St. John Lateran Ticket with Audio Guide

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.

St. John Lateran Ticket with Audio Guide

Embark on a journey that invites you to wander through Rome’s oldest basilica, “Mother of all Churches,” where every step uncovers layers of sacred relics and deep Christian heritage, crafted for explorers of history, devotees of faith, and seekers of spiritual enlightenment. With the audio guide providing an immersive narrative that breathes life into each relic and artifact, this experience weaves a tapestry of ancient traditions and contemporary reverence, offering memorable encounters to forge connections while understanding that the basilica’s hallowed halls are both a sanctuary for reflection and a testament to centuries of devotion.

Discover St. John Lateran's Sacred Relics

Visit St. John Lateran during the tour's highlight segment where every corner whispers tales of faith, from its towering domes to its intricate mosaics. This basilica, the oldest in Rome and a cornerstone of Christian heritage, stands as a beacon for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Marvel at the Cloister with its stunning inlaid marble columns crafted by the legendary Vassalletto family, each column telling a story etched into stone. The audio guide illuminates these stories, painting vivid images of artisans and saints who shaped this sacred space over centuries. As you walk up the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus Himself during His trial before Pontius Pilate, your heart echoes with awe and reverence. Enter the Sancta Sanctorum, a private papal sanctuary that has remained closed to the public for centuries, offering an exclusive glimpse into the spiritual heart of the Papacy.

Experience St. John Lateran's Cloister

Explore St. John Lateran's Cloister as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring this historic basilica and its intricate architectural marvels. The Cloister is a sanctuary within a sanctuary, with inlaid marble columns that speak volumes about the Vassalletto family’s masterful craftsmanship. Each column tells a story through detailed patterns and symbols, reflecting the rich heritage of Roman artistry intertwined with religious devotion. This serene space invites you to pause and reflect amidst its tranquil beauty, where history and spirituality converge seamlessly.

Ascend the Holy Stairs

Access the Holy Stairs during your visit to experience a profound spiritual journey that echoes through time. The stairs are believed to be the very steps climbed by Jesus Christ on His way to trial before Pontius Pilate, making them a sacred pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. As you ascend these ancient stone steps, feel the weight of history and faith underfoot. Each step is not just physical movement but a spiritual act that connects the present pilgrim with those who walked this path centuries ago.

Marvel at St. John Lateran's Sancta Sanctorum

Discover the Sancta Sanctorum, once a private papal sanctuary and now an exclusive feature of your tour package. This hidden chamber houses some of the most sacred relics in Christian history, including the Veil of Veronica, believed to bear Christ’s image from His crucifixion. The audio guide enhances this experience by providing historical context and insights into the significance of these relics, making each moment a journey through time.

Stroll Through Lateran Palace

Experience the grandeur of Lateran Palace, once a papal residence that echoes with centuries of history. This ornate palace complements the basilica’s spiritual aura with its majestic halls and intricate decorations, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Papacy. The audio guide enriches your visit by detailing the palace's evolution from fortress to sacred site, creating an immersive experience that connects past and present.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Rome’s oldest basilica, “Mother of all Churches”
• Admire inlaid marble columns at the Cloister by Vassalletto family
• Ascend Holy Stairs believed to have been climbed by Jesus Christ
• Enter private papal sanctuary Sancta Sanctorum with relics included
• Upgrade to explore grand Lateran Palace, a papal residence optional
• Discover sacred relics and spiritual heritage through comprehensive audio guide

Sail for explorers of history, journey for devotees of faith, and quest for seekers of enlightenment, this tour weaves ancient traditions and contemporary reverence like the intricate mosaics adorning St. John Lateran’s walls, offering a rich tapestry of spiritual experiences to forge deep connections while understanding that the basilica’s hallowed halls are both a sanctuary for reflection and a testament to centuries of devotion.