 free attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, access seamless ATAC transport, and score 20% off at over famous spots.
-
Skip those notorious queues at Rome's hottest attractions. Just remember to collect your cards from Central Rome before your adventure begins.
-
Valid for a full 72 hours from first use with no planning required – explore the Eternal City at your own delightful pace.
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About St. John Lateran Complex
As a highlight of Rome’s religious and historic landmarks, the St. John Lateran Complex offers a unique blend of sacred relics, awe-inspiring architecture, and centuries-old traditions. It’s an essential stop for anyone exploring Rome’s papal basilicas, pilgrimage routes, or UNESCO treasures.
The St. John Lateran Basilica is older than St. Peter’s Basilica and holds the title of 'mother church' for all Roman Catholic churches worldwide.
The Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) are believed to be the very steps Jesus climbed during His Passion, brought to Rome from Jerusalem in the 4th century.
The Lateran Baptistery, built by Constantine, is the oldest monumental baptistery in Christianity and still features its original octagonal design.
The basilica’s main altar is said to contain a relic from the table of the Last Supper, making it a site of deep spiritual significance.
An enormous Egyptian obelisk from Karnak, the tallest in Rome, stands in the basilica’s forecourt, symbolizing the church’s ancient roots.
Why visit St. John Lateran Complex?
Plan your visit
Basilica Main Entrance
Located on Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, directly facing the grand Egyptian obelisk, this is the primary entrance for the basilica. Wide steps lead up to the neoclassical façade. A ramp is available to the right of the main stairs for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. This entrance provides direct access to the nave, chapels, and main basilica interior.
Lateran Baptistery Entrance
Found to the left (northwest) of the basilica when facing the main façade, the baptistery’s entrance is marked by an octagonal structure with bronze doors. The entry is at ground level and accessible for most visitors, though the historic threshold may be uneven. No steps are required for entry.
Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) Entrance
Situated across the street from the basilica at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14, the Scala Santa building is clearly signposted. The main entrance is at street level and accessible by a short ramp. Please note: the central Holy Stairs must be climbed on your knees, but adjacent side stairs are available for those unable to kneel or with mobility needs.
Cloister Entrance
The entrance to the medieval cloister is inside the basilica, near the right transept. Signage directs visitors from the nave. The cloister is accessible via a few shallow steps; a portable ramp is available upon request for wheelchair users.
Lateran Palace (Historic Museum) Entrance
Accessed from Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, adjacent to the basilica’s right side, this entrance is used for guided tours of the Lateran Palace and Vatican Historical Museum. Entry is step-free and suitable for visitors with reduced mobility, but advance booking is required for access.
Regular Hours: The basilica is open daily from 7:00am to 6:30pm. The Lateran Baptistery generally follows the same hours. The Cloister is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) is open daily from 6:00am to 2:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:30pm (closed 2:00pm–3:00pm for cleaning). The Sancta Sanctorum chapel is accessible only with a special ticket and during limited hours, typically 9:00am–12:00pm and 3:00pm–5:00pm.
Last Entry: Last admission to the basilica and cloister is 30 minutes before closing. For the Scala Santa, last entry is 15 minutes before closing.
Audio guides are not provided on-site by the basilica, and there is minimal English signage. Some third-party tours offer audio guides as part of their package.
Restrooms are limited within the complex. Plan ahead, as facilities may not be available in all areas.
The main basilica and baptistery are wheelchair accessible. However, the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) and Sancta Sanctorum are not accessible to wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges.
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