Experience the rich history and religious significance of the St. John Lateran Complex, Sancta Sanctorum and the Lateran Palace on this self-guided tour.
Highlights
Highlights
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Step into Rome’s oldest and most revered basilica, known as the “Mother of all Churches." Check out the Cloister’s beautiful marble columns, each uniquely crafted by the legendary Vassalletto family.
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Listen to an audio guide in your preferred language and explore this magnificent church complex at your own pace.
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You can upgrade to access the Sancta Sanctorum, a sacred chapel housing ancient relics, and the Holy Stairs, which pilgrims ascend on their knees.
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Enhance your visit with access to the Lateran Palace - admire the three-story façades, frescoed vaults, and the private apartments of the popes.
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Fun fact: The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Pope’s official cathedral, hosting significant ceremonies like Easter Mass and the ordination of new bishops.
Inclusions
Inclusions
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Access to Basilica of St. John Lateran and Cloister (as per option selected)
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Access to Papal Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum (as per option selected)
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Entry to Lateran Palace (as per option selected)
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Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese
Exclusions
Exclusions
- Live guide
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Reviews
Reviews
Giuseppe
Dec, 2023
Walkiria
Oct, 2023
Irene
Oct, 2023
Marco
Dec, 2022
Your experience
Your experience
Discover the St. John Lateran Archbasilica
Experience the oldest church in the western world – the St. John Lateran Archbasilica – and the entire Lateran Complex with an informative multilingual audio guide.
One of the four Archbasilicas in Rome, the Church’s history dates back to early Christianity and, together with the Cloister, the Baptistery, the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), and its Sancta Sanctorum chapel, forms a complex of substantial religious history and culture. This is the church where the Pope lived up to the XIV century until the residence shifted to the Vatican City after 1870.
Marvel at the Cloister, measuring approximately 36-meters on each side. One of the widest in the city, observe the Roman Gothic architecture of the precious gilded marble column carved by one of the most talented stonemason families in Rome – the Vassallettos.
Explore the Baptistery & Sancta Sanctorum
You’ll find the entrance to the Baptistery behind the church. Featuring a dome and columns, look out for internal frescoes that were made under Pope Urban II in the XVII century. Mosaic decorations have almost disappeared but many artists have left their mark on the walls such as Andrea Sacchi, Carlo Rainaldi (the altar), and Luigi Valadier (the statue of St. John Baptiste).
Opposite the St. John Lateran is the entrance to the Scala Santa, which translates to ‘Holy Stairs’. Legend says these 28 marble steps were the stairs on which Jesus climbed to Pontius Pilate’s office during his trial. Today, pilgrims climb up the stairs strictly on their knees only, praying and asking for grace.
The Sancta Sanctorum chapel is considered to be one of the holiest sites of Christianity and holds the highest treasure of relics including an ancient image of Jesus the Saviour holding the New Testament. The rest of the chapel has been decorated by many popes over the years.
Operating hours
Operating hours
Know before you go
Know before you go
What to bring
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Bring a photo ID for ticket verification, especially if purchased online.
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Keep your smartphone charged for digital ticket access and audio guide usage.
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Expect to do a fair amount of walking, so wear shoes suitable for both indoor and outdoor exploration.
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Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to explore the area surrounding the basilica.
What's not allowed
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Large items exceeding 40x30x20 cm dimensions are not permitted inside the complex; opt for a small bag or purse.
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Consuming food or beverages inside is not allowed.
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Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered to respect the Basilica’s dress code.
Accessibility
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The Basilica is equipped with ramps and elevators for wheelchair access, though some areas may still present challenges.
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Basilica staff are available to assist with accessibility needs throughout the complex.
Additional info
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Admission to the Archbasilica itself is free. Tickets are needed for specific areas like the Treasury Museum, Cloister, and Sancta Sanctorum.
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Arrive 15 minutes before entry for ticket redemption; smartphone tickets are accepted.
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The hours may vary for different areas (e.g., Basilica, Cloister, Baptistery), so be sure to check timings in advance.
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The Treasury Museum is temporarily closed—plan your visit accordingly.
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The Sancta Sanctorum chapel is closed on Sundays and from 1:30pm to 3pm on weekdays.
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Tip: If you're short on time, start with the Basilica and its Cloister, then continue to the Holy Stairs and the Sancta Sanctorum.
My tickets
My tickets
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.
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Please arrive at the redemption point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
Ticket redemption point
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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